Coffee Crusted Ribeyes with Honey Chili Butter

Why you’ll love this recipe

This coffee-rubbed steak recipe will take your beef recipes to the next level because of it’s delicious and unique flavor. With simple ingredients like thick ribeyes, coffee rub, and honey chili butter, you’ve got a mouthwatering meal that will leave you feeling fat and happy. Forget the fancy restaurants because you can make this delicious meal right in your own backyard. 

Ingredients

STEAK:

• Ribeyes: Look for 1-1 1/2 inch thick ribeyes. 
• Imperial Coffee Stout Rub: Adds a rich coffee flavor to the steak.

HOMEMADE COFFEE CRUST RUB:

• Ground Coffee: Provides a strong coffee aroma and flavor.
• Chipotle Powder: Adds a smoky and spicy element.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor.
• Cinnamon: Introduces a hint of sweetness and warmth.
• Black Pepper
• Kosher Salt

HONEY CHILI BUTTER:

• Softened Butter: Adds richness and also a creamy texture.
• Local Honey: Sweetens and glazes the steak, also helps ensure a delicious crust.
• Scallions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Red Chili Flakes: Adds heat and a touch of spiciness.
• Kosher Salt

SERVING:

• Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal garnish.
• Sweet Potato Fries (optional): Serves as a complementary side dish.

How to Make Coffee Crusted Ribeye

MAKE THE HOMEMADE COFFEE CRUST RUB

Start by seasoning the steak. For this, you have a couple of options:

First, use my pre-made Imperial Coffee Stout Seasoning. Second, whip up a homemade coffee crust rub. To do this, simply mix together ground coffee, chipotle powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. I love to make a homemade spice rub because I can adjust it; however, I like to bring out different flavors. 

Try out all my spices & seasonings at Spiceology.com!

PREP THE STEAK FOR COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYE STEAKS WITH HONEY CHILI BUTTER

So, now that you have your seasonings settled, it’s time to prep the meat. First, lather the steaks in oil canola oil, then season generously with the spice blend of your choice. 

COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYES WITH HONEY CHILI BUTTER

Next, place the seasoned steaks in the fridge for 40 minutes to dry brine. Don’t skip this step because it allows the meat time to soak in all that moisture and flavor. 

For more ribeye recipes, check out my Reverse Seared Ribeyes with Black Garlic Butter, Maui Wowee Grilled Ribeyes, and Steakhouse Ribeyes with Horseradish Butter.

HONEY CHILI BUTTER

Next up, the honey chili butter for the coffee crusted ribeyes. Make this while the steaks dry brine to save time because the last thing we want is to have to wait to eat, right?

So, add softened butter, honey, chopped scallions, red chili flakes, and salt to a bowl. Mix together until fully combined, then transfer to a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap. Roll the butter up into a log shape and set it in the fridge for at least one hour to give it time to harden.

TIME TO COOK THE COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYES WITH HONEY CHILI BUTTER

Now, it’s time to smoke the ribeye steaks. Preheat your smoker for an indirect fire around 250ºF, then add in some wood chips or wood chunks to give the meat some extra smokiness because all steak can use a little extra smokiness. 

Next, pull the ribeyes out of the fridge and set them on the smoker. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 120ºF. This can take anywhere from 50-75 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks and the smoker you’re using. Be sure to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly! 

Pull the cooked steaks off of the grill and then set them aside to rest for 15 minutes to give the flavor and moisture time to settle in.

For more buttery steak recipes, check out my Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp, grilled cap of ribeye recipe, & Steaks in a Butter Bath.

SEAR AND SERVE YOUR COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYES WITH HONEY CHILI BUTTER

To finish the steaks, we’re giving them a quick sear because we want them to get that nice crust.

First, preheat a high-heat direct cooking fire to around 450ºF, then add the steaks onto the grill over direct heat and sear for 45-60 seconds. Flip the steaks, top them each with 1-2 medallions of the prepared honey chili butter, then sear for another 45-60 seconds. 

Finally, cool the steaks for a couple of minutes, then serve and enjoy! I love to serve these coffee crusted ribeyes with honey chili butter and also with a side of sweet potato fries! 

Tips 

• Let your steak come to room temperature before grilling it to ensure even cooking. 
• Pat steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. 

More Crusted Recipes

Herb Crusted Prime Rib

Rotisserie Picanha with Parmesan Crust

Tomahawk Steak with French Onion Crust

Peppercorn Crusted Steaks with Duck Fat Fries

Chipotle Espresso Crusted Ribeyes with Potatoes

Grilled Bone Marrow

How to Store Leftovers & Reheat

Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. 

Before reheating, make sure your steak comes to room temperature.

To reheat:

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place your leftover steak in the skillet and lightly sear it on all sides until warm.
3. Remove and serve.

What to serve with coffee-crusted steak

I served my coffee crusted ribeye steaks with sweet potato fries, but you can serve them with anything you like. Some other great options would be green beans, mashed potatoes, or a salad. 

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