Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with steak all over again, this Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub is the showstopping recipe you need. With a bold, aromatic rub that caramelizes beautifully, every bite bursts with savory, earthy depth—and it’s surprisingly quick and easy to make!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of powerful ingredients transform flank steak into something unexpectedly magical. Each one plays a crucial role: bringing deep, roasted flavor, a whisper of heat, or that crave-worthy crust you won’t soon forget.

• 2 pounds flank steak: Flank steak’s rich beefiness stands up perfectly to the bold rub; choose a well-marbled cut for juiciness.
• 1/2 cup ground dark roast coffee: Coffee adds a smoky, roasty character and intensifies the crust during grilling.
• 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder (preferably 100% like Valrhona): The cocoa deepens the flavor profile without tasting overtly chocolatey—think earthy, complex, and rich.
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar: A touch of sugar helps create gorgeous caramelization and balances out the rub’s intensity.
• 1/4 heaping teaspoon chili powder: Adds classic warmth and a hint of rustic spiciness.
• 1 heaping teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a punch of heat that lingers softly in the background, not overpowering but unforgettable.
• 1/4 heaping teaspoon paprika: Lends color and a subtle smoky-sweet undertone to the crust.
• Olive oil: Rubbing the steak with olive oil helps the spices adhere and lends luscious depth to the final result.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and creating that mouthwatering savory flavor in every slice.

Variations

The Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub is endlessly customizable! Whether you like dialing up the spice or want a milder, smoky twist, feel free to make this recipe your own and suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

• Smoky BBQ Version: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin to the rub for an extra layer of campfire flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Mild: Omit or reduce the cayenne if you want all the flavor without the heat—substitute with a bit of sweet paprika instead.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap brown sugar with a tablespoon of maple syrup or leave it out for a deep-flavored, savory crust.
• Griddle or Stovetop: No grill? No problem. Use a heavy skillet or grill pan for fantastic results—just make sure it’s hot!

How to Make Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub

Step 1: Mix Up the Cocoa-Coffee Rub

First, grab a bowl and combine your ground coffee, dark cocoa, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, and paprika. Stir well until the mixture looks beautifully uniform and aromatic. The scent alone will have you excited for what’s coming!

Step 2: Season the Steak with Salt

For the most flavor-packed steak, rub salt generously on all sides. If you have time, let the salted steak rest in the fridge overnight (or at least a couple hours) to really let that salt work its magic. In a pinch, salting right before grilling still gives wonderful results.

Step 3: Oil and Coat the Steak

Once ready to cook, drizzle olive oil on the steak and massage it in. This creates a silky barrier so your cocoa-coffee rub adheres easily and forms that craveworthy crust you’ll love.

Step 4: Apply the Cocoa-Coffee Rub

Press the rub firmly all over the steak, coating every inch until none of the red is visible. This generous coverage means every slice of your Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub tastes bold and flavorful, edge to edge.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill and once it’s really hot, lay the steak down. Grill for about 6–8 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move it around too much—this maximizes that signature char and crust. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the juiciest texture.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve

After grilling, let the steak rest tented with foil for about 10 minutes. This is essential so all those flavorful juices stay in the meat, not on your cutting board. Then, slice thinly against the grain and enjoy—each bite is magic!

How to Serve Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub

Garnishes

Top each serving with a scatter of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for color and brightness, or add a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce for an extra-pop of flavor. Even a squeeze of lemon will lift the deep flavors beautifully!

Side Dishes

This steak is a flavor bomb that pairs well with simple sides—think roasted potatoes, sweet grilled corn, a crisp green salad, or even garlicky sautéed greens to balance out the richness. For a party, try serving alongside warm flatbreads and a bright slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showy dinner, layer thin slices over a rustic wooden board, sprinkle with microgreens, and serve family-style. Or, pile slices into warm tortillas for unforgettable steak tacos. You can even chill leftovers and slice thin for gourmet sandwiches or steak salads—the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. For best texture, store the steak unsliced, then slice what you need just before serving.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this steak! Wrap the cooked, cooled steak tightly (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for maximum juiciness.

Reheating

To keep your steak tender, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Splash in a little broth or water for extra moisture, and avoid microwaving if possible to preserve that gorgeous crust!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your guests—or just treat yourself to something extraordinary—Deliciously Good Flank Steak with Cocoa-Coffee Rub is the kind of dish that impresses every time. So fire up your grill, gather your favorite people, and dig into a steak night you’ll crave again and again!

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