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Flavorful Coffee-Rubbed Ribeye Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onions

coffee-rubbed ribeye - featured image

A juicy ribeye steak rubbed with a rich coffee and spice blend, seared to perfection and topped with sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions. This recipe offers a unique, bold flavor combination that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons dark roast ground coffee (freshly ground if you can)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ribeye steak, about 12 ounces (340 grams), 1 to 1.5 inches thick, preferably USDA Choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee Rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ground coffee, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until slightly coarse but evenly blended. (Takes about 5 minutes)
  2. Season the Ribeye: Pat the ribeye dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub olive oil all over the steak, then generously coat both sides with the coffee rub. Press it in gently so it sticks. Let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes until deep golden and fragrant. Optionally, add a splash of balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes.
  4. Sear the Steak: Heat a cast iron or heavy pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Place the ribeye in the pan and sear without moving for about 4-5 minutes on one side until a rich crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Use tongs to flip, do not pierce the steak.
  5. Rest the Steak: Transfer the ribeye to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5-7 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
  6. Serve: Slice the ribeye against the grain and serve with the caramelized onions on top or on the side.

Notes

Pat the steak dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Let the steak rest at room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Cook onions low and slow to avoid burning and achieve perfect caramelization. Use freshly ground dark roast coffee for best flavor and crust. Adjust coffee amount if rub is too strong. Rest steak after cooking to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: coffee rub, ribeye steak, caramelized onions, steak recipe, easy dinner, quick steak, gluten-free, low-carb, keto