If you’re looking to seriously amp up your next steak night, Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak is a total showstopper. This bold, flavorful dish brings together juicy, perfectly charred NY Strip Steaks, a rich coffee-wine marinade, and a coffee-spiked dry rub for steakhouse results right in your backyard.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steakhouse-Quality at Home: Achieve an ultra-juicy, flavor-packed NY Strip steak in your own backyard—no reservation required!
- Unexpected, Deep Flavor: The coffee and red wine marinade infuses the steak with rich, slightly smoky notes that will turn any steak lover’s head.
- Simple Ingredients, Epic Results: Just a handful of familiar pantry staples and a little time transform your steak into something spectacular.
- Perfect for Grilling Season: This recipe is made for outdoor get-togethers, special occasions, or even a Tuesday that needs to feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak does some serious heavy lifting when it comes to flavor, tenderness, and that irresistible crust. This is one of those recipes where a short list of powerhouse components packs way more punch than you’d expect.
- NY Strip Steaks: Choose steaks about 1 to 1½ inches thick for the perfect balance of charred crust and juicy center.
- Freshly brewed coffee: The real MVP here—coffee adds earthy depth and helps tenderize the meat.
- Red wine (like Pinot Noir): Balances the marinade with acidity and a touch of fruitiness for complexity.
- Brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the steak on the grill.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides that classic umami punch every steak craves.
- Shallot and garlic: Fresh aromatics that seep into the steak, making every bite sing.
- Red chili pepper flakes: Invites a hint of heat without overpowering the rich flavors.
- SPG Rub (Salt, Pepper, Garlic): The all-star blend for seasoning any steak—homemade or store-bought works great.
- Ground coffee: Yes, a double-hit—sprinkled in the dry rub for even more coffee character and that gorgeous crust.
Variations
The best thing about Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re working with what’s on hand, swapping ingredients for dietary needs, or dialing up the flavor, little tweaks go a long way.
- Different Cuts: Don’t have NY Strip? Try ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak—each soaks up the coffee marinade beautifully.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Swap the red wine with beef broth or extra coffee if you prefer to skip alcohol (the depth remains delicious).
- Bolder Spice: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the dry rub for a smokier, spicier finish.
- Sweeter Touch: Drizzle with a balsamic reduction before serving if you love a tangy-sweet contrast.
How to Make Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak
Step 1: Make the Coffee Marinade
Combine freshly brewed coffee, red wine, brown sugar, Worcestershire, chopped shallot and garlic, and chili flakes in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Give it a whisk or swirl so everything is nicely blended. This aromatic mixture is your secret flavor weapon—just smelling it will have your mouth watering in anticipation.
Step 2: Marinate the Steaks
Slip the NY Strip Steaks into your marinade, making sure they’re fully submerged, then seal the bag and tuck it in the fridge for two hours. This soaking time lets the coffee and wine work their magic, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with complex, savory notes. Try not to rush it—the anticipation is worth it!
Step 3: Prep the Dry Rub and Pat Steaks Dry
While your grill is preheating, stir together the SPG Rub (or simply mix equal parts kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder) with ground coffee. Remove your steaks from the marinade and pat them dry thoroughly; this is key for getting that crave-worthy crust. Generously season each side with your coffee-infused rub.
Step 4: Sear Over Direct Heat
Once your charcoal or gas grill is blazing hot, place the steaks directly over the flames for about three minutes. This initial sear creates the deeply caramelized, flavorful crust that truly defines Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak. Flip and repeat—it should smell phenomenal right about now.
Step 5: Finish Over Indirect Heat
Move the steaks to the cooler side of the grill, cover, and cook for another 6–8 minutes or until your desired doneness (rare is usually 125°F with an instant-read thermometer). This two-zone method gives you a perfectly juicy inside without burning that tasty crust.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Just a little patience pays off in a big way: transfer the steaks to a plate or board and let them rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This keeps all those luscious juices inside. Slice against the grain, serve, and get ready for amazed expressions around the table!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak
- Chill Your Marinade: Use cool or room-temperature coffee so you don’t start “cooking” the steaks before they hit the grill.
- Pat Steaks Very Dry: For the best sear and crust, thoroughly blot steaks with paper towels after marinating—surface moisture is the enemy of caramelization!
- Master the Two-Zone Grill: Give your steaks a hard sear over direct heat, but finish them over indirect heat to lock in juices and prevent burning the rub.
- Let It Rest: Don’t skip the final resting period—this redistributes the juices and keeps your Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak fork-tender and mouthwatering.
How to Serve Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak
Garnishes
I love to top these steaks with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color, plus a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to accentuate that irresistible crust. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a pat of herb butter on top—watch it melt right in!
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak with garlicky mashed potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted veggies or sautéed mushrooms also love soaking up those savory steak juices. Bonus: a glass of leftover Pinot Noir is perfect alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or backyard parties, try slicing the steak thinly and serving it family-style on a wooden board with piles of charred vegetables and crusty bread. Or, slice it on the bias and layer over a bed of arugula with shavings of Parmesan for an elevated steak salad that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak can be cooled completely, wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container, and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Slice what you need as you go to keep everything extra juicy.
Freezing
These steaks freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to two months. For best results, slice the steak before freezing so you can defrost individual portions as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, let the steak come to room temperature first, then gently warm slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep things tender. Avoid the microwave—it can dry out the meat and dull the flavors.
FAQs
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Can I marinate the steaks overnight?
While you can marinate steak overnight, this particular coffee and wine marinade is quite powerful—2 to 4 hours is plenty to infuse flavor without over-tenderizing the meat. Longer marinating could make the texture a bit mushy, so stick with the recommended time for best results!
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Can I cook Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak on a gas grill or in a grill pan?
Absolutely! This technique works beautifully on a gas grill—just follow the same direct/indirect heat setup. If you only have a grill pan, sear the steak over high heat, then finish gently in a hot oven to reach your desired doneness.
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Is coffee flavor strong in the finished steak?
The coffee provides subtle, earthy depth rather than an overt “coffee” taste. Most people notice a richness and hint of smokiness, not bitterness—it’s more about boosting umami and making the steak taste deeply savory.
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What’s the best way to check doneness?
For foolproof results, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak: 120–125°F for rare, 130–135°F for medium rare. Always let the steak rest before slicing to lock in all the juices and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a steak with wow factor, you just can’t beat Grilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steak. This recipe brings together simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and a grilling technique that delivers restaurant-worthy results every single time. Go ahead—light that grill, pour yourself a glass of wine, and treat yourself (and your lucky friends or family) to something unforgettable!
PrintGrilled Coffee-Marinated NY Strip Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
Description
This Grilled NY Strip Steak recipe features a delicious coffee marinade that infuses rich flavors into the steak. The coffee dry rub adds a unique twist to this classic dish, creating a perfect balance of savory and slightly smoky taste.
Ingredients
NY Strip Steaks:
- 2 whole NY Strip Steaks
Coffee Marinade:
- 1 cup coffee
- 1 cup red wine (Pinot Noir)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
Coffee Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons SPG Rub
- 1 teaspoon dry ground coffee
Instructions
- Coffee Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a large plastic bag and mix. Marinate the NY strips in the fridge for two hours. Remove from the bag and pat dry before applying the dry rub.
- Coffee Dry Rub: Mix dry rub ingredients and add ground coffee. Season the steaks with the dry rub.
- Grilling:
- Preheat the grill for indirect or two-zone cooking with lump charcoal for 20-30 minutes.
- Grill the steaks over direct heat for 3 minutes per side until a crust forms.
- Move the steaks to indirect heat, cover, and cook for 6-8 minutes until desired internal temperature (125°F for rare).
- Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: Varies based on marinade absorption
- Sodium: Varies based on marinade ingredients
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on marinade ingredients
- Fiber: Negligible
- Protein: Approximately 40g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg