Coffee-crusted hanger steak is a delicious and unique dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of coffee with the tender juiciness of hanger steak. This recipe takes a classic cut of meat and elevates it with a bold and flavorful coffee crust, creating a dish that is sure to impress. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make coffee-crusted hanger steak step by step, so you can enjoy this gourmet meal in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients for Coffee-Crusted Hanger Steak
For the Steak:
- 1 hanger steak (about 1-1.5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coffee Crust:
- 2 tablespoons ground coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Pan Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon butter
How to Make Coffee-Crusted Hanger Steak
Preparing the Steak:
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F).
- Season the Steak:
- Season the hanger steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Making the Coffee Crust:
- Mix the Spices:
- In a small bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Steak:
- Sprinkle the coffee crust mixture evenly over both sides of the steak, pressing gently to adhere.
Grilling the Steak:
- Grill the Steak:
- Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Hanger steak is best cooked to medium-rare or medium for optimal tenderness.
- Rest the Steak:
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
Making the Pan Sauce (Optional):
- Deglaze the Pan:
- In the same skillet used to sear the steak, add the beef broth and red wine. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, or until it has reduced by about half.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Remove the pan from the heat and swirl in the butter until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Serving the Steak:
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the coffee-crusted hanger steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve the steak slices with the pan sauce drizzled over the top, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Hanger Steak:
Hanger steak is a flavorful cut of beef that comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow. It is known for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a popular choice for grilling.
Coffee:
Ground coffee is used to create the crust for the steak, adding a deep, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the coffee crust, balancing out the bold flavors of the coffee and spices.
Spices:
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper are used to season the coffee crust, adding layers of flavor and a bit of heat.
Pan Sauce:
A simple pan sauce made with beef broth, red wine, and butter is the perfect finishing touch for this dish, adding richness and depth of flavor.
Coffee-crusted hanger steak is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to wow your family and friends. With its bold flavors and tender texture, it’s the perfect choice for a special occasion or a gourmet weeknight dinner.
