Kahlúa-Marinated Grilled Flank Steak Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings:
- 1 cup coffee liqueur (such as Kahla), divided
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 1/4 pound flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, diced
- Grilled green onions, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Whisk together 1/2 cup of coffee liqueur, espresso powder, 3/4 teaspoon of chili powder, oregano, brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper in a bowl.
Step 2: Pat the flank steak dry with paper towels and transfer it to a large resealable plastic bag. Add the coffee marinade to the bag and seal it, turning the steak to coat evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
Step 3: When ready to cook, let the steak and marinade sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat it dry, and discard the marinade. Sprinkle the steak with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the steak, uncovered, turning it once halfway through. Grill for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 130F (54C) for medium-rare. Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before thinly slicing.
Step 5: While the steak is resting, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Add the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of chili powder, along with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring to combine.
Step 7: Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of coffee liqueur and let it simmer over medium heat until the liquid has reduced by half, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 8: Add the beef broth to the skillet and cook until the sauce has reduced to about 2/3 cup, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
Step 9: Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly whisk in the diced butter, one piece at a time, until the sauce forms a smooth consistency.
Step 10: Serve the steak drizzled with the coffee sauce and garnish with grilled green onions.
Cook's Note:
Kahla is a coffee liqueur made from Arabica coffee beans and sugarcane rum. It originated in Veracruz, Mexico, in 1936. While commonly used in cocktails like espresso martinis, Kahla also makes an excellent addition to marinades and sauces. The sweet, slightly acidic coffee notes of Kahla complement the salty, spiced steak and help balance out rich butter sauces.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 595
- Fat: 21g (27% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 9g (45% DV)
- Cholesterol: 127mg (42% DV)
- Sodium: 661mg (29% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 28g (10% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% DV)
- Total Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 40g (81% DV)
- Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
- Calcium: 54mg (4% DV)
- Iron: 3mg (18% DV)
- Potassium: 619mg (13% DV)
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Recipe by: Andrea Lobas
History and Origin of the Dish
The combination of coffee and steak may seem unusual, but this Kahla-marinated flank steak recipe has its roots in Mexico, a country known for its rich culinary traditions that blend sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Kahla, a coffee liqueur, was first created in Veracruz, Mexico, in 1936. Its original purpose was to be used in cocktails, but over time, its versatility in cooking became evident. This particular recipe takes advantage of the deep, sweet, and slightly acidic notes of Kahla to tenderize and flavor the beef, elevating a simple flank steak into an extraordinary dish.
Regional Variations and Features
The use of Kahla in cooking is most common in Mexican cuisine, where coffee flavors are often paired with bold spices such as chili powder and oregano. This recipe reflects a fusion of traditional Mexican ingredients with a modern twist, making it a perfect example of contemporary Mexican-American cuisine. While flank steak is a popular cut in many countries, in Mexico, beef cuts like flank and skirt steak are often marinated and grilled over an open flame, enhancing the flavor with smoky, charred edges. The Kahla marinade adds an unexpected layer of sweetness and depth, which is a hallmark of Mexican flavor profiles.
Differences from Similar Dishes
Unlike traditional marinades that rely solely on acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus to tenderize meat, this recipe uses Kahla, a coffee liqueur, which not only adds sweetness but also a slight bitterness that complements the steak's natural umami. The addition of chili powder, oregano, and brown sugar creates a balance of flavors that is not typical of standard steak marinades, which usually focus on savory or spicy notes alone. The resulting flavor profile is rich, with a mix of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy undertones, setting it apart from more conventional steak preparations.
Where It's Typically Served
Kahla-marinated grilled flank steak is perfect for a festive gathering or a special family dinner. It is commonly served at Mexican restaurants, especially those that focus on modern or fusion cuisine. Due to its unique flavor combination, it's also a popular choice at barbecue gatherings and cookouts, offering something different from the usual grilled steak options. Paired with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines rich flavors with a simple yet elegant presentation.
Interesting Facts About Kahla
Kahla, the coffee liqueur used in this recipe, is made from Arabica coffee beans and sugarcane rum. The name "Kahla" comes from the Nahuatl word "kahla," which means "house of the Acolhua people," a reference to a region in Mexico's Veracruz state. Initially, Kahla was marketed as a cocktail ingredient for drinks like the White Russian and Espresso Martini, but its versatility in the kitchen soon became apparent. Using it in savory dishes, like this steak recipe, helps to balance out rich, meaty flavors with a touch of sweetness and coffee depth.
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Comments
Kimberly Robinson
02/20/2024 07:35:09 PM
I only substituted Italian seasoning for oregano in this recipe. The sauce had the perfect flavor balance, not overly sweet. I paired it with grilled red potatoes and asparagus. Definitely a dish worth making again!
Thomas Adams
03/07/2023 07:05:46 AM
I used bone-in top sirloin for this recipe. I am giving it 5 stars because as I was getting ready for dinner, unexpected guests arrived. I was taken by surprise and had to juggle entertaining them with cooking, so I accidentally skipped steps 5 and 6. I believe those steps would have enhanced the dish even more. I followed the marinade instructions exactly, except for the espresso powder which I didn't have. Since I marinated the meat overnight, I feel the Kahlua did its job well even without the espresso powder. The dish turned out a little sweet, but I believe the au jus made with Kahlua, broth, shallots, and green onions would have balanced the flavors perfectly. I will definitely try this recipe again and make sure not to forget those final steps! Overall, I found it to be quite delicious on its own. Thank you, Adam!