Burgers, brats, and dogs are summer grilling staples, but sometimes it’s fun to go a little fancy. This coffee-rubbed filet is tender and meaty with a spice rub that gives you a little pep in your step. Even non-coffee fans will love this one with its slightly sweet and buttery flavor. 

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 (1 1/2-inch-thick) filet mignons 
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar 
  • 1/4 cup ground coffee
  • 1 Tbsp smoked salt (or Kosher) 
  • 2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 2 tsp paprika 
  • 2 tsp red chili pepper 
  • 1 tsp cinnamon 
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper 

Take steaks out of the fridge and let come to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. Make the dry rub by mixing together the brown sugar, coffee, salt, garlic, paprika, chili pepper, cinnamon, and black pepper. Brush the steaks lightly with the melted butter and generously rub them with the spice mixture. I like them to have a thick layer of the rub on all sides. Grill the steaks on high heat for about 6 minutes per side (or 135 degrees with a meat thermometer) for medium-rare steaks. When finished grilling, set steaks aside with foil tented over the top for 10 minutes before cutting in. 

Andrea LeTard is the author of Andrea’s Cooktales: A Keepsake Cookbook. She runs a full-time cooking business in Memphis where she’s a recipe blogger, personal chef, cooking instructor, and freelance recipe and culinary writer. Andrea has been featured on Food Network, Cooking Channel, and Today Show. She was chosen as a Top 100 Contestant on MasterChef Season 6. Follow Andrea on Facebook, Instagram (@andreas_cooktales), and her video blog series at Andreascooktales.com.