Bold & Juicy Kona Crusted Steak Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again

You’d better believe it—the Kona Crusted Steak turns dinner into something remarkable for most events. This was what blew me away the first time I ever had the dish: a smoky coffee crust. All flavors of sweet sizzling perfection can found inside that containing its ultimate ease of making at your very own kitchen. Coffee, steak, and spices are all you need to almost complete the job.

What is Kona Crusted Steak All About?

Kona Crusted Steak is straight in the steak, using spices from Kona coffee beans as a deliciously special blend. The bitter, deep-roasted coffee balances with savory and slightly sweet spices. Rich, smoky, and totally like a place I might recommend, even though it’s not fancy.

Ingredients

For the Kona Rub:

• 2 tbsp finely ground Kona coffee (or any dark roast coffee)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp kosher salt

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 to 1½ inches thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

How to Make Kona Crusted Steak

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until well mixed for the rub:
2. Steak Preparation: Pat dry with paper towels, rub olive oil over both sides.
3. Coat with crust: Press the Kona rub all over each steak. Be generous!
4. Allow standing 20-30 minutes at room temperature for the rub to penetrate.
5. Sear: Preheat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks once hot.
6. Cooking: Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer – the sweet spot is 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Allow the steaks to rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat very gently in a skillet or microwave in bursts of 30 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

• Complement it with mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh arugula salad.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a pat of herb butter takes it over the top.

Pro Tips & Variations

• No Kona coffee? Use any strong dark roast.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra kick.
• Try this rub on pork chops, or even roasted cauliflower for the veg-head in your family.

FAQs

Q: Is Kona Crusted Steak spicy?

A: Not really. The cayenne adds a light kick, but you can skip it for a milder taste.

Q: Decaf coffee is acceptable, right?

A: Certainly; you will still have the roasted flavor without the caffeine.

Q: What’s considered a good alternative to ribeye?

A: Strip or sirloin will do fine; just pay attention to how long you cook it.

Q: Is this gluten-free?

A: Yes, everything used in this is naturally gluten-free, but check for the spices.

Ready to Try Kona Crusted Steak?

This Kona Crusted Steak will be your number-one choice when you desire something full of flavor with little effort. Think smoky, savory, and just fancy enough to impress.