Caring for Cast Iron

Troubleshooting

Cast Iron

Tools

Gifts

 

American cowboys were supposedly the first to sprinkle coffee grounds over their steaks before cooking them over a fire, and we’d like to thank the enterprising wrangler who first thought of this inspired idea.

While we’ve added ground coffee to barbecue-bound spice rubs in the past, we’d never tried it on a quick-cooking cut of meat before, but hanger steaks have an extra-beefy flavor that can stand up to our bitter-sweet spice blend, one that you can also use on your next rack of ribs or brisket.

Photo: Benjamin Muller

Recipe: Coffee-Rubbed Hanger Steaks

Yield: 4 servings
Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the spice rub:

2 tablespoons finely ground coffee beans
2 tablespoons ancho chile powder (or other pure chile powder)
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the steaks:

1 hanger steak, trimmed and separated into 2 pieces (about 1½ pounds)
2 tablespoons vegetable or other neutral oil

Tools

No.10 Field Skillet

Outdoor Cooking Tools

 

Resources

The Field Method for Cast Iron Care

Instructions

1.

Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir well. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

2.

Rub the steaks all over with the spice rub. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or refrigerate, uncovered, for up to 8 hours.

3.

Preheat a grill to medium high. Place a No.10 (or larger) Field Skillet on the grates and let it preheat for a few minutes. Add the oil and heat until it shimmers, then add the steaks and cook, turning every minute or so, until well browned all over and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 130°F (for medium), 10 to 12 minutes total.

4.

Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve.

Benjamin Muller

Seasoning Rating: Better

While we’re not using a lot of cooking oil to sear the steaks, even a small amount (plus whatever beef fat renders during cooking) should add some seasoning to your skillet.

Seasoning Ratings:

Best—These dishes are the best options for building resilient seasoning, and surefire choices for getting tricky pans back on track.

Better—The best way to keep your skillet in great shape is to cook frequently, and cast iron-friendly dishes like these are your bread and butter.

Safe—These recipes won't strip seasoning away from your pan, but won't really add any, either.

OK—Be sure to clean up promptly. Recipes with this rating might feature acidic ingredients which can affect seasoning if not washed soon after cooking.

 

Other Posts You Might Enjoy

Cast Iron Cooking, Care & Maintenance
See More

Grilled and Reverse-Seared Skillet Steaks

A new twist on the best way to cook thick steaks.

Cast Iron Griddled Onion Sliders

An onion-y homage to our favorite diner burger.

Field Company's Best Cast Iron Biscuits

The secret biscuit bliss lies in a cast iron skillet, and the combination of shortening and butter.