Grilled Sake Flank Steak with Coffee Spice
Flank steak, from the rear abdominal muscle of the beef, is a flavorful piece of meat that just needs proper handling to increase tenderness. Both marinating and cutting diagonally across the muscle achieve this.
Flank steak is used a lot in Asia and, here, East meets West, with locally grown coffee and familiar Asian ingredients. This recipe features Ka‘iulani Kona Coffee Spice, a bold all-purpose rub and seasoning that brings smoky, savory depth to grilled meats, along with Ka‘iulani Alaea Sea Salt for a flavorful Hawaiian-inspired finish.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Prepare the Steak
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 2 to 3 tsp Ka‘iulani Alaea Sea Salt with Garlic & Herbs
- 2 to 3 Tbsp Ka‘iulani Kona Coffee Spice
For the Marinade
- 3⁄4 cup sake
- 1⁄2 cup mirin, sweet rice wine
- 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp grated ginger
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Sauce
- Marinade, after use
- 1 Tbsp additional Ka‘iulani Kona Coffee Spice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 to 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Directions
Lightly score one side of the steak on the diagonal at 1-inch intervals. In a dish large and deep enough to hold the meat and marinade, rub the steak with Ka‘iulani Alaea Sea Salt and 2 to 3 tablespoons Kona Coffee Spice.
Make the marinade by combining sake, mirin, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar. Pour over the meat and marinate overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
Preheat grill to high. When the grill is hot, place steak on grill. Cook about 3 minutes on each side, or to desired doneness. Remove and let rest on a platter about 5 minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, make the sauce. Strain the marinade and discard the remainder. Place the marinade in a small saucepan, whisk in the cornstarch, and add the additional Kona Coffee Spice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Slice meat against the grain, arrange on a platter, spoon sauce over meat, and sprinkle green onion slices on top.
Variation
Instead of grilling, broil in the oven 5 inches from the heat for about 3 minutes on each side, or to desired doneness.
For more ways to cook with this bold coffee-based seasoning, explore the full collection of Ka‘iulani Spices recipes, including Kona Coffee Marinara Sauce and Kona Coffee Vegetarian Chili.
