Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Coffee-Chipotle Rub and Charred Corn Salad
MEDIUM
25 min
Prep
22 min
Cook
4
Servings
Tender beef tenderloin steaks kissed with a bold coffee and chipotle spice rub, grilled to a perfect crust and finished with a lime crema. Served alongside a vibrant charred corn salad with black beans, jalapeños, and cotija cheese.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound beef tenderloin steaks
- 2 tablespoon ground coffee
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 fresh corn, husked
- 1.5 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 0.5 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 limes
- 0.5 cup Mexican crema
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Steps
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F), with one side hot and the other at medium heat for temperature control.
- In a small bowl, combine ground coffee, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the rub.
- Remove beef tenderloin steaks from refrigeration and pat dry with paper towels, then brush all sides lightly with olive oil.
- Generously apply the coffee-chipotle rub to all sides of each steak, pressing gently to adhere.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Mexican crema, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin to make the lime crema; set aside.
- Cut corn kernels from the cob using a sharp knife, working over a bowl to catch any liquid; reserve kernels in a large mixing bowl.
- Add drained black beans, diced red onion, minced jalapeños, and cilantro to the corn in the large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the corn mixture, add cotija cheese, and toss gently to combine; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Place corn on the grill basket or cast-iron skillet on the hot side of the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly charred. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Place seasoned beef steaks on the hot side of the grill and sear for 5 minutes without moving, creating a caramelized crust.
- Flip the steaks and sear the second side for 4-5 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130-135°F).
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature—insert into the thickest part of a steak. If not yet at target temperature, move steaks to the medium-heat side and cook 2-3 minutes longer.
- Remove steaks from the grill and transfer to a cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate each steak and drizzle with lime crema; serve with a generous portion of charred corn salad on the side, garnished with a lime wedge.