This is a straightforward homemade version of Ruth’s Chris Coffee Sauce — bold, tangy, sweet, and kinda addictive. Works great on steak, ribs, burgers, or literally anything grilled. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and makes you feel like a sauce wizard.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: 25 mins
- Flavor: sweet, bold, smoky, coffee-ish
- Great for: steak, ribs, wings, weird flavor cravings
Why I Like This Recipe
This one surprised me. I wasn’t even in a BBQ mood, but I had leftover coffee and thought, “why not?” Stirred it all in a pot, let it bubble, tasted it off a spoon and just—yep. Made steak just to pour this on. No regrets. None.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
How To Make Steak House Coffee Sauce
- Mix it all: Throw everything in a saucepan. Whisk like you mean it.
- Boil then simmer: Medium heat. Wait for the first boil, then drop it low and simmer 25 mins.
- Cool it: Let it chill a bit before tasting. Flavors mellow.
- Store: Jar it. Fridge it. Better the next day, honestly.
Tips for Success
- Use brewed coffee, not instant. Not the same.
- Let it simmer uncovered — you want it to thicken.
- Stir it every so often or it might scorch.
- Taste near the end — you can tweak it a little if needed.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Airtight jar, 2 weeks easy.
- Freezer: Yep. Thaw in fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Stovetop low or microwave 20–30 secs.
FAQs
Skip the cayenne. Add smoked paprika instead.
Whatever’s brewed. Just not flavored.
Technically yes, but cut the sugar down. It’s sweet enough.
Weirdly, yes. Even grilled shrimp if you’re brave.
Nope. Needs proper canning method. Just refrigerate it.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Boiling too hot → It’ll reduce too fast. Go low and slow.
- Skipping the simmer → Don’t. The sauce needs time to thicken and mellow.
- Using sweetened coffee → Ew. Use plain black brewed coffee.
- Not stirring enough → Bottom can burn. Stir every few mins.
- Expecting it to taste like regular BBQ sauce → It won’t. It’s deeper, richer, a little weird. But worth it.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – makes ~24 servings)
- Calories: 38 kcal
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 207mg
- Potassium: 97mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Steak House Coffee Sauce Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: easy24
servings5
minutes25
minutes38
kcalSmoky-sweet coffee BBQ sauce that clings to ribs and wakes up steak.
Ingredients
1 cup tomato puree
1 cup brewed coffee
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp mustard powder
¼ tsp cayenne
Directions
- Whisk all ingredients in saucepan.
- Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer for 25 mins.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cool slightly, transfer to jar.
- Chill overnight for best flavor.
Notes
- Use real brewed coffee, not instant.
- Simmer long enough to let it thicken.
- Don’t cover while simmering.
- Adjust heat/spice at the end if needed.
