Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable View)
Bold coffee-spiced burgers with homemade smoky barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1 1/2 lbs (80/20 ground chuck recommended)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Coffee Rub
04 - 1 1/2 tbsp finely ground coffee (unflavored, medium roast)
05 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
10 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
→ Smoky BBQ Sauce
11 - 3/4 cup ketchup
12 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
13 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
14 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
15 - 1 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
16 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
17 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
18 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
19 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ For Serving
20 - 4 burger buns
21 - 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
22 - 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
23 - 4 leaves lettuce
24 - 1 large tomato, sliced
25 - 8-12 pickle slices
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until all spices are evenly distributed.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a patty slightly wider than the burger buns to account for shrinkage. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt, black pepper, and a generous coating of the coffee rub, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat to adhere.
04 - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
05 - Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill. Cook for 4 minutes without moving, then flip. If using cheese, place a slice on each patty immediately after flipping. Grill for another 3 to 4 minutes for medium doneness, or adjust time to reach your preferred temperature.
06 - During the last minute of cooking, place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill to toast until lightly golden, about 1 minute.
07 - Spread a generous layer of smoky BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with lettuce, the hot coffee-rubbed patty, tomato slices, red onion rings, pickles, and additional sauce if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates a gorgeous crust that locks in juices while adding a deep, almost steakhouse quality to ordinary ground chuck.
- Making your own smoky BBQ sauce takes barely ten minutes and tastes leagues better than anything from a bottle.
02 -
- Do not press down on the patties with your spatula because it squeezes out every drop of moisture you worked to keep inside.
- Let the sauce cool completely before refrigerating and it will thicken further overnight, tasting even better the next day.
03 -
- Make a double batch of the coffee rub and store it in a jar because it is sensational on steaks, pork chops, and even roasted carrots.
- Let the seasoned patties rest in the fridge for fifteen minutes before grilling so the rub has time to penetrate and the meat holds together better on the grate.