Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Print)
Bold coffee-spiced grilled burgers with rich smoky BBQ sauce for a crowd-pleasing cookout meal.
# What You Need:
→ Coffee Spice Rub
01 - 1 tablespoon finely ground coffee (espresso or dark roast)
02 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Burgers
09 - 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
10 - 4 burger buns
11 - 4 leaves lettuce
12 - 4 slices tomato
13 - 4 slices red onion
14 - 4 slices cheese (optional)
→ Smoky BBQ Sauce
15 - 1/2 cup ketchup
16 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
17 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
18 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
19 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
20 - 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
21 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
22 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
23 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
# How to Make:
01 - Set a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and allow it to reach full temperature before cooking.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
03 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty. Generously coat both sides of each patty with the coffee rub, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres to the meat.
04 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness. If using cheese, add a slice to each patty during the final minute of grilling and allow it to melt.
06 - Place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden brown.
07 - Spread a spoonful of smoky BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce, the grilled burger patty, tomato slices, red onion, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coffee crust creates a caramelized bark on the outside that rivals any steakhouse burger.
- Homemade BBQ sauce comes together in under ten minutes and tastes better than anything from a bottle.
02 -
- Do not press the patties with the spatula while grilling or you will squeeze out every drop of juice and end up with hockey pucks.
- Let the BBQ sauce cool for a few minutes before assembling because it thickens as it sits and clings better to the burger.
03 -
- Make a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb so the burger cooks flat instead of puffing into a meatball shape.
- Toast the buns with a light brush of butter or oil for a barrier that prevents the sauce from turning the bread into mush.