Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printer-friendly)
Coffee-spiced burgers with homemade smoky BBQ sauce, grilled to perfection with bold, complex flavors.
# What You'll Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground beef chuck, 80/20 blend
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground 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
→ 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
22 - 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
23 - 4 leaves leaf lettuce
24 - 1 large tomato, sliced
25 - 8-12 pickle slices
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). Allow grates to become fully heated for proper searing.
02 - 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 evenly blended and no clumps remain.
03 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, roughly 6 oz each. Gently shape each portion into a patty slightly wider than the burger buns to account for shrinkage. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and the coffee rub mixture, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat to adhere.
04 - 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 and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill. Cook for 4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip the patties and top each with a slice of cheddar cheese if desired. Continue grilling for 3 to 4 additional minutes for medium doneness, or adjust time to your preferred temperature. During the final minute, place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill to toast.
06 - Spread a generous layer of smoky BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with lettuce, a grilled coffee-rubbed patty, sliced tomato, red onion rings, pickles, and an additional drizzle of sauce. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates this gorgeous crust that seals in juices and makes people think you spent all day preparing these burgers.
- That homemade smoky BBQ sauce tastes like something from a roadside joint in Texas and you probably already have every ingredient in your pantry right now.
02 -
- Do not overwork the meat when forming patties because compressed beef turns dense and tough instead of staying tender and juicy.
- Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before tasting because hot sugar masks flavors and you might oversalt it by mistake.
03 -
- Double the rub recipe and store the extra in an airtight jar because you will want it on steaks, ribs, and roasted vegetables within the week.
- The secret to a great crust is making sure the grill grates are fully hot and lightly oiled before the patties ever touch them.