Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable version)
Bold coffee-spiced burgers with homemade smoky BBQ sauce, grilled to juicy perfection for gourmet outdoor cooking.
# What you need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 80/20 chuck
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 - Sliced cheddar cheese, optional
22 - Sliced red onion
23 - Leaf lettuce
24 - Sliced tomato
25 - Pickles
# How To:
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 evenly blended.
02 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape each into a patty slightly wider than the burger buns. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and the prepared coffee rub, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat to adhere.
03 - In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Set over medium-low heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned patties on the grill and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the patties, top with cheddar cheese if desired, and continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes for medium doneness or to your preferred internal temperature.
05 - Place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill for about 1 minute until lightly toasted and golden.
06 - Spread a generous layer of smoky BBQ sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, the coffee-rubbed burger patty, sliced tomato, red onion, pickles, and additional sauce if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates a crust so flavorful your guests will try to guess the secret ingredient for hours.
- That homemade BBQ sauce simmers while you grill, so everything finishes at the same time with zero stress.
02 -
- Press the rub into the patties gently but firmly, if it just sits on the surface it will fall off the moment it hits the grill grates.
- The BBQ sauce thickens as it cools, so pull it off heat when it still looks slightly thinner than you want it.
03 -
- Do not press down on the patties with your spatula while they cook, you are squeezing out flavor and moisture for no good reason.
- A dimple in the center of each patty before grilling keeps them from puffing up into meatballs on the grill.