Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable)
Coffee-spiced burgers with homemade smoky BBQ sauce for your next cookout.
# What You'll Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Coffee Rub
04 - 1½ tablespoons finely ground coffee, unflavored
05 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
09 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
10 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ Smoky BBQ Sauce
13 - 1 cup ketchup
14 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
15 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
16 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
17 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
19 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
20 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
21 - ½ teaspoon salt
22 - ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
→ Burger Assembly
23 - 4 brioche or hamburger buns
24 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
25 - Lettuce leaves
26 - 1 large tomato, sliced
27 - 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
28 - Dill pickle slices
# Directions:
01 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until all spices are evenly incorporated.
02 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, roughly 6 ounces each. Gently shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick, pressing a slight dimple in the center to prevent puffing. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Generously coat both sides of each patty with the prepared coffee rub, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat. Set the patties aside at room temperature while preparing the sauce to allow the flavors to penetrate.
04 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and liquid smoke. Whisk to blend and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Lightly brush or oil the grates to prevent sticking.
06 - Place the coffee-rubbed patties onto the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium doneness, adjusting time for preferred temperature. During the final minute of grilling, lay a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
07 - Place the brioche or hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and lightly crisped at the edges.
08 - Layer lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and red onion rings on each bun bottom. Place the hot cheese-topped coffee rub patty on top, drizzle generously with the smoky BBQ sauce, and add dill pickle slices. Cap with the toasted bun top and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The coffee rub sounds weird until you try it, then you will never go back to plain seasoned burgers again.
- That homemade BBQ sauce comes together in ten minutes and puts anything from a bottle to shame.
02 -
- Do not press the patties with your spatula while they cook unless you want dry burgers and flare ups.
- Let the rub sit on the meat for at least ten minutes at room temperature so the flavors actually penetrate.
03 -
- Make a double batch of the coffee rub and keep it in a jar for steaks, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- The BBQ sauce stores in the fridge for up to a week and tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld.