Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable)
Bold coffee-spiced burgers with rich homemade smoky BBQ sauce, grilled to juicy perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 chuck preferred
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Coffee Rub
04 - 1½ tbsp finely ground coffee, unflavored medium roast
05 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - ½ tsp garlic powder
09 - ½ tsp onion powder
10 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional for heat
→ Smoky BBQ Sauce
11 - ¾ cup ketchup
12 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
13 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
14 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
15 - 1½ tsp liquid smoke
16 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
17 - ½ tsp garlic powder
18 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
19 - ¼ 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 Steps:
01 - Set your 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 finely ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until all spices are evenly incorporated.
03 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly wider than the burger buns to account for shrinkage. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and the prepared coffee rub, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat to adhere.
04 - In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill and cook for 4 minutes on the first side. Flip each patty, top with cheddar cheese if desired, and continue grilling for 3 to 4 additional minutes for medium doneness. 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, the coffee-rubbed patty, sliced tomato, red onion, pickles, and an extra drizzle of sauce. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates a caramelized, almost steakhouse quality crust on the burger that will have everyone asking for your secret.
- The homemade smoky BBQ sauce comes together in minutes and tastes far better than anything from a bottle.
02 -
- Do not use espresso or dark roast coffee, as the bitterness will overwhelm the rub and taste burnt on the grill.
- Let the BBQ sauce cool for at least 5 minutes before assembling because piping hot sauce will turn your bun into mush instantly.
03 -
- Make the BBQ sauce up to a week ahead and keep it in the refrigerator because the flavors deepen and improve with time.
- Form a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb before grilling to prevent the burger from puffing up into a meatball shape.