Coffee Rub Burgers Smoky BBQ (Printable)
Bold coffee-spiced grilled burgers finished with rich smoky BBQ sauce for an unforgettable meal.
# What You'll 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 freshly 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
# Directions:
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, 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 thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill and 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 close the lid to melt.
06 - Place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden and toasted.
07 - Spread a generous spoonful of smoky BBQ sauce on each bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, the grilled burger patty, tomato slices, red onion rings, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates this incredible crust that seals in every drop of juice and adds a deep earthy complexity you cannot get from salt and pepper alone.
- That smoky BBQ sauce comes together in one small saucepan while the grill heats up, so nothing about this recipe feels like extra work.
02 -
- Do not press down on the patties with your spatula while they grill because you will squeeze out every bit of juice you worked so hard to seal in.
- The BBQ sauce thickens further as it cools, so pull it off the heat when it still looks slightly thinner than you want it.
03 -
- Let the rubbed patties sit for ten minutes before grilling so the coffee has time to penetrate the surface rather than just sitting on top.
- Make a double batch of the BBQ sauce and keep it in a jar in the fridge because you will want it on chicken, roasted vegetables, and basically everything else within two days.