Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable Version)
Bold coffee-rubbed grilled burgers topped with tangy homemade smoky BBQ sauce and melted cheddar.
# Ingredient List:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1½ pounds 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, optional for heat
→ 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, optional for extra smokiness
→ Burger Assembly
23 - 4 brioche or hamburger buns
24 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese, optional
25 - Lettuce leaves
26 - Sliced tomato
27 - Sliced red onion
28 - Dill pickle slices
# How to Make:
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, each about 6 ounces. Gently shape into patties, pressing a slight dimple in the center to prevent puffing. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Generously coat both sides of each patty with the prepared coffee rub, pressing gently to adhere. Set the patties aside at room temperature while preparing the sauce.
04 - In a 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 if using. Stir well and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
06 - Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese if desired, and close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
07 - Place the brioche or hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
08 - Layer lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion on the bottom buns. Place the grilled coffee-rubbed patties on top, drizzle generously with the smoky BBQ sauce, and add dill pickle slices. Cap with the toasted bun tops and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates this incredible crust that seals in every drop of juice.
- That smoky homemade BBQ sauce beats anything from a bottle by a country mile.
02 -
- Let the rubbed patties sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling so they cook evenly.
- The sauce thickens as it cools so pull it off the heat when it still looks slightly thinner than you want.
03 -
- Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb so it stays flat instead of puffing up on the grill.
- Double the rub recipe and keep the extra in a jar because you will want it on steak and ribs too.