Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable)
Bold coffee-rubbed grilled burgers slathered in tangy smoky BBQ sauce for an unforgettable cookout.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Coffee Rub
04 - 1½ tbsp finely ground coffee, unflavored
05 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - ½ tsp garlic powder
09 - ½ tsp onion powder
10 - ½ tsp sea salt
11 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
12 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Smoky BBQ Sauce
13 - 1 cup ketchup
14 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
15 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
16 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
17 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
18 - ½ tsp garlic powder
19 - ½ tsp onion powder
20 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
21 - ½ tsp salt
22 - ½ tsp liquid smoke (optional)
→ Burger Assembly
23 - 4 brioche or hamburger buns
24 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
25 - Lettuce leaves
26 - 1 large tomato, sliced
27 - ½ red onion, sliced into rings
28 - Dill pickle slices
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl, combine the finely ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed.
02 - Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, about 6 oz each. Gently shape each portion into a patty, making a slight indentation 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 coffee rub mixture, 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, approximately 400°F. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
06 - Place the seasoned patties on the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust time to your preferred level. 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 buns cut-side down on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and lightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
08 - Layer lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and red onion rings on the bottom buns. Place each coffee-rubbed patty on top, drizzle generously with the smoky BBQ sauce, and add dill pickle slices. Cap with the top buns and serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The coffee rub sounds weird until you taste it, and 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 -
- Pressing the patties with a spatula squeezes out every drop of juice you just worked to keep inside, so resist the urge.
- The coffee rub can taste slightly bitter if you use too much, so a thin even coating is better than a thick blanket.
03 -
- Make a double batch of the coffee rub and keep it in a jar in your pantry because it is phenomenal on steak, pork chops, and roasted cauliflower too.
- Let the BBQ sauce cool for five minutes before assembling the burgers so it thickens enough to cling instead of running down your wrists.