Coffee Rub BBQ Burgers (Printable)
Grilled beef patties with coffee spice rub and smoky homemade BBQ sauce for bold flavor.
# 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)
→ Smoky BBQ Sauce
09 - 1/2 cup ketchup
10 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
11 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
14 - 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
15 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Burgers and Assembly
18 - 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
19 - 4 burger buns
20 - 4 leaves lettuce
21 - 4 slices tomato
22 - 4 slices red onion
23 - 4 slices cheese (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the 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 gently shape into patties, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing. Generously coat both sides of each patty with the coffee rub, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres.
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. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 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 preheated grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness. If using cheese, place a slice on 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 and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
07 - Spread a generous spoonful of smoky BBQ sauce on each bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, a grilled burger patty, tomato slice, red onion ring, and an extra drizzle of sauce if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates this incredible crust that locks in every drop of juice while adding a deep almost chocolatey richness.
- The smoky BBQ sauce comes together in minutes and tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
02 -
- Do not press down on the patties with your spatula while grilling or you will squeeze out every bit of juiciness you worked to build.
- Let the BBQ sauce cool slightly before assembling because it thickens more as it rests and becomes the perfect consistency.
03 -
- Make a double batch of the coffee rub and keep it in a jar for steaks, chicken, or roasted vegetables throughout the week.
- Adding a few dashes of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce elevates it to something that tastes like it came from a pitmaster smoker.