Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable)
Bold coffee-rubbed burgers paired with tangy smoky BBQ sauce for an unforgettable grilled meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
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 - 1 large tomato, sliced
27 - 1 small red onion, sliced
28 - Dill pickle slices
# How To Make It:
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 and gently shape each into a patty, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing. Season both sides of each patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Generously coat both sides of each patty with the prepared coffee rub, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres. 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 to combine 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 using, and close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt.
07 - Place the buns cut-side down on the grill and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
08 - Layer lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and red onion rings on the bottom buns. Place the hot coffee-rubbed patties on top, drizzle generously with the smoky BBQ sauce, and add dill pickle slices. Cap with the top buns and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates this incredible crust that locks in juices while adding this subtle depth nobody can quite place
- Homemade BBQ sauce comes together in ten minutes and puts store-bought versions to shame
02 -
- Don't press down on the burgers with your spatula while they cook. Every time you do that, you're literally squeezing out all the juice that makes them amazing.
- Let the patties rest at room temperature while you make the sauce. Cold meat hitting a hot grill seizes up and stays tough.
03 -
- Make a small indentation in the center of each raw patty with your thumb. This prevents them from puffing up into balls while cooking.
- If your grill has hot spots, rotate the patties 90 degrees halfway through cooking each side for those restaurant-quality crosshatch marks.