Coffee Rub Smoky BBQ Burgers (Printable)
Bold coffee-spiced grilled burgers topped with homemade smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for rich, savory flavor.
# What You 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 recommended)
10 - 4 hamburger buns
11 - 4 lettuce leaves
12 - 4 tomato slices
13 - 4 red onion slices
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
# How To Make It:
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 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 into patties. 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. Bring to a 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 hot grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium doneness. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the final minute of grilling and close the lid to melt.
06 - Place the hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted and golden.
07 - Spread a generous spoonful of smoky BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce, the grilled burger patty, tomato slice, red onion, and additional sauce if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates a crust on the burgers that will make you question why you ever used plain salt and pepper.
- That homemade smoky BBQ sauce comes together in minutes and puts anything from a bottle to shame.
02 -
- Do not press the patties with your spatula while grilling, because all those delicious juices end up in the fire instead of in your burger.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before assembling, since it thickens as it sits and clings much better to the bun and patty.
03 -
- Make a double batch of the coffee rub because you will want it on steak, chicken, and even roasted vegetables by the end of the week.
- A few dashes of liquid smoke in the BBQ sauce will push the flavor over the top if you are cooking indoors on a grill pan instead of outside over charcoal.