Coffee Rub BBQ Burgers (Printable Version)
Grilled coffee-spiced beef patties topped with smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for a bold, savory dinner.
# 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 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 leaves lettuce
12 - 4 slices tomato
13 - 4 slices red onion
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
# Directions:
01 - Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and allow it to reach the proper cooking temperature.
02 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely 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 uniform patties. Generously coat both sides of each patty with the coffee rub mixture, 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 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 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 golden and toasted.
07 - Spread a generous spoonful of smoky BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with lettuce, the grilled burger patty, tomato slices, red onion rings, and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The coffee rub creates a crust on the beef that tastes like someone crossed a steakhouse with a campfire.
- That homemade smoky BBQ sauce is so good you will start putting it on everything from fries to scrambled eggs.
02 -
- Do not press the patties with your spatula while grilling or you will squeeze out every drop of juice you worked to keep.
- Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before tasting because it gets thicker and more flavorful as it sits.
03 -
- Make a double batch of the coffee rub and keep it in a jar because you will want it on steaks, ribs, and roasted vegetables too.
- Let the seasoned patties rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before grilling so the rub adheres and the meat holds its shape.