Forget your standard burger. I'm about to introduce you to a flavor explosion that will redefine your grilling season: coffee-rubbed smoky burgers, featuring the amazing -- and coincidentally, well-stocked in this building -- Buff Boy Brewing Co. coffee.
One of our bosses is a burger maniac. He's a large Brazilian bodybuilder who's known to crush anywhere from four to six burgers in one sitting. So, for as many patties as he eats in any given week, he's constantly looking for new flavors and ways to change up his favorite food. A few weeks ago he challenged me to incorporate some Buff coffee into a burger recipe. Since I'm a trained chef (who loves a challenge) I got to work.
What You'll Need:
For the Rub:
2 tablespoons coarsely ground Buff Boy coffee
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Burgers:
2 lb. ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
Your favorite burger buns and toppings (I suggest cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, spicy pickles and a smoky barbecue sauce)
Let's Get Cooking!
Mix the Magic: In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients. Make sure the coffee is coarsely ground – you want that texture!
Prep the Patties: Gently form the ground beef into four equal patties, being careful not to overwork the meat. (No jokes, please.) This creates tough burgers.
Rub-a-Dub-Dub: Generously coat each patty with the coffee rub, pressing it lightly into the meat. Don’t be shy! Rub it out. (Stop it.)
Grill Time: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the cooking time to your desired level of doneness.
Build Your Masterpiece: While the burgers are resting for a few minutes -- a crucial point for juicy burgers -- lightly toast your buns. (You're gonna get in trouble if you keep making this dirty.) Then, pile on your favorite toppings.
The coffee in the rub tenderizes the meat and creates a beautiful crust. The smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that elevates the flavor profile, while the brown sugar provides a hint of sweetness to balance the savory spices. But let's be honest, it's the Buff coffee that's the star of the show, adding that unforgettable rich and complex flavor that will have everyone begging for more.
Just another example of how Buff Boy meat gets your mouth watering. You're welcome.