Smoked Burgers with Coffee Barbecue Sauce Recipe

coffee

🥗Healthier: decaf coffee

💰Cheaper: instant coffee

Decaf reduces caffeine intake without losing flavor.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed and has a lower glycemic index.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while still providing creaminess.

Prepare a quick pickle for red onions by boiling cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, and water.

Pour the hot liquid over sliced red onions in a heatproof bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Preheat the smoker to 275°F using natural lump charcoal and hickory wood chunks.

Portion 1.5 pounds of ground chuck into four 6-ounce patties, forming them with strong edges and a concave center.

Season the patties with a mixture of coarse salt and black pepper (2 parts salt to 1 part pepper).

Place the patties in the smoker for about 35-40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Prepare the coffee barbecue sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then adding diced onion and minced garlic to soften.

Add 1 cup of coffee, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of ketchup to the saucepan, whisking everything together and simmering for 20 minutes.

Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth.

After smoking, set the smoker for direct heat and increase the temperature to over 500°F.

Sear the burgers over the flame for a few minutes, then add sharp cheddar cheese on top to melt.

Assemble the burger with coffee barbecue sauce, the cheesy smoked patty, and homemade pickled onions on brioche buns.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens