Coffee Rubbed Burgers with a Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

recipe from the chunky chef

makes 6 burgers

Coffee Rub Seasoning Mix

• 1.5 Tbsp ground coffee
• 1/2 Tbsp salt
• 1/2 Tbsp paprika
• 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 Tbsp pepper
• 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
• 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 Tbsp coriander

Combine all the ingredients and set aside. This can be made the night before.

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic roughly minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 6 oz Dr Pepper
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tsp ancho chile powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 3 Tbsp brewed coffee

Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Add remaining sauce ingredients, stir to combine. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until sauce has thickened.

Use an immersion blender to puree. Set aside to cool. This can be made the night before

Burgers

• 2 lbs Angus ground beef 85/15
• 2 Tbsp Dr Pepper BBQ sauce
• salt and pepper
• Pretzel buns
• Arugula lettuce
• 8 slices peppered bacon
• 2 Tbsp butter

In a mixing bowl, add ground beef, salt, pepper and 2 Tbsp cooled bbq sauce. Mix well with your hands. Divide into 6 equal sections. Each burger will be about 6.25 ounces.

Rub coffee rub seasoning mix over both sides of each burger.

Add 1 Tbsp butter to skillet and add burgers. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until burger is cooked to desired doneness.

Spread BBQ sauce over both sides of pretzel bun, layer arugula, burger, peppered bacon, then add the top bun. Can also use sharp cheddar and caramelized onions as toppings.