Go Back
Print

Applewood Smoked Burgers

Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

For the burgers

  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 1 tbsp granulated garlic
  • 2 tsp apple wood smoked salt
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp coffee rub, or instant coffee
  • ¾ tsp black pepper
  • 6 brioche buns
  • toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments of choice

For the grill

  • Charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal
  • 2 cups apple wood chips, soaked in water for 30–60 minutes
  • lighter fluid and matches or chimney starter
  • Vegetable oil for the grate

Instructions

Form the patties

  1. Season the ground beef with the garlic, apple wood salt, Worcestershire sauce, coffee rub, and black pepper. Knead the ground beef with your hands until the seasonings are fully combined.

  2. Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions and shape them into 3/4 inch thick patties.

  3. Chill the patties in the refrigerator while you prepare the grill.

Prepare the grill

  1. Light 30 to 50 charcoal briquettes in a chimney starter until coals are ashed over. Alternatively, drench 1/4 cup of lighter fluid over the briquettes and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before carefully setting them aflame using a lighter. Keep the lid off while the charcoal catches fire.

  2. The grill is ready when the coals have turned grey and ashy in color. Do not grill if the charcoal briquettes are still black. This may take 25 to 30 minutes.

  3. Arrange coals to one side of the grill to create direct and indirect heat zones.
  4. Drain the soaked apple wood chips and sprinkle a handful over the hot coals. Close the lid and let smoke build for 5 minutes.

  5. Clean and oil the grill grate and set it into the grill.

Grill the burgers

  1. Place burgers over direct heat and sear for 2–3 minutes per side with the lid closed, just until browned.

  2. Move to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook for another 4–6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, or 160°F (71°C) for well-done.

  3. Optionally, add your choice of cheese during the last minute or two and cover the grill to melt.

Toast the buns

  1. Place buns cut-side down over direct heat for 30–60 seconds, until lightly crisped.

  2. Let burgers rest for 2–3 minutes off the grill before serving them on the toasted buns with your choice of toppings.