kona burgers with kona coffee bean barbecue sauce

A KONA RECIPE AND STORY

Introduction

The first time I tasted the unforgettable Kona burger with Kona coffee bean barbecue sauce, I was on a trip to the breathtaking island of Hawaii. The unique blend of flavors captivated me, and I knew I had to bring this delightful experience back home. So, I embarked on a culinary journey to recreate the magic of this island-inspired dish. This recipe is not only delicious but also tells a story of adventure, discovery, and the warm Aloha spirit.

Ingredients

For the Kona Coffee Bean Barbecue Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup Kona coffee beans, finely ground
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Kona Burgers:

1.5 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Kona coffee beans, finely ground
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Kona Coffee Bean Barbecue Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, finely ground Kona coffee beans, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become glossy.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2:Prepare the Kona Burgers

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, finely ground Kona coffee beans, egg, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Gently mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Season each patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, brush the patties with the Kona coffee bean barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
If you’re adding cheese, place a slice of your preferred cheese on top of each patty during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt.

Step 3: Assemble the Kona Burgers

Place the cooked patties on the bottom halves of the toasted hamburger buns.
Add your preferred toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion slices.
Spread a generous layer of the Kona coffee bean barbecue sauce on the top halves of the buns.
Close the buns and serve immediately.

Conclusion

The Kona burger with Kona coffee bean barbecue sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey to the heart of Hawaii. With its distinct taste, this burger brings the Aloha spirit to your dinner table. So fire up the grill, enjoy the bold flavors, and let this recipe transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Hawaiian Islands.

Additional Tips and Variations

Make it Vegetarian

If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based burger patty. Many store-bought options are available, or you can make your own using black beans, mushrooms, or other meat substitutes. Adjust the cooking time according to the specific product or recipe you’re using.

Customize Your Toppings

Feel free to get creative with the toppings for your Kona burgers. Some island-inspired options include grilled pineapple slices, avocado, or even a slice of Spam for an authentic Hawaiian touch. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, or smoked gouda.

Prepare the Sauce in Advance

The Kona coffee bean barbecue sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will not only save you time when preparing the burgers but also allows the flavors to meld and develop further.

Pair with a Hawaiian Side Dish

For an even more immersive Hawaiian dining experience, consider pairing your Kona burgers with a side dish inspired by the islands. Some popular choices include macaroni salad, sweet potato fries, or grilled vegetables with a teriyaki glaze.

Spice It Up

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes to the burger mixture, or use a spicier variety of pepper. You can also adjust the cayenne pepper in the barbecue sauce to suit your taste.

A Memorable Culinary Experience

The Kona burger with Kona coffee bean barbecue sauce is more than just a flavorful meal; it’s a culinary adventure that showcases the best of Hawaiian cuisine. With its unique combination of ingredients and bold flavors, this burger is sure to impress your family and friends, and create a memorable dining experience that will transport you to the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

Start Your Hawaiian Culinary Adventure Today

Don’t wait any longer to bring the taste of Hawaii to your kitchen! Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and share the Kona burger with Kona coffee bean barbecue sauce experience with your friends and family. And, when you do, be sure to share your thoughts and photos on social media. Use the hashtag #KonaBurgerAdventure and link back to us at Kona-Coffee-Bean.com to join the community of fellow Kona burger lovers. We can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your memorable Hawaiian culinary adventures. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy the journey to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, one Kona burger at a time!

kona burgers with kona coffee bean barbecue sauce