If you’re craving a burger that goes above and beyond the ordinary, look no further than these Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple. Juicy teriyaki-glazed patties, molten provolone, and caramelized pineapple all meet on a pillowy sesame bun—each bite is truly a mini island escape!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Sweet-Savory Contrast: The combo of tangy teriyaki beef and caramelized, charred pineapple brings layers of flavor you won’t forget.
- Grilled Pineapple Magic: Pineapple goes from tart to irresistibly sweet on the grill, making this burger extra special (and downright addictive).
- Fast & Fun to Make: Everything is ready in less than 30 minutes, but still feels like a gourmet treat perfect for a summer cookout or quick weeknight dinner.
- Custom Built for Sharing: These Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple impress a crowd and give everyone a taste of the tropics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the absolute joys of this recipe is how it turns a handful of simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s juicy chuck, gooey provolone, or that irresistible grilled pineapple, they all work together for maximum flavor and color.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Choose 80% or 93% lean for juicy, flavorful burgers that hold their shape beautifully on the grill.
- Panko (1/4 cup): These Japanese breadcrumbs keep your patties tender and moist—no dry burgers allowed!
- Teriyaki Sauce (1/4 cup + extra): Use a favorite store brand or homemade; it’s the sweet-salty backbone of both patties and a drizzle.
- Coarse Salt & Black Pepper: Just a pinch each to highlight the natural beefy flavor and balance the sweet sauce.
- Sliced Provolone Cheese (4 slices): Melts to perfection, wrapping the burgers in creamy goodness.
- Pineapple Slices (4): Canned or fresh works; grilling caramelizes their sugars and adds signature Hawaiian flair.
- Sesame Seed Buns (4): The classic, soft-yet-sturdy burger carrier—great for soaking up teriyaki drips.
- Butter Lettuce: Tender leaves provide cool crunch and gorgeous color under the burger.
- Red Onion (sliced in ¼-inch rounds): Grilling takes the “bite” out and infuses extra sweetness.
- Additional Teriyaki Sauce (for drizzling): The finishing touch for crave-worthy glaze in every bite.
Variations
The beauty of Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple is how easily you can tweak them to suit your cravings (or whatever’s in your fridge!). Don’t be afraid to get creative—the possibilities are as endless as a beach sunset.
- Chicken or Turkey Burger: Swap ground beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter, equally delicious island-inspired bite.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free panko and buns, and check that your teriyaki sauce is GF certified—tropical goodness for everyone!
- Pepper Jack Twist: Try spicy pepper jack cheese for a gentle kick instead of provolone.
- No Grill? No Problem: A hot cast iron skillet or grill pan works wonders for cooking both patties and pineapple indoors.
- Vegan or Vegetarian: Go for a plant-based patty and vegan cheese, and be sure to choose a vegan bun and teriyaki sauce.
How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
Step 1: Prep the Grill and Ingredients
Preheat your outdoor grill or a grill pan, giving it a light oil rub to prevent sticking. Lay out your ingredients—slice the pineapple and red onion into rounds, and have your cheese, lettuce, and buns ready for assembly. This setup will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free!
Step 2: Make and Shape the Burger Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko, teriyaki sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just blended—overmixing can make burgers dense. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, shape each into a patty that matches the size of your buns, and press a thumbprint in the middle for even cooking.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Place the patties on the preheated grill. For medium rare, grill the first side for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. If you prefer medium, go 5-6 minutes per side. In the last minute, top each patty with provolone so it melts lusciously over the edges. Rest the cooked burgers for 5 minutes before assembling—the anticipation is real!
Step 4: Grill the Pineapple and Red Onion
While your burgers rest, add the pineapple slices and red onion rounds to the grill. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. Look for gorgeous grill marks and a touch of char—the pineapple should be golden and juicy, while the onions mellow and sweeten beautifully.
Step 5: Toast the Buns (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
Pop the split buns cut-side down on the grill for about 2 minutes, just until lightly golden. This quick toast seals in flavor and keeps the buns from getting soggy—plus, it adds irresistible warmth and crunch.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Spread a little teriyaki sauce on the toasted buns, then stack in this order: bottom bun, butter lettuce, cheesy burger patty, grilled onion, caramelized pineapple, one last teriyaki drizzle, and finally the top bun. It’s a work of edible art—serve right away for maximum melty, juicy deliciousness!
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
- Pineapple Perfection: Pat canned pineapple slices dry with paper towels before grilling—this helps them caramelize instead of steam.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing your patty ingredients, stop as soon as they’re combined—this preserves juiciness and tenderness in every burger.
- Grill Marks = Flavor: Don’t be afraid to let the onion and pineapple sit untouched on the grill for that classic, flavor-packed sear.
- Build in Order: Layer lettuce first to keep the bun from getting soggy, and finish with a final teriyaki drizzle so the toppings stay put.
How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple with a handful of sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for color and extra crunch. A few fresh cilantro or mint leaves also add gorgeous tropical flair and freshness—it’s like a mini vacation right on your plate!
Side Dishes
These burgers absolutely shine alongside sweet potato fries, crispy kettle chips, or a tangy slaw. For a lighter spread, toss together a bright cucumber salad or serve with grilled corn on the cob brushed with a hint of butter and lime—summer cookout energy in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer mini slider versions for a party platter, or offer a “burger bar” with a range of toppings (think pickled jalapeños, sliced avocado, or extra sauces). Skewer stacked burgers with a baby pineapple wedge on top for a show-stopping finish—perfect for impressing friends at any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooked patties, grilled pineapple, and onions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep buns, lettuce, and sauces separate so they stay nice and fresh for round two.
Freezing
Burger patties, either raw or cooked, freeze beautifully—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Grilled pineapple can also be frozen (though it may soften on thawing), so you can enjoy a taste of Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple any time!
Reheating
For best results, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat or a quick zap in the microwave. Warm pineapple separately, and always assemble burgers fresh to keep the buns from turning soggy—just like on day one!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple brings amazing juiciness and natural sweetness. Just slice into rounds about ½ inch thick, core them, and grill as directed—watch for caramelization and grill marks for maximum flavor.
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What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart on the grill?
Use panko as called for—it helps bind the mixture. Be sure to press an indent in each patty’s center for even cooking, and avoid frequent flipping. Well-chilled patties also grill more neatly and hold their shape!
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Can I make Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple indoors?
Definitely! Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on your stovetop for both the burger patties and pineapple. You’ll still get beautiful sear and fantastic flavor—no backyard needed.
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What kind of teriyaki sauce is best for these burgers?
Choose a thicker, slightly syrupy teriyaki sauce for the boldest flavor. Both homemade and store-bought work well—if you prefer homemade, look for a recipe with ginger, garlic, soy, and a touch of brown sugar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a burst of island-inspired flavor, you have to try these Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple! They’re juicy, playful, and honestly a joy to eat. Fire up your grill (or skillet) and get ready to wow your friends and family—paradise is just a burger away.
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Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Juicy Hawaiian teriyaki burgers with grilled pineapple are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. These delicious burgers are made with flavorful teriyaki-infused beef patties, topped with grilled pineapple, red onion, and provolone cheese, all sandwiched between sesame seed buns.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground beef, 93% or 80% lean
- 1/4 cup panko
- 1/4 cup homemade or your favorite store bought teriyaki sauce
- Pinch of coarse salt, and fresh ground black pepper
For the Burgers
- 4 sesame seed buns
- 4 pineapple slices
- 1/2 red onion, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds (about 1 round per burger)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Butter lettuce leaves, roughly torn
- Homemade or your favorite store bought teriyaki sauce for drizzling (2-3 tablespoons per burger)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill or a grill pan rubbed with a little oil.
- Mix the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko, teriyaki sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into patties.
- Grill the Patties: Cook patties on the grill until desired doneness, adding provolone cheese to melt.
- Grill the Pineapple and Onion: Grill pineapple and red onion rounds until charred.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast buns, then stack lettuce, patties, onion, pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and the top bun. Serve.
Notes
- If grilling outdoors, you can cook everything simultaneously on the grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
