Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers

How to make Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers:

To make the teriyaki sauce – Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need sugar, tamari, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Place these ingredients in a medium saucepan. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After 15 minutes, add the fresh orange zest and sesame oil to the mixture. Whisk everything together thoroughly and continue cooking for another minute or so until the sauce starts to thicken. This thickening is crucial as it will cling to the burgers and enhance their flavor. Once it has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

To make the burgers – Now, it’s time to fire up the grill! You can use either a gas grill or start a charcoal grill, depending on your preference. While the grill is heating up, take your onion and pineapple slices and brush both sides with olive oil. This will help them grill nicely and prevent sticking. After brushing, season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Next, it’s time to form your hamburger patties. Take your ground beef (or any protein of your choice) and shape it into patties. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Brush both sides of the patties with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper as well. This seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors in the meat.

Once your grill is hot and ready, place the burger patties on it. Cook them until they are halfway cooked through, which should take about 5 minutes. After that, flip the burgers over and cook on the other side until they are just about cooked through, which will take an additional 5 minutes.

Now comes the fun part! Brush the burgers generously with the teriyaki sauce you prepared earlier. Flip them back over to the other side and brush that side with the teriyaki sauce too. This double coating ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. If you like cheese on your burgers, now is the time to place cheese slices on top of the patties. Cook them until the cheese is melted and gooey, which adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Once they are done, remove the burgers from the grill and cover them with foil to keep them warm while you finish the rest.

Next, it’s time to grill the onion and pineapple rings. Place them on the grill and cook until they are nicely charred. This charring adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory taste of the onion. After a few minutes, flip them over and char the second side.

Don’t forget about the burger buns! Brush the insides of the buns with olive oil and place them on the grill until they are golden brown. This step adds a delightful crunch to the buns and enhances their flavor.

Now that everything is grilled to perfection, it’s time to assemble the burgers! Start with a base of shredded cabbage or lettuce on the bottom half of the bun. This adds a nice crunch and freshness to the burger. Next, place the cheese-topped burger patty on top of the cabbage. Then, add the grilled pineapple and onion slices. Finally, drizzle some additional teriyaki sauce on top for that extra burst of flavor.

Carefully place the top half of the bun on your masterpiece, and there you have it—a delicious Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger! Grab some napkins because you’re going to need them. It’s time to dig in and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!

Recipe Notes & Tips

• My onion slices were about a 1/4-inch thick, but you can make them thicker if you prefer a more substantial bite. Thicker slices will also hold up better on the grill.
• These canned pineapple slices are very thin. For thicker slices, slice your own fresh pineapple, or purchase thicker canned slices. Fresh pineapple will give you a more vibrant flavor and texture.
• If you want to add a little heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a spicy aioli to your burger. This will give it an extra kick that many people enjoy.
• Feel free to customize your toppings! Avocado, sliced tomatoes, or even a fried egg can elevate your burger to new heights.
• If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The burgers can be reheated on the grill or in a skillet for a quick meal later.

These Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers are not just a meal; they are an experience. They transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy a taste of Hawaii right in your backyard!

What to serve with your burgers:

When it comes to serving delicious burgers, the sides you choose can elevate the entire meal. Here are some fantastic options that pair perfectly with your Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers:

• Hawaiian Potato Salad: This creamy and tangy dish is a delightful complement to the savory flavors of the burgers. Made with tender potatoes, a zesty dressing, and a hint of sweetness, it brings a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the meat.
• Ahi Poke: If you’re aiming for the full Hawaiian experience, consider adding Ahi Poke to your meal. This traditional dish features fresh, cubed tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. It’s light, flavorful, and a perfect way to start your meal.
• Baked Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, baked potato wedges are a classic side that everyone loves. Season them with your favorite spices or herbs for an extra kick, and serve them with a dipping sauce for added fun.
• Sweet Potato Chips: For a healthier alternative to regular chips, sweet potato chips are a great choice. They are crunchy, slightly sweet, and can be seasoned with sea salt or spices to enhance their flavor. Plus, they add a pop of color to your plate!
• Rum Runner Cocktail: To quench your thirst, try a Rum Runner Cocktail. This drink is like the adult version of Hawaiian Punch, combining rum, banana liqueur, and fruit juices for a tropical twist. It’s refreshing and pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the burgers.
• Homemade Hamburger Buns: If you want to take your burgers to the next level, consider making your own hamburger buns. Freshly baked buns are soft, fluffy, and can be customized to your liking. They will hold all the delicious toppings and sauces without falling apart.

Enjoy your meal with these delightful sides that will surely impress your family and friends!

Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers

Equipment

• Barbecue Grill

Ingredients

Teriyaki Sauce

• ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce
• 3 Tablespoons pineapple juice (I buy the small cans)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
• ¾ Tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated on a microplane
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional – just for background flavor)
• ¾ Tablespoon grated orange peel
• ¾ Tablespoon toasted sesame oil

For the Burgers

• 1 ½ pounds 80/20 ground beef
• 4 slices pineapple
• 1 red onion, sliced
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and ground black pepper
• 4 slices white cheddar or provolone cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• Shredded cabbage or lettuce

Instructions

To make the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, tamari, pineapple juice, garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

After 15 minutes, add the fresh orange zest and sesame oil to the mixture. Whisk everything together thoroughly and continue cooking for another minute or so until the sauce starts to thicken. This thickening is crucial as it will cling to the burgers and enhance their flavor. Once it has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

To make the Burgers

1. Heat up your gas grill or start a charcoal grill, depending on your preference. While the grill is heating up, take your onion and pineapple slices and brush both sides with olive oil. This will help them grill nicely and prevent sticking. After brushing, season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
2. Next, it’s time to form your hamburger patties. Take your ground beef (or any protein of your choice) and shape it into patties. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Brush both sides of the patties with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper as well. This seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors in the meat.
3. Once your grill is hot and ready, place the burger patties on it. Cook them until they are halfway cooked through, which should take about 5 minutes. After that, flip the burgers over and cook on the other side until they are just about cooked through, which will take an additional 5 minutes.
4. Now comes the fun part! Brush the burgers generously with the teriyaki sauce you prepared earlier. Flip them back over to the other side and brush that side with the teriyaki sauce too. This double coating ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. If you like cheese on your burgers, now is the time to place cheese slices on top of the patties. Cook them until the cheese is melted and gooey, which adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Once they are done, remove the burgers from the grill and cover them with foil to keep them warm while you finish the rest.
5. Next, it’s time to grill the onion and pineapple rings. Place them on the grill and cook until they are nicely charred. This charring adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory taste of the onion. After a few minutes, flip them over and char the second side.
6. Don’t forget about the burger buns! Brush the insides of the buns with olive oil and place them on the grill until they are golden brown. This step adds a delightful crunch to the buns and enhances their flavor.

Now that everything is grilled to perfection, it’s time to assemble the burgers! Start with a base of shredded cabbage or lettuce on the bottom half of the bun. This adds a nice crunch and freshness to the burger. Next, place the cheese-topped burger patty on top of the cabbage. Then, add the grilled pineapple and onion slices. Finally, drizzle some additional teriyaki sauce on top for that extra burst of flavor.

Carefully place the top half of the bun on your masterpiece, and there you have it—a delicious Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger! Grab some napkins because you’re going to need them. It’s time to dig in and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!

Recipe Notes & Tips

• My onion slices were about a 1/4-inch thick, but you can make them thicker if you prefer a more substantial bite. Thicker slices will also hold up better on the grill.
• These canned pineapple slices are very thin. For thicker slices, slice your own fresh pineapple, or purchase thicker canned slices. Fresh pineapple will give you a more vibrant flavor and texture.
• If you want to add a little heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a spicy aioli to your burger. This will give it an extra kick that many people enjoy.
• Feel free to customize your toppings! Avocado, sliced tomatoes, or even a fried egg can elevate your burger to new heights.
• If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The burgers can be reheated on the grill or in a skillet for a quick meal later.

These Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers are not just a meal; they are an experience. They transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy a taste of Hawaii right in your backyard!