Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Hawaiian Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers are bursting with delicious, vibrant flavors. The savory burger patty, complemented by the sweetness of pineapple and the richness of homemade teriyaki sauce, is a winning combination that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a beachside meal. The dish is customizable, making it easy to swap out ingredients based on your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you choose beef, chicken, or turkey, the result is a deliciously satisfying burger that will be perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Burger Patties

1 lb (450g) ground beef, chicken, or turkey (your choice)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

For the Teriyaki Sauce

½ cup soy sauce (use Tamari or a gluten-free version if needed)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (optional, to dissolve the cornstarch)

For the Pineapple

4 slices of fresh pineapple (or canned, drained)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for caramelizing)

For the Burger Assembly

4 soft burger buns
1 cup lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
1 tomato, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup mayonnaise (or your favorite condiment)
¼ teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Burger Patties:

Make the Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chicken, or turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until well combined. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into burger patties.
Grill the Patties: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. If you prefer them well-done, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside to rest once cooked.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it to the simmering sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Pineapple:

Grill the Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, remove the skin and cut into 4 even slices. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Optionally, sprinkle brown sugar over the pineapple slices to enhance caramelization. Grill the slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Hawaiian Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers:

Toast the Buns: Slice the burger buns in half and toast them on the grill for about 1 minute, or until golden and crispy.
Assemble the Burgers: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add the grilled burger patty, followed by a slice of caramelized pineapple. Drizzle the homemade teriyaki sauce over the patty and pineapple. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion. For a spicy kick, sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce.
Serve: Place the top half of the bun on the assembled burger. Serve immediately with crispy fries, a side salad, or coleslaw.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers

Variations

Different Protein: Use chicken, turkey, or even veggie patties if you prefer. This recipe is versatile and works well with various proteins.
Grilled Veggies: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Spicy Option: If you like some heat, top your burger with jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can store the sauce and pineapple separately for easier reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the patties in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Reheat the pineapple slices on the grill or in a pan until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce can be used in a pinch. However, making your own sauce adds a fresh, personalized flavor to the burger.

2. Can I make the burger patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld.

3. Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple slices, but fresh pineapple is preferred for grilling as it adds a unique sweetness and texture.

4. How do I know when the burger patties are cooked through?

The burger patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or turkey and 165°F (74°C) for chicken to ensure they are fully cooked.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free buns and soy sauce (such as Tamari) to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add some sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy hot sauce to give your burger an extra kick.

7. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey works great as an alternative to chicken. It’s leaner but still delicious!

8. How long should I grill the pineapple?

Grill the pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the pineapple softens slightly.

9. Can I add cheese to the burgers?

Of course! A slice of melted cheddar or Swiss cheese can be added to the patties for extra flavor.

10. How can I make this dish healthier?

You can opt for whole wheat buns, use less mayo, or swap in leaner turkey or chicken patties for a lighter version.

Conclusion

These Hawaiian Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic burger. They combine savory, sweet, and smoky flavors into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this tropical burger is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ, family dinner, or casual get-together. Whether you stick to the classic beef patty or try it with chicken or turkey, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Hawaiian Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients