Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
Ready to take burger night to the next level? Say aloha to Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers juicy beef patties glazed in sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, stacked with grilled pineapple, melty cheese, and a kick of tangy mayo, all tucked inside a toasted bun. These burgers are bursting with tropical flavor and a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into one of these, you’ll never want a plain burger again. This one’s a total crowd-pleaser and a serious upgrade to your grill game.
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for BBQs, family dinners, or even tropical-themed gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef, canned pineapple, and pantry sauces keep things affordable.
Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Customizable: Add avocado, spicy mayo, or switch the protein to chicken or turkey.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
Here’s everything that makes these burgers ridiculously delicious:
Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful use 80/20 for the best texture.
Teriyaki Sauce: Sweet, sticky, and packed with umami it brings all the island flavor.
Pineapple Rings: Grilled for caramelized sweetness and a tropical twist.
Cheddar or Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
Burger Buns: Soft and slightly toasted, ready to hold all the saucy goodness.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a little sharp bite and crunch.
Lettuce: Crisp romaine or butter lettuce adds freshness.
Garlic Mayo or Spicy Mayo: For a creamy, tangy kick that ties everything together.
Salt and Pepper: To season the patties just right.
Butter or Oil: To grill the pineapple and toast the buns.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
Combine Ingredients: Form ground beef into patties and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Brush pineapple rings with a bit of oil or melted butter. Toast the burger buns until golden and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: Grill the burger patties for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with teriyaki sauce as they cook. Grill pineapple rings for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly caramelized.
Cook to Perfection: Once burgers are nearly done, top with cheese slices and allow to melt.
Finishing Touches: Spread garlic mayo on toasted buns. Layer lettuce, burger patty, grilled pineapple, onion slices, and more teriyaki sauce if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Top with the bun and serve hot with fries, chips, or a fresh tropical salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 620
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with sweet potato fries or crispy coconut shrimp for a tropical twist
Add a side of Hawaiian macaroni salad or grilled corn
Pair with a pineapple slushie or iced tea for a refreshing drink combo
Make it a slider version for parties or cookouts
Offer extra teriyaki sauce and sliced jalapeños on the side for a flavor boost
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Don’t overwork the beef when forming patties keep it loose for juicy texture
Use fresh pineapple for even more natural sweetness
Make your own teriyaki sauce for added depth and control over sweetness
Toast your buns it adds flavor and holds up better to all the juiciness
Double the batch you’ll want leftovers (or seconds!)
FAQ’s
1 Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, it works great and saves time just choose one with a rich, balanced flavor.
2 Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or even a veggie patty works well with the same toppings.
3 Do I need to grill the pineapple?
Grilling brings out its sweetness and adds that caramelized flavor but raw pineapple works in a pinch.
4 Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
You can prep the patties and toppings ahead, then cook fresh for best results.
5 What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or even provolone all melt well and taste amazing.
6 How do I keep the patties juicy?
Don’t overcook and avoid pressing them down on the grill let the juices stay inside.
7 Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free buns and a certified GF teriyaki sauce.
8 Is this kid-friendly?
Totally just go light on the teriyaki sauce or skip the onion if needed.
9 What’s a good side dish for this?
Coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fruit salad all pair perfectly.
10 Can I bake the patties instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers are the ultimate tropical twist on a backyard classic sweet, savory, juicy, and just a little sticky in the best way. With grilled pineapple, gooey cheese, and that bold teriyaki glaze, every bite feels like a mini escape. Whether you’re firing up the grill for guests or just treating yourself to something special, this burger brings serious flavor with island flair. One bite, and you’ll be saying aloha to boring burgers for good.
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Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers are juicy beef patties glazed with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, topped with grilled pineapple, melted cheese, and fresh veggies—all stacked on a toasted bun. This tropical twist on a classic burger is perfect for summer grilling and backyard BBQs.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Green leaf lettuce, for topping
- For the teriyaki glaze:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. In a bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 burger patties.
- Grill burgers for about 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired doneness. Brush with teriyaki glaze during the last minute of cooking. Top with cheese slices to melt.
- Grill pineapple rings for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly caramelized.
- Assemble burgers: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns (if using), then layer with lettuce, the teriyaki-glazed patty, grilled pineapple, red onion, and the top bun.
- Serve hot with extra teriyaki sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate patties in some teriyaki sauce before grilling.
- Use brioche or Hawaiian buns for a sweet, soft touch.
- You can substitute beef with ground chicken or turkey if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: teriyaki burger, Hawaiian burger, grilled pineapple burger, summer BBQ recipe, tropical burger