If you are craving a juicy, flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger that instantly transports you to tropical shores, this Hawaiian Burger Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining savory ground beef infused with a tangy teriyaki glaze, melted mozzarella, and the sweet acidity of grilled pineapple and red onions, this burger bursts with balanced textures and layers of taste in every bite. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to impress friends and family at your next cookout. Let me show you how to create this unforgettable taste sensation step-by-step!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Hawaiian Burger Recipe plays a crucial role to give you that perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. From the juicy beef to the bright pineapple, these essentials are easy to find and quick to prepare.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the grill grates non-stick for easy flipping and perfect grill marks.
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef: The right fat-to-lean ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the burger mixture.
- 1 bottle teriyaki sauce, divided: The star ingredient that infuses everything with sweet-savory goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a subtle warming spice that lifts the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the meat with savory aromatics in a simple way.
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained: Adds a juicy burst of tropical sweetness when grilled.
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings: Delivers mild sharpness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly over the patties for mild, creamy richness.
- 4 burger buns: The vessel holding all these exciting flavors together in a handheld delight.
How to Make Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties and Grill
First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and spray it lightly with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, the soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic salt. Mix everything gently—remember not to overwork the meat—to keep the patties tender. Shape the mixture into four even patties, pressing a small dimple in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
Step 2: Marinate Pineapple and Onion
While the grill heats up, toss the drained pineapple slices and thick-cut red onion rings with a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce in a separate bowl. This simple step is what will give your veggies that glossy, caramelized sheen and that irresistible sweet-savory kick once grilled.
Step 3: Grill Everything to Perfection
Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for about four minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F or higher for safety and optimal juiciness. When you flip them the second time, lay a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty to melt wonderfully. At the same time, grill the pineapple rings, onion slices, and burger buns for roughly two minutes on each side so they become lightly charred and aromatic.
Step 4: Assemble Your Hawaiian Burger
Remove all your grilled goodies from the heat and let your patties rest for five minutes to lock in those delicious juices. Build your burger by placing the rested patty on the bottom half of the bun, layering on the grilled onions and pineapple, and drizzling a bit of extra teriyaki sauce for a final flavor boost. Cap it with the top bun and get ready to enjoy every sensational bite.
How to Serve Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your Hawaiian Burger Recipe to the next level. Fresh crisp lettuce or a handful of baby arugula adds a peppery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple. For a spicy kick, consider a few jalapeño slices or a smear of sriracha mayo inside the bun.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or golden sweet potato wedges are perfect companions to your burger. If you want to keep with the tropical theme, a vibrant mango salsa or a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in lime juice also complements the flavors wonderfully and keeps things light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hawaiian burgers open-faced on a wooden board with small bowls of extra teriyaki sauce and pickled vegetables on the side. You could also swap the burger buns for grilled Hawaiian sweet rolls to enhance the island vibe even more, making the meal an experience to remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover patties or grilled toppings, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping items separate helps maintain the texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Uncooked burger patties can be shaped ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between each patty before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Pineapple and onions are best grilled fresh, but you can freeze extra cooked patties if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your patties in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven set to 350°F to keep them juicy. Toast buns lightly to refresh their texture. Grilled pineapple and onions should ideally be eaten fresh but can be warmed briefly in a skillet or microwave for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the Hawaiian Burger Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is mild and melts beautifully, you can experiment with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even provolone to add different flavor dimensions to your Hawaiian Burger Recipe.
Is grilling essential for this recipe?
Grilling imparts wonderful smoky flavors and caramelization, but if you don’t have a grill, you can cook the patties and vegetables in a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop. Just be sure to get nice sear marks for that authentic taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular burger buns for gluten-free buns or even lettuce wraps if you want a lower-carb option. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your teriyaki sauce to avoid hidden gluten.
What is the best way to keep the pineapple from making the burger soggy?
Grilling the pineapple rings helps reduce excess moisture while adding caramelized flavor, which prevents sogginess. Also, layering the pineapple on top of the cheese rather than directly on the bun helps keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Can this Hawaiian Burger Recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the beef patties with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based burger patties. Keep the same toppings and sauces for that tropical flare without the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Burger Recipe is a delightful way to spice up your usual burger routine with bright, tropical flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual family dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, these burgers bring sunshine to your plate. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up these juicy, sweet-savory bites that bring a little island paradise straight to your home kitchen!
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Hawaiian Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Hawaiian Burger recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic burger, combining juicy grilled beef patties with sweet teriyaki-glazed pineapple and onions, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served on toasted buns. Perfect for a quick and flavorful summer meal, the combination of savory and sweet flavors creates a tropical delight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 bottle teriyaki sauce, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 burger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the grill and patties: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic salt. Mix gently until just combined to avoid compacting the meat. Shape the mixture into 4 patties, pressing a dimple in the center of each to help them cook evenly.
- Marinate pineapple and onion: In a separate bowl, toss the drained pineapple slices and red onion rings with a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated and ready to be grilled for added flavor.
- Grill the burgers and vegetables: Place the burgers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which ensures they are safe to eat while still juicy. During the last few minutes, top each patty with a slice of mozzarella cheese to melt. At the same time, grill the pineapple rings, onion slices, and burger buns for approximately 2 minutes per side until nicely charred and warm.
- Assemble and serve: Remove all grilled items from the grill and let the burgers rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Build your burgers by placing each patty on the bottom bun, topping with grilled onions and pineapple, and drizzling with additional teriyaki sauce to taste. Finish with the top buns and serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Letting the burgers rest after grilling helps retain their juices.
- Adjust the amount of teriyaki sauce to your preferred sweetness and saltiness.
- Grilling pineapple and onions enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
- Ensure burger patties have a dimple in the center to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
