Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Say “aloha” to your new favorite grilled creation: Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple! This irresistible combination of juicy beef patties, sticky-savory teriyaki glaze, and caramelized pineapple is a tropical party in every bite—and every bit as delicious as it sounds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple come together with just a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each item plays a starring role—think juicy patty, smoky-sweet pineapple, and a little melty cheese to pull it all together.

• Ground Beef: Go for 80–93% lean for burgers that are juicy without being overly greasy. The beef forms the flavorful base for the patties.
• Panko: These delicate Japanese breadcrumbs soak up any extra teriyaki sauce and help the patties hold together beautifully.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and completely crave-worthy, this sauce is mixed into the patty and drizzled on top for double the flavor.
• Coarse Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Simple, but absolutely essential for a balanced, beefy bite.
• Sesame Seed Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns are classic, but you can use your favorite bakery burger buns.
• Pineapple Slices: Grilling pineapple caramelizes its sugars, adding that signature Hawaiian touch with a pop of color.
• Red Onion: A quick grill turns red onion rounds smoky, tender, and sweet.
• Provolone Cheese: Slices of provolone melt seamlessly over the hot burger patties for mild creaminess.
• Butter Lettuce: The lettuce adds crunch and a burst of green freshness to every burger bite.
• Extra Teriyaki Sauce for Drizzling: This is your secret weapon for juiciness and that sticky-glazed finish right before serving!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, adapting for dietary needs, or just craving something new, you can tweak this recipe to fit any mood or occasion.

• Chicken or Turkey Patties: Swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter twist that still soaks up all that delicious teriyaki flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute gluten-free panko and make sure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free for a burger that everyone can enjoy.
• Vegan Friendly: Use your go-to plant-based patties, vegan cheese, and a vegan teriyaki sauce. Grilled pineapple and toppings work perfectly for a satisfying meatless option.
• Add Bacon: For extra savory crunch, top your burgers with crispy bacon—trust me, it’s as good as it sounds!
• Spicy Kick: Add a slice or two of jalapeño or a drizzle of sriracha for a sweet and spicy flavor mashup.

How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Gather Ingredients

Start by preheating your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Give it a quick rub with oil to help prevent sticking—nothing ruins burger night faster than a stuck patty or pineapple ring! While your grill is heating, get all of your ingredients prepped and laid out so assembling the burgers will be a breeze.

Step 2: Make and Shape the Teriyaki Burger Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko, teriyaki sauce, a pinch of salt, and plenty of cracked pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed—don’t overwork it, or your burgers can get tough. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, shape into round patties, and press a small indent in the center with your thumb (this helps them cook evenly and stay flat).

Step 3: Grill the Burger Patties

Place the burger patties onto the hot grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on the first side. Flip, and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust for your preferred doneness. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of provolone cheese to each patty, close the grill lid, and let it melt. Remove the patties and allow them to rest for 5 minutes—this helps keep every juicy drop right where it belongs.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple and Onion

While the burgers rest, pop the pineapple slices and red onion rounds onto the grill. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they have beautiful grill marks and a little char. This step is crucial for that signature smoky-sweet Hawaiian flavor.

Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble

Optional, but highly recommended: place the sesame buns cut side down on the grill for about 2 minutes, until lightly golden and toasty. To build your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple: layer butter lettuce on the bottom bun, then add your cheesy burger patty, grilled onion, pineapple slice, a generous drizzle of teriyaki sauce, and finally the top bun. Dig in while everything is piping hot!

How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

Garnishes

Add a flutter of chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions for a pop of color and an extra hint of freshness. If you love a bit of extra zing, a few red pepper flakes or a quick squeeze of lime over the pineapple are tiny details that make your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple next-level memorable.

Side Dishes

These burgers are calling out for crispy sweet potato fries, a bright mango slaw, or classic grilled corn on the cob. I also love serving them alongside chilled watermelon or a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad to play up the tropical flavors even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun backyard luau vibe, serve your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple on wooden boards with whole grilled pineapples to decorate the table. Or, try making mini slider versions—perfect for parties! Don’t forget tiny umbrellas in your drinks for that final festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover burgers, store cooked patties, grilled pineapple, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can reheat just what you need and keep everything fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked burger patties on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and grill fresh. I don’t recommend freezing pineapple or assembled burgers, as the texture changes, but patties hold up beautifully!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the patties on a skillet or in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. Quickly rewarm pineapple slices on the stovetop or grill for best flavor. Assemble with fresh buns and lettuce for the ultimate “day after” burger experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple, now is your moment! These burgers are everything you want from a summer meal—colorful, craveable, and bursting with tantalizing flavors. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and let a little island magic transform your next burger night.

Print