If you crave a burger that transports you to a tropical paradise with every bite, this Hawaiian Burger Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, flavorful beef patties infused with soy and garlic, topped with melted mozzarella, sweet teriyaki-glazed pineapple, and tender grilled red onions come together on a toasted bun for an irresistible island-inspired feast. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet festive enough to impress friends at your next barbecue. Let’s dive into all the juicy details that make this Hawaiian Burger Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Hawaiian Burger Recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether adding savory depth, sweetness, tang, or that perfectly smoky char from the grill.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the grill grates slick so your patties and veggies don’t stick, ensuring perfect grill marks.
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef: The classic ratio delivers juicy, flavorful burgers every time due to good fat content.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds an umami punch and enhances the beef’s natural taste without overwhelming.
- 1 bottle teriyaki sauce, divided: Provides a sweet, savory glaze for both the patties and the grilled pineapple and onions.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle piquancy that complements the teriyaki’s sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Infuses a savory garlic boost and helps season the patties evenly.
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained: The star tropical ingredient that caramelizes beautifully on the grill and balances the savoriness.
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings: Adds a slightly sweet crunch and pairs perfectly with char and teriyaki sauce.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts gorgeously over the beef for creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- 4 burger buns: Toasted on the grill for that warm, crunchy finish, holding all the delicious layers together.
How to Make Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Grill and Beef
First, get your grill fired up to medium-high heat and spray the grates with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef with two tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic salt. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is tender, juicy patties, not dense ones. Shape this mixture into four equal patties, pressing a small dimple in the center of each to keep them from puffing up unevenly while cooking.
Step 2: Marinate Pineapple and Onions
While the patties come to room temperature, toss your drained pineapple slices and red onion rings in a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. This quick marinade infuses the fruit and veggies with savory sweetness, readying them for that irresistible caramelized finish on the grill.
Step 3: Grill Patties, Pineapple, Onions, and Buns
Place the beef patties on the grill and cook each side for about 4 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F or higher, which maintains juiciness while ensuring safety. During the last minute or so, add a slice of mozzarella cheese to each patty so it melts over the warm meat. Grill the marinated pineapple and onion rings alongside, cooking each side for about 2 minutes to achieve beautiful grill marks and caramelization. Don’t forget to toast the burger buns on the grill for 2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp.
Step 4: Rest and Assemble Your Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Once everything is grilled to perfection, remove the patties, pineapple, onions, and buns from the heat and let the burger patties rest for 5 minutes—this helps seal in the juices. Then assemble your burgers by placing each cheesy patty on the bottom bun, layering with grilled onions, pineapple slices, and an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce if you like that added punch. Cap with the top bun, and you’ve got a Hawaiian masterpiece ready to enjoy immediately.
How to Serve Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of freshness and texture, consider topping your Hawaiian Burger with crisp lettuce or baby spinach leaves. A few slices of ripe avocado or a handful of chopped green onions sprinkle a splash of color and creamy or zesty contrast to the sweet and smoky combo.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw to balance its sweetness. Grilled corn on the cob or a fresh mango salsa can also elevate the tropical vibe and add a refreshing juicy crunch on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Serve these Hawaiian Burger Recipes as slider stacks for bite-sized fun or assemble them on colorful, tropical-themed plates with mini cocktail umbrellas to bring the island spirit to your table. You could even thread the pineapple, onion, and beef pieces onto skewers as a fun deconstructed twist for your next cookout.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover burgers, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess, and save any extra grilled pineapple and onions in a sealed container as well.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked burger patties by placing wax paper between each patty to prevent sticking and putting them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the buns and grilled pineapple if you want to maintain their best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped with foil to prevent drying out. Toast the buns separately to restore their crispness, and quickly warm the pineapple and onions in a pan or microwave to bring back their juicy sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully without overpowering, cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone would all add interesting flavors and melt textures that work great with the Hawaiian Burger Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef patties for grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based burger patties. The teriyaki-glazed pineapple and onions still add that signature sweet-savory punch, making for a delicious meatless alternative.
Can I cook the burgers indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely. Use a grill pan or a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat, adding a little oil to prevent sticking. You can still get great caramelization and cook the pineapple and onions in the same pan for that smoky flavor profile.
How important is letting the burgers rest?
Resting the patties for 5 minutes after grilling is key to juicy burgers because it allows the meat’s juices to redistribute evenly, preventing them from escaping as soon as you bite into the burger.
Can I prepare any parts of this Hawaiian Burger Recipe in advance?
You can mix and form the patties ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours before grilling. Also, marinate the pineapple and onions beforehand to deepen their flavor for a quicker assembly when guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about sinking your teeth into a Hawaiian Burger Recipe that bursts with sweet, savory, and smoky flavors all at once. It’s a fantastic way to bring a little sunshine into your meal routine, and it’s ideal for both casual family dinners and lively gatherings with friends. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself craving it all year long.
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Hawaiian Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Burger recipe combines juicy, flavorful beef patties marinated in teriyaki and soy sauce with sweet grilled pineapple and red onions. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served on toasted buns, it offers a perfect blend of savory and sweet with a tropical twist. Ready in just 15 minutes, this grilled burger is ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- Cooking spray
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (from the bottle, divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
For the Toppings
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 burger buns
- Additional teriyaki sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare grill and beef: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic salt. Mix gently to incorporate all ingredients without overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into four even patties, making a slight dimple in the center of each to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate pineapple and onions: In a separate bowl, toss the drained pineapple slices and thick red onion rings with a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. This will infuse them with a sweet-savory flavor that complements the burger perfectly when grilled.
- Grill burgers, pineapple, onions, and buns: Place the beef patties on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F, indicating they are safely cooked. During the last few minutes of grilling, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty to melt. Also grill the pineapple rings, onion slices, and burger buns for approximately 2 minutes per side until they develop nice grill marks and a slight caramelization.
- Rest and assemble: Remove all items from the grill and allow the burgers to rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute within the meat. To assemble, place each burger patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun, top with the grilled red onion and pineapple slices, and drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce for extra flavor. Finish by adding the top bun and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the ground beef to keep the patties tender.
- Using 80/20 ground beef provides a good balance of juiciness and flavor.
- The dimple in the center of the patties helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up in the center.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or Swiss cheese for a different taste.
- If you prefer a spicier burger, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the beef mixture.
- Letting the burgers rest after grilling ensures they remain juicy when eaten.
