If you are craving a burger that bursts with sweet and savory flavors, you have to try this Hawaiian Burger Recipe. This delightful creation captures the vibrant essence of the islands, combining juicy beef patties seasoned with a tangy teriyaki marinade, melted mozzarella cheese, and caramelized pineapple rings that add a perfect touch of tropical sweetness. It is quick to prepare, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress at any summer cookout or casual dinner. Trust me, once you get a bite of this juicy, flavorful masterpiece, it will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Hawaiian Burger Recipe is a breeze thanks to the simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays an essential role in building layers of deliciousness—from the juicy, well-seasoned beef to the sweet and tangy pineapple and savory teriyaki glaze.
- Cooking spray: Helps keep your grill clean and prevents sticking for perfect patties and toppings.
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef: The ideal fat ratio to ensure juicy, flavorful burgers with great texture.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the beef marinade.
- 1 bottle teriyaki sauce, divided: The star of the dish, infusing both the meat and toppings with sweet-savory island vibes.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle warmth and aromatic hint to the beef mixture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the overall savory profile with a lovely garlicky punch.
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained: Delivers juicy sweetness and becomes caramelized and smoky on the grill.
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings: Adds a mild, slightly sweet crunch that balances the flavors perfectly.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the patties with a creamy, mild touch.
- 4 burger buns: The sturdy but soft foundation to hold all your delicious ingredients together.
How to Make Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Beef
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic salt. Mix just enough to distribute the flavors without compacting the meat too much. Then, shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties, making a slight dimple in the center of each to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Marinate Pineapple and Onions
While the grill is heating, toss the drained pineapple slices and thick onion rings in a separate bowl with a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. This step infuses the toppings with that irresistible sweet-savory glaze, which will caramelize beautifully on the grill, adding extra flavor to every bite.
Step 3: Grill the Burgers and Toppings
Place the beef patties on the grill and cook them for about four minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F or higher for safe consumption. Add mozzarella cheese slices on top of each patty during the final few minutes so it melts over the meat. At the same time, grill the pineapple rings, onion slices, and burger buns for about two minutes per side to get slightly charred and tender.
Step 4: Rest and Assemble
Once cooked, remove the patties and toppings from the grill and allow the burgers to rest for five minutes to lock in their juices. To assemble, place each burger on the bottom half of the bun, top it generously with grilled pineapple and onion rings, drizzle some additional teriyaki sauce for extra flavor, and finally, crown it with the top bun.
How to Serve Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or even a handful of thinly sliced green onions can elevate your Hawaiian Burger Recipe to new heights. These fresh elements provide a lovely crunch and color contrast while balancing the rich and sweet flavors. Don’t forget a few toothpicks to keep the towering creations intact!
Side Dishes
This burger pairs wonderfully with classic favorites like crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges. For a lighter option, try a refreshing mixed green salad or grilled corn on the cob brushed with a lime-chili butter to complement the tropical vibe. Even a cold coleslaw with a tangy dressing adds a delightful crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Hawaiian Burger Recipe party-ready by serving sliders instead of full-sized burgers, perfect for sampling and sharing. Alternatively, wrap the burgers in banana leaves before grilling to infuse an earthy aroma. You can also add a drizzle of spicy mayo or a splash of pineapple juice in the bun for an extra burst of flavor that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap each burger tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days for the best taste and texture. Keep any extra grilled pineapple and onions separate to avoid soggy buns.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties individually by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze then transferring to freezer-safe bags. Avoid freezing assembled burgers since the bun and toppings don’t hold up well. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently on a skillet or grill to avoid drying out, and warm the buns separately in a toaster or oven. Add fresh pineapple and onions after reheating rather than before to keep them flavorful and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for this Hawaiian Burger Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative, though they may require careful cooking to prevent drying out. Adding a bit of extra moisture, like a splash of teriyaki sauce or finely chopped onion inside the patties, can help keep them juicy.
What type of teriyaki sauce works best?
A store-bought ready-made teriyaki sauce works perfectly here, but if you prefer homemade, a balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger simmered until thick will make your Hawaiian Burger Recipe shine.
Can I grill this recipe indoors?
Yes, if you have an indoor grill or grill pan, you can recreate the flavors in your kitchen. Just make sure to monitor the heat carefully to get those beautiful char marks and caramelization without overcooking.
What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
Swiss, provolone, or even a mild cheddar offers a delicious alternative that melts well and adds a different flavor dimension to the Hawaiian Burger Recipe.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple is wonderful when in season and adds extra juiciness, but canned pineapple works just as well and is convenient year-round. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid overly soggy burgers.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably special about this Hawaiian Burger Recipe that brings sunshine and flavor to any meal. It’s quick, simple, and bursting with layers of sweet and savory notes that will impress family and friends every time. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a burger experience that’s as fun and vibrant as a day in paradise. Happy grilling!
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Hawaiian Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Burger recipe combines juicy, flavorful beef patties marinated with teriyaki and soy sauce, grilled to perfection and topped with sweet pineapple rings, grilled red onions, and melted mozzarella cheese. Served on toasted buns with an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce, this burger offers a delightful fusion of savory and tropical flavors in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Marinade
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (for the beef marinade)
- Additional teriyaki sauce (for pineapple, onions, and serving)
Toppings and Buns
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 burger buns
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare grill and beef: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and spray the grill grates lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic salt. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender. Shape the mixture into four evenly sized patties, creating a small dimple in the center of each to promote even cooking.
- Marinate pineapple and onions: In a separate bowl, toss the drained pineapple slices and red onion rings with a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. This will infuse them with a sweet and savory glaze that complements the burger flavors during grilling.
- Grill burgers and toppings: Place the beef patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for medium doneness. During the last few minutes on the grill, top each patty with a slice of mozzarella cheese to melt. At the same time, grill the marinated pineapple rings, onion slices, and burger buns for about 2 minutes per side until nicely charred and warmed through.
- Rest and assemble: Remove the burgers, pineapple, onions, and buns from the grill. Let the patties rest for about 5 minutes to retain their juices. To assemble, place each rested burger patty on the bottom half of a bun, top with grilled onions and pineapple, then drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the beef to keep burgers juicy and tender.
- Use medium-high heat on the grill to get good sear marks and avoid drying out the patties.
- Resting the burgers after grilling helps retain their moisture.
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to a gas grill.
- Substitute mozzarella with Swiss or cheddar cheese according to preference.
