If you’re craving a burger that transports your taste buds straight to a sunny island getaway, this Hawaiian Burger Recipe is exactly what you need. With juicy beef patties infused with savory soy and teriyaki flavors, sweet grilled pineapple, and melty mozzarella nestled between toasted buns, every bite bursts with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy. It’s a delightful twist on a classic burger that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to wow your friends at your next cookout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, vibrant ingredients is key to creating the irresistible flavors and textures of the Hawaiian Burger Recipe. Each component brings something unique to the plate, from the rich, seasoned beef to the caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple and onions.
- Cooking spray: For a non-stick surface on the grill ensuring your patties and veggies cook evenly without sticking.
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef: The perfect fat ratio to keep your burger juicy and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the beef mixture.
- 1 bottle teriyaki sauce, divided: This sweet, tangy glaze is the star for marinating and finishing flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a warm, spicy hint that complements the teriyaki.
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances savory notes and seasons the patties beautifully.
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained: Grilled to caramelized perfection for that signature tropical sweetness.
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings: Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch when grilled.
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly over the burgers to add creamy texture without overpowering.
- 4 burger buns: Toasted on the grill for a slight crispness that holds all the juicy goodness together.
How to Make Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Grill and Beef
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high and lightly spritzing it with cooking spray—this prevents anything from sticking and makes flipping easier. In a large bowl, gently mix 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 and press a small dimple in the center of each to help them cook evenly and retain shape.
Step 2: Marinate Pineapple and Onions
Next, toss your pineapple slices and red onion rings in a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. This step infuses the veggies with a juicy sweet-savory flavor that’s absolutely addictive once grilled. Set them aside while you get the grill ready for cooking.
Step 3: Grill Everything to Perfection
Place your patties on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of at least 145°F is reached for safety and juiciness. In the last couple of minutes, top each patty with a slice of mozzarella so it melts perfectly. At the same time, grill the teriyaki-marinated pineapple rings, onion slices, and burger buns for roughly 2 minutes per side until you achieve those beautiful grill marks and a caramelized surface.
Step 4: Rest and Assemble Your Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Once everything is grilled to perfection, remove the patties and veggies, letting the burgers rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then build your burger: start with the bottom bun, place the cheesy beef patty on top, add generous layers of the grilled onion and pineapple, drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce for that extra shine and flavor punch, and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can enhance the Hawaiian Burger Recipe’s tropical vibes and add freshness. Try topping with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of jalapeño for a subtle kick. A crisp lettuce leaf or ripe avocado slices also balance the rich flavors nicely and add a cooling texture.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or a crunchy coleslaw dressed in a light vinaigrette. For something more tropical, serve alongside a fresh mango salsa or grilled corn on the cob brushed with a touch of lime butter to complement those island-style flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve your Hawaiian Burger Recipe on colorful plates garnished with pineapple wedges and edible flowers for a casual luau feel. Alternatively, wrap burgers in parchment paper for an easy picnic or game day meal, making them just as fun to eat as they are to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooked burger patties separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and moisture. Keep the grilled pineapple and onions sealed tightly as well so they don’t dry out or lose their marinade’s tangy goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked beef patties wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best flavor, freeze veggies separately after ensuring they’ve cooled completely. Avoid freezing the whole assembled burger, as buns tend to get soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat patties gently on a stovetop or grill to avoid drying them out, and warm pineapple and onions separately. Toast the buns fresh before assembling to maintain that perfect crunch and softness balance in your Hawaiian Burger Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor perfect for this recipe, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat and extra personality.
Is it necessary to marinate the pineapple and onions?
Marinating the pineapple and onions in teriyaki really boosts their flavor and helps caramelize them on the grill, but if you’re short on time, you can grill them as is for a simpler, yet still delicious, option.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop to cook the patties and vegetables. Just make sure to get a good sear on each side and use medium-high heat to mimic grilling.
Can this Hawaiian Burger Recipe be made with turkey or plant-based patties?
Definitely! Substitute ground turkey or your favorite plant-based patties using the same seasoning and grilling method. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary and adjust accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then grill everything fresh when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a quick, flavorful option during busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about the blend of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in this Hawaiian Burger Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether it’s a casual dinner or a weekend barbecue. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to burger with a tropical twist!
Print
Hawaiian Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Burger recipe combines juicy grilled beef patties seasoned with soy and teriyaki sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, grilled pineapple, and red onion for a sweet and savory tropical twist. Perfectly grilled buns complete this flavorful burger that’s sure to impress at any cookout or casual meal.
Ingredients
Beef Patties
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Grilled Toppings
- 1 can sliced pineapple, drained
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
Other Ingredients
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 burger buns
- Cooking spray
- Additional teriyaki sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare grill and beef: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray the grill grates 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. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, pressing 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 red onion rings with a few tablespoons of teriyaki sauce, coating them evenly to infuse flavor before grilling.
- Grill burgers, pineapple, onion, and buns: 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 couple of minutes of cooking, lay a slice of mozzarella cheese atop each patty to melt. Meanwhile, grill the pineapple rings, onion slices, and burger buns for approximately 2 minutes per side until lightly charred and warm.
- Rest and assemble: Remove the patties, pineapple, onions, and buns from the grill. Allow the burgers to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Assemble each burger by placing a beef patty on the bottom bun, topping it with grilled onions and pineapple, and drizzling with additional teriyaki sauce. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately for a delicious Hawaiian-inspired burger experience.
Notes
- For safety, ensure the beef patties reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F and rest before serving.
- Use preferably fresh pineapple slices if available for better texture and flavor, but canned works well too.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar cheese to vary the flavor profile.
- Brush the buns with melted butter before grilling for extra richness.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, these burgers can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or cast iron skillet.
- Leftover grilled pineapple and onions can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
