Ultimate Hawaiian Burger Recipe: Pineapple and Teriyaki Twist You Need to Try

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory, and Hawaiian burgers bring that magic to life. With juicy pineapple slices, a tangy teriyaki glaze, and perfectly grilled beef patties, this burger feels like a mini tropical getaway in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that instantly brightens up your day.

I love how this recipe takes a classic burger and gives it a fun island-inspired twist. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs so well with the savory patty, while the teriyaki sauce ties everything together with a burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something unique, this burger is always a hit.

Hawaiian Burger: Pineapple And Teriyaki Twist

When I think about crafting an unforgettable burger, it’s all about bringing bold, unique flavors together. The Hawaiian burger is one of my favorites to make because it combines the rich, savory punch of a perfectly grilled beef patty with the sweet tang of pineapple and teriyaki sauce. Let me walk you through how to make your own tropical masterpiece step-by-step.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to build the perfect Hawaiian burger:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the juiciest patties)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 fresh pineapple rings (about ½ inch thick)
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 burger buns (toasted)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 lettuce leaves (crisp and fresh)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Cooking oil (for greasing the grill or pan)

Steps To Assemble The Ultimate Hawaiian Burger

1. Prepare The Beef Patties

Start by seasoning the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the seasonings into the meat without overworking it. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

2. Preheat The Grill Or Skillet

Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking oil to prevent sticking and enhance those beautiful grill marks. Nothing beats that smoky flavor from a hot grill.

3. Grill The Pineapple

Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re caramelized and have golden brown grill marks. Remove them from the heat and set them aside.

4. Cook The Patties

Place the beef patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness. During the last two minutes of cooking, brush each patty generously with teriyaki sauce for that perfect glaze. Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top and let it melt completely.

5. Toast The Buns

While the patties finish, lightly toast your burger buns on the grill or in a pan until golden and slightly crisp. This adds a nice texture and prevents the buns from getting soggy.

6. Assemble The Burger

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. If you like a bit of heat, mix the mayo with a tablespoon of sriracha beforehand. Lay down a fresh lettuce leaf, followed by the teriyaki-glazed beef patty with melted cheese. Top the patty with a grilled pineapple ring and a few slices of red onion. Cap it with the top bun. Pro tip: Use a skewer to hold everything together for easy handling.

Ingredients

When it comes to crafting the ultimate Hawaiian Burger, the right ingredients make all the difference. I’ve carefully selected a mix of savory, sweet, and fresh components to bring this tropical creation to life. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For The Burger Patties

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For The Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger (grated or finely minced)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For The Assembly

• 4 fresh pineapple rings (grilled and lightly caramelized)
• 4 burger buns (lightly toasted)
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup lettuce (shredded or whole leaves)
• 4 slices red onion
• Optional: A handful of crispy fried onions for added crunch

These simple, yet bold ingredients give the Hawaiian Burger its unforgettable fusion of tropical flair and juicy burger goodness.

Tools And Equipment

When it comes to crafting the ultimate Hawaiian Burger with a Pineapple and Teriyaki Twist, using the right tools and equipment makes all the difference. Here’s what I keep by my side to ensure every burger is grilled, glazed, and assembled to perfection.

Essentials for Grilling and Cooking

• Grill or Grill Pan: I love grilling my burgers outdoors for that smoky flavor, but a grill pan works great if you’re indoors. Look for a grill with steady heat control.
• Tongs: A solid set of tongs helps flip your patties and pineapple slices without breaking them apart.
• Silicone Basting Brush: This is key to slathering on that teriyaki glaze without making a mess.
• Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, I use a thermometer to hit that ideal internal temperature of 160°F for the beef patty.

Prepping and Assembling Tools

• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for mixing the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, and seasonings.
• Burger Press or Hands: I prefer using my hands to form the patties—it gives me complete control over the thickness—but a burger press works too if you want uniformity.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need these to slice the fresh pineapple, red onion, and other toppings.
• Spatula: A wide, sturdy spatula makes flipping the patties and handling the buns much smoother.
• Toaster or Skillet: For toasting the burger buns to a nice golden brown.

For Serving and Presentation

• Serving Plates or Burger Trays: Presentation matters! I usually opt for a flat plate or a rustic tray to give that burger joint vibe.
• Paper Towels: These are my secret cleanup weapon to keep the workspace tidy and the burgers looking sharp.

Directions

Making a Hawaiian burger is one of my favorite ways to shake up the classic burger game. Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a juicy, flavorful burger that’ll wow anyone.

Prep The Ingredients

1. Slice your fresh pineapple into rings about ½ inch thick. Remove the core from each ring. Set them aside on a plate.
2. Slice the red onion into thin rings and set aside.
3. Wash and pat dry your butter lettuce leaves, keeping them whole for a crisp texture.
4. Toast the burger buns lightly, either on a griddle or grill, until golden brown. Place them aside.
5. Gather all your ingredients, so everything is ready to go when you’re cooking. This step makes the process a breeze.

Make The Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in 2 tablespoons of water.
2. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
3. Once the sauce is glossy and smooth, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Set it aside in a small bowl for basting and drizzling.

Prepare The Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands—don’t overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Use your hands or a burger press to form them into patties about ½ inch thick.
3. Using your thumb, make a small dimple in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
4. Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes while prepping other elements.

Grill The Pineapple

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for those beautiful grill marks that add a smoky, caramelized flavor.
3. Once done, transfer the grilled pineapple to a plate and set aside.

Cook The Burger Patties

1. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring the surface is preheated evenly.
2. Place the prepared patties on the grill, pressing slightly to ensure good contact. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side.
3. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the patties. Brush the cooked side generously with the teriyaki sauce, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F. Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top during the last minute to let it melt perfectly.

Assemble The Burger

1. Spread mayonnaise on the cut sides of the toasted burger buns.
2. On the bottom bun, layer a leaf of lettuce, a slice of grilled pineapple, and a cooked patty with melted cheese.
3. Add a few rings of red onion for that slight crunch and sweet flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle on crispy fried onions.
4. Drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce on top before placing the top bun.
5. Serve immediately and dig into your sweet and savory masterpiece!

Make-Ahead Instructions

When it comes to crafting a delicious Hawaiian Burger with a pineapple and teriyaki twist, a little prep work goes a long way. As someone who loves experimenting with bold burger creations, I’ve learned that prepping in advance not only makes cooking stress-free but also allows the flavors to really shine. Here’s how I like to get ahead so I’m ready to grill and assemble these tropical beauties with zero hassle.

1. Prepare the Beef Patties

I always season my beef patties ahead of time to let the flavors meld. Mix 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 for the perfect balance of fat) with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Divide the mixture and shape it into four even patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Place parchment paper between the patties and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, they’re ready to go straight on the grill.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer for this recipe. Combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens, then let it cool completely. Transfer the cooled sauce into an airtight jar or container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to grill, you’ll have this sweet and tangy magic ready to brush onto the patties.

3. Prep the Pineapple Rings

Fresh pineapple slices are a must for that sweet tropical kick. I slice them about 1/2 inch thick, then core each ring for that perfect burger fit. You can store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 day. If you’re in a serious crunch for time, you can use canned pineapple rings, but I always recommend going fresh for the best caramelized flavor on the grill.

4. Slice and Wash the Toppings

Red onions should be sliced into thin rounds, and the lettuce should be washed, dried, and torn into burger-sized leaves. You can keep both fresh and crisp by storing the onion slices in an airtight container and wrapping the lettuce leaves in a damp paper towel inside a baggy in the fridge. Both will stay fresh for up to 1 day.

5. Toast the Buns Ahead of Time (Optional)

If you don’t want to toast the buns right before assembling, you can toast them ahead of time. Lightly butter each half and toast them on a grill or skillet until golden brown. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container on your counter for up to 6 hours.

6. Assemble a Burger Station

I like to set up all my prepped ingredients in an organized burger station before grilling starts. This includes placing the patties, teriyaki sauce, pineapple rings, lettuce, red onion, mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, and buns within easy reach. A smooth process during assembly is key for these Hawaiian Burger beauties.

Tips For The Perfect Hawaiian Burger

As someone who’s spent years crafting burgers, I know that every detail matters when it comes to creating the perfect Hawaiian burger. Here are my top tips for ensuring your burger turns out juicy, flavorful, and packed with that perfect island-inspired goodness.

1. Choose the Right Ground Beef

Go for ground beef with an 80/20 blend (80% lean meat, 20% fat). The fat content is critical for a juicy patty. If the beef is too lean, the burger will turn out dry, which is a no-go in my book. I always recommend freshly ground beef for the best flavor and texture.

2. Season with Intention

Don’t skimp on seasoning. Mix onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the beef before shaping your patties. These simple yet effective seasonings balance the sweetness from the pineapple and teriyaki glaze. Be gentle when mixing to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the burger tough.

3. Perfect the Patty Size

Shape the patties to be slightly larger than the burger buns, about ¾ of an inch thick. They’ll shrink slightly on the grill. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty to keep them from puffing up during cooking.

4. Grill Those Pineapple Rings

Fresh pineapple is the heart of this burger. Grill the rings for 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing the pineapple’s sweetness and creating a slight char that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and tangy teriyaki sauce.

5. Homemade Teriyaki Glaze Is a Game-Changer

I can’t recommend this enough—make your own teriyaki sauce! Store-bought versions can be too salty or watery. A homemade glaze with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey elevates the flavor and gives you control over the consistency.

6. Toast the Buns

Toasting the buns is non-negotiable for me. Lightly butter the inside and toast them on the grill for about 1-2 minutes. This step adds a slight crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy when layered with sauce and juicy ingredients.

7. Layer for Maximum Flavor

The order of assembly matters! I like to spread mayonnaise on the bottom bun, followed by a piece of crisp lettuce to act as a barrier for juices. Then, add the beef patty glazed with teriyaki, a grilled pineapple ring, a slice of Swiss cheese, and a few thinly sliced red onions. Finish with the top bun spread with more mayo or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.

8. Use a Meat Thermometer

If you’re grilling, always have a meat thermometer on hand. Cook the beef patties to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety while keeping them juicy. No one enjoys an overcooked burger!

9. Keep the Grill Hot and Clean

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and clean it before cooking. A dirty grill can make your food stick and ruin those beautiful char marks. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking, especially when grilling pineapple.

10. Let Guests Customize

If you’re serving a crowd, I recommend setting up a small DIY burger bar. Include different toppings like avocado slices, crispy bacon, and multiple sauces. It keeps things fun and lets everyone create their own Hawaiian masterpiece.

Conclusion

Crafting a Hawaiian burger is more than just making a meal—it’s about bringing a little tropical joy to your table. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki glaze, and juicy beef creates a flavor experience that’s hard to forget.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just treating yourself, this burger is sure to impress. With a little prep and a few thoughtful touches, you can create a dish that feels both special and effortless. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let this island-inspired twist elevate your burger game. Happy grilling!