If you’re looking to bring a little island sunshine to your dinner table, look no further than Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers. These burgers combine juicy, flame-grilled beef patties glazed with sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, crowned with caramelized pineapple, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and punchy red onion, all sandwiched inside a pillowy toasted bun. This recipe delivers explosive tropical flavor in every bite and promises a burger that’s both deliciously familiar and totally unique—perfect for summer cookouts or when you simply need a taste of aloha at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is chosen not just for flavor but for the distinct texture and vivid color it brings to the plate. Quality is everything here, so pick the freshest options you can find and don’t be shy with that sweet-salty teriyaki sauce!
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 80/20): This ratio gives your burgers juiciness and rich flavor—the foundation for that irresistibly tender bite.
- Teriyaki Sauce (1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling): The star of the show—look for a sauce with a good balance of sweet and salty notes, or make your own for extra flair.
- Pineapple Rings (4, fresh or canned): When grilled, these develop gorgeous caramelization and add a tangy pop that screams summer.
- Swiss or Provolone Cheese (4 slices): These options melt beautifully, lending a creamy, slightly nutty layer that pairs wildly well with the teriyaki glaze.
- Burger Buns (4): Go for soft, sturdy buns—an upgrade to brioche or Hawaiian rolls really doubles down on the tropical theme.
- Green Leaf Lettuce (4 leaves): For a fresh, crisp crunch that balances those bold flavors.
- Red Onion (4 slices): Just thick enough to add a mild, peppery zing and a beautiful splash of color.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Classic burger seasonings—don’t skip these!
- Oil (1 tbsp, for grilling): Helps ensure nothing sticks, giving your burgers and pineapple those perfect grill marks.
How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
Step 1: Prep the Grill and Ingredients
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high. A lightly oiled surface will make all the difference when it comes time to flip those gorgeous burger patties and caramelize the pineapple—so brush or drizzle about a tablespoon of oil over your grill grates or skillet before you get cooking.
Step 2: Shape and Season the Patties
With clean hands, shape your ground beef into 4 equal patties, handling the meat gently for the best texture. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper—this basic step sets the stage for all the bold flavors to follow.
Step 3: Grill and Glaze the Burgers
Place burger patties onto the preheated grill and let them sear for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping only once for maximum juiciness. During the last minute or so of grilling, brush each patty with a good amount of teriyaki sauce, which will sizzle and lightly caramelize into a beautiful, shiny glaze.
Step 4: Make Them Extra Cheesy
Add a slice of Swiss or provolone cheese to each burger just after you’ve glazed them. Close the grill lid or cover the pan briefly to help the cheese melt into gorgeous, gooey perfection—this step is the finishing touch for that classic burger experience.
Step 5: Grill the Pineapple and Toast the Buns
Set your pineapple rings on the hot grill and let them cook for about 1–2 minutes per side. Look for grill marks and slightly caramelized edges—the sugars in the pineapple will get beautifully golden. Pop your buns onto the grill, cut side down, and let them toast lightly so they’ll stand up to all those juicy toppings without falling apart.
Step 6: Assemble the Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
This is the fun part! Layer a fresh leaf of green lettuce on your bottom bun, then top with a cheesy burger patty. Add a thick slice of red onion, then gently place one caramelized pineapple ring on top. Give it a final flourish with another drizzle of teriyaki sauce, crown with the top bun, and your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers are ready to devour immediately.
How to Serve Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
Garnishes
A few sprigs of cilantro or a scattering of sliced green onions really bring out the freshness of your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers. For a spicy kick, try a smear of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—you’ll love how they play off the sweet and savory notes.
Side Dishes
Classic choices like crispy kettle chips or golden sweet potato fries are never out of place. For a more summery vibe, serve these burgers with a side of creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a light fruit salad to echo those tropical flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers to really wow a crowd, try serving them slider-style for parties, stacking mini versions on a platter with colorful skewers. Or offer a burger bar where friends can add extra toppings like pickled jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or different cheeses to truly customize their island feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers, allow the cooked patties and toppings to cool to room temperature before wrapping them in foil or transferring to airtight containers. Store the components separately in the fridge, where everything will keep fresh for up to 3 days and be easy to assemble for a quick midweek meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled burger patties (without toppings or buns) for future tropical cravings. Let them cool completely, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Label and date them—your burgers will be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers, warm the patties in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side, or zap briefly in the microwave for convenience. Add fresh toppings and a bun right before serving to keep the flavors bright and textures just right.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works beautifully in Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers. Just keep in mind they’re leaner, so a gentle hand and a little extra teriyaki sauce (or even a touch of oil) will help ensure juicy results every time.
Can I make these burgers indoors?
Yes, and they’ll still taste amazing! Use a grill pan or a regular nonstick skillet on your stovetop. Make sure to keep the heat medium-high and follow the same steps for glazing and melting the cheese.
What type of teriyaki sauce should I use?
You can use your favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce, whether it’s thick and glossy or a thinner variety. Homemade also works wonders—if you prefer something with a little extra ginger or garlic, go for it! The important part is that it’s something you love.
How do I keep my burgers from falling apart on the grill?
Start with cold, well-formed patties and try not to flip them more than once while cooking. The 80/20 beef mix is flavorful and helps bind the patty. And don’t forget a lightly oiled grilling surface—this helps everything stay together and come off easily.
Any tips for making these burgers ahead for a party?
Sure! You can prep the raw patties and slice your toppings ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Toast the buns and grill the pineapple just before serving for that fresh-off-the-grill taste that makes Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers truly unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hungry for an easy meal bursting with tropical flair, give these Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers a try. They’re proof that a few fresh ingredients and a splash of creativity can turn your usual burger night into something genuinely memorable. Fire up the grill, gather your friends, and get ready to savor every layer of this island-inspired favorite!
Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: None
Description
Juicy grilled burgers glazed with sweet teriyaki sauce, stacked with fresh pineapple rings, red onion, lettuce, and melted cheese on a toasted bun—tropical summer flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 4 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 4 slices red onion
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (for grilling)
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Prepare Patties: Form ground beef into 4 equal patties, season with salt and pepper.
- Grill Burgers: Grill burgers for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with teriyaki sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Add Cheese: Add cheese slices on top of patties and allow to melt.
- Grill Pineapple Rings: Grill pineapple rings for 1–2 minutes per side until caramelized.
- Toast Buns: Toast buns lightly on the grill.
- Assemble Burgers: Place lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by the beef patty with cheese, a slice of red onion, grilled pineapple, and an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Top with bun and serve immediately with chips or sweet potato fries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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