Description
Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers are juicy beef patties seasoned with garlic and onion powder, topped with sweet grilled pineapple rings, melted Swiss cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Glazed with savory teriyaki sauce and served on toasted buns, these burgers blend sweet, smoky, and savory flavors perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns, split
- 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 red onion slices
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Sauces and Oil
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high to ensure it’s hot enough to sear the burgers and caramelize pineapple properly.
- Prepare the patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat. Divide into four equal portions and shape into patties slightly larger than the buns.
- Glaze the patties: Brush each patty with 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce, coating both sides for flavor infusion.
- Grill the burgers: Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting to your preferred doneness. Avoid pressing down on patties to keep them juicy.
- Add cheese topping: In the last minute of grilling, add a slice of Swiss cheese to each patty. Close the grill or cover to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Grill pineapple rings: Cook pineapple rings on the grill for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop caramelized grill marks and soften slightly.
- Toast the buns: Place the split hamburger buns cut-side down on the grill until lightly golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the buns if desired. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, the cheeseburger patty, grilled pineapple ring, and red onion slices. Drizzle remaining teriyaki sauce over the top for extra glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if using. Cap with the top bun halves and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and caramelization, but canned can be used in a pinch.
- Replace Swiss cheese with cheddar or provolone for a different cheese profile.
- Perfect served alongside fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Cooked burger patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
