The Burger That Will Transport You to the Islands

I remember the first time I bit into a real Hawaiian burger. It wasn’t at a fancy restaurant; it was from a little food truck parked near a beach on Maui, with salty air whipping around.

The combination of sweet, savory, and juicy was something my mainland taste buds had never experienced. It was messy, glorious, and unforgettable.

After that trip, I spent months trying to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. I wanted a burger that could take me back to that moment with just one bite.

This recipe is the result of that quest. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to build a burger packed with the iconic flavors of the islands. Let’s get to it.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to build these amazing burgers. I’ve broken it down to make your grocery run a little easier.

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Beef Patties:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 slices of Provolone or Swiss cheese

For Assembly:

• 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
• 4 hamburger buns (brioche works great)
• 1/2 red onion, sliced into rings
• Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce is a good choice)
• Mayonnaise

Pro Tips

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take these burgers from good to great. Don’t skip these!

1. Don’t Overwork the Meat: When you form the patties, handle the ground beef as little as possible. Just enough to form a patty shape. Overworking it makes the final burger tough and dry.
2. Grill the Pineapple: This is a non-negotiable step. Grilling the pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, deepening the flavor and adding a slight smokiness that is incredible with the teriyaki sauce.
3. Create a Dimple: Before you put the patties on the grill, press a small, shallow indent into the center of each one with your thumb. This prevents them from puffing up into a meatball shape while cooking. They’ll stay flat and cook evenly.
4. Let It Rest: Just like a good steak, let your burger patties rest for a few minutes after they come off the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Tools Required

You don’t need a professional kitchen for this. Here are the basic tools that will get the job done.

• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Grill or a large skillet/grill pan

* Spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Substitutions and Variations

Want to mix things up? This recipe is flexible. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or some red pepper flakes to your teriyaki sauce while it simmers.

Make Ahead Tips

You can definitely get a head start on this recipe to make dinner time smoother.

The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavor actually gets even better overnight.

You can also form the beef patties a day ahead. Place them on a plate, cover them with plastic wrap, and keep them chilled until you’re ready to grill.

How to Make Hawaiian Teriyaki Beef Burgers

Follow these steps, and you’ll be in burger paradise in no time.

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the saucepan and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Form the Patties
Gently combine the ground beef, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Be careful not to overmix. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties that are slightly larger than your buns. Press a dimple into the center of each patty.

Step 3: Grill Everything
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your liking. During the last minute of cooking, brush the patties generously with the teriyaki sauce and top with a slice of cheese to let it melt.

Step 4: Grill the Toppings
While the patties are cooking, place the pineapple rings and red onion slices on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until you see nice grill marks and they’ve softened slightly.

Step 5: Toast the Buns
Spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the cut side of your buns. Place them cut-side down on the grill for the last minute of cooking until they are golden brown and toasty. This adds flavor and prevents them from getting soggy.

Step 6: Assemble Your Burger
It’s time to build your masterpiece. Spread a little mayo on the bottom bun, add a piece of lettuce, then your cheesy teriyaki patty. Top it with a grilled pineapple ring, some grilled red onion, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

Nutrition, Swaps, and Pairings

Let’s talk about how to fit this burger into your lifestyle and what to serve with it.

Dietary Swaps

Making this fit your dietary needs is simple with a few changes.

Meal Pairing Suggestions

These burgers are the star, but a good supporting cast makes the meal complete. Try serving them with:

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
• Classic Macaroni Salad
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette
• Grilled Corn on the Cob

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate per burger, and it can vary based on your specific ingredients.

Leftovers and Storage

If you somehow have leftovers, storing them properly is key.

It’s best to store the components separately. Keep the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store any extra sauce, pineapple, and onions in their own containers.

To reheat, warm the patty in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Assemble with fresh toppings for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Ans: You certainly can if you’re short on time. However, the homemade sauce is what makes this recipe special. It takes only a few minutes to make and has a much fresher, more balanced flavor without extra preservatives.

Q2. How do I prevent my burgers from falling apart on the grill?
Ans: This usually happens for two reasons. First, the meat was overworked. Second, the grill wasn’t hot enough when you put the patties on. Make sure your grill is properly preheated so the meat sears immediately, which helps it hold together.

Q3. Can I bake these burgers instead of grilling them?
Ans: Absolutely. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Brush with the teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of baking.

Wrapping Up

There you have it. A burger that’s so much more than just a burger. It’s a little taste of vacation, a burst of sweet and savory flavor that will make any backyard barbecue feel special.

The real joy comes from making it your own and sharing it with people you care about. So fire up that grill and give it a try.

I’d love to hear how your Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers turn out. Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions you might have!