Every bite of these juicy Hawaiian burgers has a blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that’s quite unlike any other burger. They are a fusion of American burger culture and Hawaiian-style grilling, making these Hawaiian teriyaki burgers offer a unique and gourmet twist on the classic beef hamburger. The addition of crispy bacon, grilled pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and other island-inspired ingredients transforms the humble beef burger into a tropical sensation. Serve it with some Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and you’ve got a fantastic dinner! For more juicy burger recipes, check out my Juicy Lucy Burgers, Cilantro Bomb Burger, Soy-Glazed Mushroom Swiss Burgers, and my Red, White, and Blueberry Bacon Burger!
Why We Love This Recipe
This Hawaiian burger recipe creates a wonderful balance of textures, from the crunchiness of the lettuce to the softness of the brioche buns, and the juiciness of the burger itself. They’re perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy indoor gathering, with the Hawaiian-style topping offering a taste of the tropics any time of the year. For those who love to experiment, there’s endless room to change up the recipe, by using your favorite cheese and burger sauces.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Ground Beef – Use good quality beef if you can; we prefer 80/20 or 85/15 for burgers as this ensures a juicy, flavorful patty. Salt & Pepper – Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential seasonings to enhance the beef’s natural flavors. Pineapple Rings – The star of the Hawaiian Burger. They can be fresh or canned for this recipe, adding a sweet and tangy taste. Teriyaki Sauce – For a signature Hawaiian flair with sweet and savory notes. Use a combination of soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, vinegar (rice or apple cider), sesame seeds, sesame oil, fresh ginger (or ground ginger), minced garlic, cornstarch, and cold water. You can use a store-bought sauce if you prefer or need to save time. Bacon – To top the burgers with a deliciously smoky flavor. Cheese – I like to use provolone cheese slices here as they melt beautifully, adding a creamy texture. Red Onion – Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch on top of the burgers. Green Leaf Lettuce – For freshness and a bit of crunch. Brioche Buns – Soft and slightly sweet, these buns complement the burger perfectly. Use my Homemade Brioche Hamburger Buns Recipe, or another kind of burger buns if you wish. Mayo – To add a creamy component to the burger. Use regular, flavored, or spicy mayo for an extra kick.
How to Make Hawaiian Burgers
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
Grilling Hawaiian Burger and Assembly Instructions
Tips for Success
Handling the ground beef too much can make the patties tough, so only mix it just enough to form the patties. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to help the burgers cook evenly and prevent them from puffing up in the middle. To ensure even cooking, let the ground beef patties sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. Season the patties generously before cooking; don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! If using canned pineapple, pat the rings dry before grilling, as this will help with better caramelization. A good-quality bun, like a brioche, can make a big difference in your burger experience.
Substitutions and Variations
You can swap the beef patties for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, use plant-based burger patties for a meatless version, or even try experimenting with a seafood patty, like a tuna or salmon burger, for a unique twist. Although Provolone Cheese is my go-to for burgers, Havarti, Cheddar, or Swiss cheese will add different flavors. Skip the bun and use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative. If you like a bit of heat then make some sriracha mayo by adding a couple of drops of hot sauce to your mayonnaise. Try using some other sauces to add other flavors. My Onion Blooming Outback Sauce, Kansas City BBQ Sauce, and this Alabama White BBQ Sauce are all tried and approved in our house! Burgers are one of the most versatile snacks so swap and add to the toppings as you desire! A few pickle slices would give a tart contrast to the sweetness of this burger, while slices of fresh tomato would add a juicy, garden-fresh element. Try my Crispy Fried Onion Strings for a crunchy addition too! For a spicy Hawaiian burger, pineapple and jalapeños with BBQ sauce is one of my favorite combinations.
More Gourmet Burger Recipes
Juicy Bison Burgers Burgers 101: How to Grill Burgers Bacon Jam Burgers Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers Grilled Poblano Pepper Southwest Burgers
Rare: 5–6 minutes total Medium-rare: 6–7 minutes total Medium: 8–9 minutes total Medium-well to well-done: 9+ minutes total
Red, White, and Blueberry Bacon Burger with Basil Aioli
Cilantro Bomb Burger
Juicy Lucy Burgers
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
