Hawaiian Teriyaki Beef Burgers

Juicy pineapple and savory teriyaki sauce meld in these Hawaiian teriyaki beef burgers for a tropical burger night that feels both classic and new. No one ever leaves the table hungry and these come together in under half an hour using easy to find ingredients.

I first made these after returning from a family getaway to the islands—I wanted my kitchen to smell just as warm and inviting. Now these burgers are our go to when cookout weather hits or I just miss the beach.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground beef: eighty percent lean to twenty percent fat ratio gives the best flavor and moisture
• Teriyaki sauce: brings that signature salty-sweet umami make sure to use a good quality sauce that tastes balanced
• Panko: adds a lightness to the burgers helping them stay juicy inside
• Salt and black pepper: rounds out and enhances all the savory flavors
• Pineapple rings: pick a ripe pineapple or use canned in juice not syrup for best texture and grill marks
• Buns: sturdy hamburger buns toast up perfectly and hold everything together
• Cheese slices: provolone Swiss or pepper jack melt beautifully over the beef for extra richness
• Red onion: grilling brings out a natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with the pineapple
• Lettuce: pick fresh lettuce for a crisp and cool bite in every burger

How to Make It

Make the Patty Mixture:

Combine ground beef panko teriyaki sauce garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined so the burgers stay tender and not tough.

Shape the Patties:

Divide the mixture into four even portions. Shape each into a round patty about a half inch thick and press a gentle dimple in the center of each so they cook evenly and do not balloon up as they grill.

Heat the Grill or Grill Pan:

Bring your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and give it a few minutes to get really hot. This helps get those caramelized edges and prevents sticking.

Grill the Burgers:

Place the patties directly on the grill grates. Cook for four to five minutes without moving so a good crust forms. Flip carefully with a spatula brush the tops with extra teriyaki sauce and finish cooking for another four to five minutes or until the burgers reach your desired doneness.

Char Pineapple and Onion:

While the patties cook lay the pineapple rings and sliced red onion on the grill beside them. Grill only two to three minutes per side until you have dark grill marks and the fruit is warmed through with smoky flavor.

Add Cheese:

During the final minute of cooking add a slice of cheese to each patty. Close the grill lid if you have one or tent with foil so it melts smoothly over the beef.

Toast the Buns:

Set the buns cut-side down on the grill for about one minute until lightly golden and reinforced. Watch carefully as they can burn fast on direct heat.

Assemble the Burgers:

Layer each bottom bun with fresh lettuce then top with the hot cheesy burger patty grilled onion and a charred pineapple ring. Drizzle over a little more teriyaki sauce if you crave extra sauciness then finish with the top bun. Serve right away for the best contrast of textures and flavors.

Nothing makes me smile more than the moment my kids bite into these burgers and hear the crunch of crispy lettuce and sweet pineapple at the same time. The grilled pineapple is my favorite touch and reminds me of the hibachi dinners we celebrated birthdays with growing up.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips: Leftover cooked patties can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on a skillet over medium heat until hot through so they stay juicy. Keep buns and toppings separate until serving. If you want to freeze extra patties let them cool fully before wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a zip bag. Freeze for up to six weeks. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Ingredient Substitutions: Chicken or turkey can be swapped for ground beef for a lighter version just keep an eye on doneness. Gluten free panko or ground oats deliver similar texture for anyone avoiding wheat. Vegan cheese and plant-based patties work here too I have made them for a neighbor with good results.

Serving Suggestions

Pile high with extra grilled veggies like bell peppers or portobello mushrooms for a veggie boost. Serve these burgers with sweet potato fries or a tangy slaw to balance the sweet and savory. For cocktail parties make mini sliders with the same toppings.

Creative Twists

Cultural Roots: Hawaiian burgers blend American backyard grilling with tropical flavors that traveled to Hawaii along with laborers and immigrants. Teriyaki itself is a Japanese technique marrying soy ginger and sweetness used in marinades for centuries. Adding pineapple became a symbol of fusion cuisine in postwar Hawaii. Seasonal Adaptations: In winter use a stovetop grill pan with ridges for best sear. Add roasted red peppers in fall or thinly sliced cucumber and sprouts in spring to shift with seasons. Try grilled mango or peach in place of pineapple when they are in season for a twist.

A friend served these at their backyard luau and told me they were the first burgers to disappear. My neighbor loved them so much they tried them with chicken and said it was a hit for their picky eaters. Do not be surprised if they end up on your regular barbecue menu.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of beef works best for these burgers?

Ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio offers the right balance of juiciness and flavor, perfect for grilling.

→ Do I have to grill the pineapple rings?

Grilling the pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, adding tangy sweetness that complements the savory beef.

→ Can different cheeses be used?

Yes, provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack all melt well and enhance the flavors, but any favorite cheese can be used.

→ How do I prevent burgers from bulging in the center?

Press a small dimple in the center of each patty before grilling to ensure even cooking and shape.

→ What kind of buns are best for serving?

Soft but sturdy hamburger buns work well, especially if lightly toasted to hold up to the juicy toppings.