Hawaiian Burgers
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Say aloha to these Hawaiian Burgers! They have all the bright, delicious flavors of Hawaii and everything you love in your burger. Served with crispy bacon, juicy grilled pineapple, homemade sugar-free teriyaki sauce and lettuce wraps, these burgers are ultra satisfying.
This recipe was originally posted May 2019 and was republished with more photos on April 2022.
Hawaiian Burgers
Are you looking for a fabulous burger recipe for your next backyard cookout or bbq? Well, you have GOT to check out these Hawaiian inspired Burgers!
Made with ground beef burgers, seasoned and topped with a homemade Whole30 compatible teriyaki sauce. They’re served inside lettuce wraps with grilled pineapple slices, bacon, and red onions.
They’re one of the most unique and wonderful grilling recipes for summertime, with a killer combination of sweet and savory.
When you grill pineapple, the sugars caramelize and become unbelievably sweet and the juiciness is amplified by about a thousand! It perfectly compliments the tangy teriyaki, crispy bacon, and savory burger patty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These summery, tropical-inspired burgers are totally delicious:
- Everyone will love this recipe at your next cookout or backyard party!
- They are a delicious summertime burger that’s a fun twist on the classic.
- These burgers are Whole30 and Paleo friendly, but if you want to eat them on a bun then go for it!
What readers are saying on Instagram:
“This is my new favorite burger!” -Monica
“The burgers were delicious and really simple to make! Perfect!” -Mary
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to make this
Burgers
- Ground Beef
- Teriyaki Sauce: Use my homemade no soy teriyaki sauce recipe (it’s below!) or your favorite storebought brand.
- Pineapple
- Lettuce
- Cooked Bacon
- Red Onion
- Cilantro, optional
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Coconut Aminos: You can substitute soy sauce if you’re not following Paleo/Whole30.
- Rice Vinegar: or substitute apple cider vinegar.
- Medjool Dates
- Garlic
- Ginger: Fresh or frozen ginger works great!
Step by Step Instructions
Ready to make your own Hawaiian burgers?! Me too. Let’s take it step by step.
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce.
First, mince the garlic, dates, and ginger. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer and cook together for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced enough that it coats the back of a spoon. Remove it from the heat.
Optional: Once it’s cooled slightly, strain the sauce the through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. This is not 100% necessary, it’s only for texture so it’s just a preference thing.
Allow the teriyaki sauce to cool, then transfer it to a small container. Cover it and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Step 2: Prepare the Burgers.
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with the teriyaki sauce. Use your hands or a burger press to form the mixture into four patties.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Add the patties to the grill, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium done.
Once they’re done cooking, remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
Step 3: Grill the Pineapple.
Peel, core and slice the pineapples into 1/4 – 1/2 inch slices. (Here’s how to cut pineapple the right way!)
Set the pineapple slices directly on a well oiled and hot grill. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, turning them occasionally to prevent too much charring.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve.
Lay a slice of grilled pineapple and a burger patty on each lettuce wrap, then pile it high with bacon, red onion, and a good drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
Enjoy right away with your favorite side dishes!
Storage Tips
How to store leftovers? If you have any that is! You should store any leftover burgers and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Eat within 3-4 days, per USDA.
What to serve with them
These burgers go great with any classic side dish! Some of my favorites are purple cabbage slaw
and sweet potato fries or sweet potatoes. Of course, it’s also fine to enjoy french fries if you want!
Chipotle corn salsa is another favorite.
If you are planning a backyard luau, you may want to make my sweet Hawaiian chicken for another menu option. Fresh pineapple ginger juice should also be on tap! Or make a big batch of summer punch or a homemade orange crush cocktail.
FAQ
Yes! If you don’t have a grill handy, it’s no problem! Cook the burgers on the stovetop in a skillet, and broil the pineapple slices for about 3 minutes per side, just until they’re charred, watching closely to avoid burning.
Mix the burger ingredients together and form into patties. Place them on a plate side by side (don’t make a pile or a stack) and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Set in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Set the plate on the counter for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the burgers to come closer to room temperature before cooking.
More Healthy Grilling Recipes
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other Whole30 grilling recipes:
- Grilled Halibut with Strawberry Guacamole
- BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Marinated Pork Chops with Rosemary Grilled Peaches
- Asian Steak and Asparagus Kebabs
- Blackened Flounder with Pineapple Salsa
When you make these burgers, be sure to tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom!
Hawaiian Burgers
Equipment
Ingredients
Hawaiian Burgers
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce see below
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Soy Free Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar sub apple cider vinegar if you don’t have it
- 2 pitted medjool dates
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger peeled (about 1 Tablespoon minced ginger)
Toppings
- 1 whole pineapple
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 8 pieces bacon
- 1 head bibb or butter lettuce
Instructions
Prep the Toppings
- Cook the bacon, wash the lettuce, slice the red onion.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- Mince the garlic, dates, and ginger. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Allow to cook together for about 8-10 minutes, or until reduced enough that the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
- Optional step: Strain the sauce through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, pressing the mixture gently to separate all the liquid from the food.
Make the Patties
- Mix the beef with the teriyaki sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 patties.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Set the burgers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
Grill the Pineapple
- Peel, core and slice the pineapples into 1/4 – 1/2 inch slices. Lay them directly on a well oiled and hot grill for about 3 minutes per side, but turn them often to prevent too much charring.
Assemble the Hawaiian Burgers
- Fill each lettuce wrap with grilled pineapple and a burger patty, then pile it high with bacon, red onion, extra teriyaki. Enjoy!
