Hawaiian Burgers

5 from 8 votes

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.

A burger stacked on top of a slice of grilled pineapple and topped with bacon, onion and teriyaki.

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

All the recipe ingredients labeled.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make this

Burgers

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.

Collage with teriyaki sauce ingredients and finished sauce in a glass cup.

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.

Collage with the burger ingredients in a bowl, formed into patties, then cooking on grill.

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.

Four slices of pineapple cooking on a grill.

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. 

Grilled slices of pineapple and burgers on a white plate.

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.

Top view of the Aloha burger topped with red onion, bacon, and grilled pineaapple.

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

Can I cook this without a grill?

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.

How do I prep burgers in advance?

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:

When you make these burgers, be sure to tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom!

One Aloha Hawaiian Burger drizzled with homemade teriyaki.

Hawaiian Burgers

Super flavorful Whole30, Paleo, and Gluten Free burger recipe, great for cookouts and weeknight dinners alike!
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

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!

Notes

Indoor cooking: Cook the burgers on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-high heat. Broil the pineapple slices on a lined baking sheet for about 3 minutes per side, just until they’re charred, watching closely to avoid burning.
To make in advance: Mix the burger ingredients together and form them into patties. Place them on a plate side by side and cover tightly. 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. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 1199mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1385IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 3mg
Did you try this recipe? Share it with us on Instagram! @cookathomemom!
5 from 8 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. How do you come up with these amazing recipes? Burgers on pineapple! I would have never imagined how delicious this tastes. You need to start your own restaurant or something!

  2. 5 stars
    I’m rewriting my comment, lol your website called me a spammer. Makes me sad. I didn’t know if I would delete my original question or not lol.

    I asked you since I don’t do meats that well, could I just use jackfruit for this recipe? I don’t use beef at all period. I used to use Turkey meat a lot then I read somewhere that it’s actually bad for us? Have you heard that? I really want to do this recipe!!! Everything about it SCREAMS FOR ME!!! Thanks for your time Laura!!! 💕

    1. Hi Candace, So sorry about that! I have a comment filter that sometimes thinks emojis are spam. So strange! But yes, of course! Jackfruit is soooo delicious and an awesome substitution!!!

  3. 5 stars
    Im not a fan of meat anymore – except chicken – even then im a little iffy.

    However!! Could I just use jackfruit instead for the “meat” ? This whole thing looks incredible and ive got to have it!!!!!! 💕

  4. 5 stars
    The grilled pineapple makes the burger! The homemade teriyaki was really good too. Thanks I can’t wait to make this again.