Hawaiian Burger

This twist on a classic burger is the perfect dish for warm weather and cookouts with friends and family. Before jumping into the recipe, let’s go over some tips for grilling the perfect burger and what to serve alongside it for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.

What is a Hawaiian Burger?

The Hawaiian burger, also known as an aloha burger, is a tropical twist on the classic burger; this burger is typically made up of a lean ground beef patty, melted swiss cheese, pineapple slices, and teriyaki sauce. The sweet and savory flavors of these ingredients come together to make for a crowd-pleaser, especially during barbecue season!

Enhancing the Pineapple Flavor on Your Burger

Adding your pineapple slices directly to the grill is the easiest way to prepare them for your burger, but what if you want to go the extra mile? Caramelizing can bring out more of the fruit’s natural sweetness and create a golden-brown color that makes your burger look even more appetizing. To caramelize, simply brush the slices with melted butter and a little bit of sugar before cooking. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could skip the pineapple slice altogether and make a substitution for pineapple salsa; this recipe consists of pineapple, peppers, and lime juice, which adds some crunch and a bit of a kick!

How Should I Grill My Pineapple Burger? 

Are you a grilling newbie? We have a few tips that can help you grill your burgers just right. First, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high and put down foil. Adding foil prevents the juice from the pineapple from dripping onto the open fire. The sugar in the juice can burn and flare, creating a bitter burger. Next tip: try not to press down on the patties, as that can make them dry. After 5 minutes, flip to get an even sear, and after 10 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Your goal temperature should be around 160°F for medium-well. 

What Goes Best with Hawaiian Burgers at a Barbecue?

Don’t forget about having side dishes to pair with your meal! Try making a chicken kabob salad with grilled chicken, pineapple chunks, and fresh vegetables. This salad is light and refreshing, so it balances the burger’s flavors well. And for a beverage, make a batch of pineapple lemonade to keep the tropical vibes going. Adding these dishes makes for a well-rounded meal.

Now that you know everything you need to create the perfect Hawaiian burger, you can say goodbye to your typical, everyday get-together, and aloha to an exciting, tropical-inspired barbecue. So, let’s jump into the recipe and get grilling!