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Get ready for big flavor—juicy beef, golden pineapple, tangy teriyaki, and soft, fluffy buns join forces. You'll catch that laid-back island feeling right in your backyard. The first time I tossed pineapple over the flames, I knew I'd found my new summer favorite. Now, grilled pineapple goes on every burger we make—plain ones just don't cut it anymore.
I always had a feeling burgers were just waiting for Hawaiian rolls and pineapple. After trying it, yep, totally right! Folks reached for seconds before I finished mine—I had to double up the burgers next time to keep everyone happy.
Unbeatable Ingredients
- Ginger paste: brings a cozy zip, and you’ll find it fresh by the veggies in a tube
- Ground chuck: go for an eighty-twenty mix so you keep the burgers super juicy
- Hawaiian sandwich rolls: pillowy and just barely sweet—grab the softest ones on the shelf
- Fresh pineapple: aim for a ripe, golden one for sweet, juicy grilled rings—peel and core first
- Salt: brightens up every bite—use sea or kosher for easy sprinkling
- Sambal chili paste: adds a warm kick and extra flavor depth—leave it out if you want things mild
- Red onion: slices stay crisp and give a tangy crunch—pick firm onions
- Black pepper: gives a peppery snap—fresh grind makes it pop
- Extra teriyaki sauce: for a final drizzle to keep things super moist—just warm so it's easy to pour
- Kona Coast Island Teriyaki (or your own): thick and sweet-salty—go heavy if you love sauce
- Minced garlic: makes the burger taste deep and rich—fresh is always best
- Swiss cheese: pick thick, fresh slices for the ultimate gooey melt
- Ground beef ham: toss in for extra umami and a firmer bite, just check it’s not dried out or overly salty
- Brown sugar: sprinkle some to caramelize and char your pineapple perfectly on the grill
Easy Steps to Follow
- Mix & Shape Patties:
- Use a big bowl to gently squish together your chuck, beef ham, garlic, ginger, pepper, salt, teriyaki, and sambal. Only mix until it's evenly blended. Flatten into patties with a little dent on top so they don't balloon up.
- Char the Pineapple:
- Cut thick pineapple rings, dust both sides in brown sugar, and grill until they’re deeply golden and striped. Let them chill on a plate for a minute before building your burger.
- Caramelize Onions:
- Slice your red onion into rings, toss them on a grill tray over medium heat, and flip now and then until they’re almost melting and brown everywhere (about ten minutes).
- Sizzle the Burgers:
- Crank your grill to a good medium-high. Drop on patties, then cover in teriyaki as they cook. Only flip once. Right before pulling, slap on Swiss cheese and close the lid—wait for real meltiness.
- Stack It Up:
- Warm your Hawaiian buns over the heat, then pile up a cheesy burger patty, a ring of grilled pineapple, those caramelized onions, and a little more teriyaki. Pop the top bun on and go for a big, hot bite.
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Watching everyone pile up their own burgers is the best part. That sweet, grilled pineapple always steals the thunder. One bite, and suddenly these are all anyone wants to talk about at dinner.
Leftover Storage
To save extras, let burger patties cool down first then wrap them up tight. Slide them into the fridge—they’ll keep for three days, easy. Store pineapple and onions in a separate box. Put together fresh burgers when you're ready, and you won't end up with soggy rolls.
Swap Suggestions
No beef ham? Just replace it with a bit more chuck or plain ground beef. Not a fan of Swiss cheese? Try mozzarella or provolone for the same creamy melt. Store-bought teriyaki works great, but making your own lets you adjust sweet and salty just how you like.
Serving Suggestions
They’re killer with Hawaiian mac salad or crunchy potato chips. Best for warm weather parties, and don't forget a side dish of teriyaki for serious dipping action.
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About the Culture
Hawaii’s food brings together lots of flavors and influences, so you get cool combos like pineapple and zingy teriyaki. Every burger bite brings a little burst of sunny, tropical goodness.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → No ground beef ham handy—can I just use plain beef?
Absolutely! Ground chuck or your favorite beef works. Ham is just for extra oomph, so regular beef is totally cool.
- → Don’t want Swiss—what’s another good cheese here?
Provolone or Monterey Jack both melt down awesome and pair up perfectly with pineapple and teriyaki.
- → Need a grill, or is inside cooking good?
No worries if you can't grill—just use a cast iron skillet or grill pan to sear up juicy, crusty burgers right on your stove.
- → How spicy is sambal chili paste, really?
It's pretty spicy, but super easy to control. Dab on just a bit, or leave it out if you don't want any fire.
- → What sides should I serve with these?
Sweet potato fries, crisp slaw, or a green salad all work. They'll go great with all those bright burger flavors.