Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe

Imagine biting into a juicy burger where sweet caramelized pineapple meets savory teriyaki glaze, all perfectly stacked on a toasted bun. That's exactly what you'll get with this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe. I've been grilling these Hawaiian-style beauties for years at summer cookouts, and they never fail to steal the show. The contrast between the charred pineapple rings and the glazed beef patty creates a flavor explosion that'll transport you straight to a tropical beach.

This Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe brings together the best of sweet and savory cooking in one incredible meal. Whether you're firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ or just want to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Trust me, once you try this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe, your regular burgers will never be the same.

What Makes This Island-Style Burger Unforgettable

The magic of this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors. The homemade teriyaki marinade soaks into the meat, creating layers of umami goodness while the pineapple caramelizes on the grill, releasing its natural sugars. I stumbled upon this combination during a trip to Hawaii, where I tasted my first pineapple burger at a local food truck. Since then, I've perfected my own version that's become a family favorite.

What sets this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe apart is the double dose of teriyaki; first in the marinade and again as a glaze during cooking. The acidity from the pineapple cuts through the richness of the beef, while the teriyaki sauce ties everything together with its sweet-salty profile. This Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe pairs beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh Asian cucumber salad. The Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe works wonderfully for summer entertaining, but honestly, I make these year-round because they're just that good.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Glaze That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Time to Fire Up Your Grill
• Related
• Pairing
• Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers Recipe

Ingredients

Teriyaki Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Fresh ginger, minced
• Garlic, minced
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch

Burgers

• Ground beef
• Fresh pineapple rings
• Brioche buns
• Swiss or provolone cheese
• Lettuce leaves
• Red onion
• Tomato slices

Teriyaki Mayo

• Sriracha
• Mayonnaise
• Reserved teriyaki sauce

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce and Marinate

1. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Pour the cornstarch into a small cup with 2 tablespoons of water, mix until smooth, then add to the teriyaki mixture.
3. Transfer half of the sauce to a separate container and refrigerate; this will be your finishing glaze and mayo ingredient.
4. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾-inch thick, making a small indent in the center with your thumb.
5. Place the patties in a shallow dish and pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over them, turning to coat both sides.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.

Prep Your Toppings and Grill Setup

1. Remove the core from fresh pineapple and cut into ½-inch thick rings, ensuring they're uniform for even cooking.
2. Pat the pineapple rings dry with paper towels; this helps them caramelize rather than steam.
3. Slice your red onion, tomatoes, and wash the lettuce leaves, then arrange everything on a prep tray.
4. Mix the teriyaki mayo by combining mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of the reserved teriyaki sauce and sriracha if using.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
6. Toast the brioche buns cut-side down on the grill for about 1 minute until golden; set aside.

Grill the Burgers and Pineapple

1. Remove the patties from the marinade and let excess drip off; discard the used marinade.
2. Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes without pressing down; this keeps the juices inside.
3. While the first side cooks, place the pineapple rings on the grill beside the burgers.
4. Flip both the burgers and pineapple after 4-5 minutes; the pineapple should have beautiful grill marks.
5. Brush the cooked side of each burger with the reserved teriyaki glaze, being generous with the sauce.
6. Add cheese slices if using and close the grill lid for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and finish cooking the burgers to your desired doneness.
7. Remove everything from the grill; burgers should reach 160°F internal temperature for food safety.

Assemble Your Hawaiian Masterpiece

1. Serve immediately while the Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe is hot and the cheese is still melty.
2. Spread a generous amount of teriyaki mayo on both the top and bottom bun halves.
3. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun; this creates a barrier against the juicy burger.
4. Set the teriyaki-glazed patty on top of the lettuce, followed by the melted cheese if you added it.
5. Layer on a grilled pineapple ring, letting any edges peek out for visual appeal.
6. Add 2-3 red onion slices and a tomato slice for freshness and crunch.
7. Crown with the top bun and secure with a toothpick if needed to hold everything together.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Getting your Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe just right requires a few insider tricks I've picked up over the years.
• Don't Overwork the Meat Handle your ground beef gently when forming patties. Overworking the meat creates a dense, tough burger instead of a tender, juicy one. Mix any seasonings in quickly and shape with minimal handling.
• The Thumb Indent Trick That little dimple in the center of each patty isn't just for show. Burgers naturally puff up in the middle as they cook, so pressing an indent helps them cook evenly and stay flat. Make it about ½-inch deep.
• Pat Dry Your Pineapple Moisture is the enemy of caramelization. Dry those pineapple rings thoroughly before grilling. Wet pineapple will steam rather than get those beautiful char marks and concentrated sweetness.
• Double Sauce Strategy Always reserve half your teriyaki sauce before using it as marinade. This gives you a safe, bacteria-free sauce for glazing and making your teriyaki mayo. Never reuse marinade that's touched raw meat.
• Temperature Matters Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Ground beef should reach 160°F for safety. Insert the thermometer through the side of the patty into the center for an accurate reading.
• Rest Before Serving Let your burgers rest for 3-4 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you bite in.
• Toast Those Buns Grilling the buns isn't optional; it's essential. The light char adds flavor and creates a slightly crispy surface that won't get soggy from all those delicious juices.
• Control Your Grill Heat If using charcoal, create a two-zone fire with hot coals on one side and none on the other. This gives you options if burgers are cooking too fast or need gentler heat to finish.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• This Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe is incredibly versatile and adapts to different dietary needs and preferences.

H3: Protein Swaps

• Chicken Version Ground chicken or turkey works beautifully here. Mix in a tablespoon of olive oil to keep leaner meats moist. You can also use chicken thighs, which stay juicier than breast meat.
• Vegetarian Option Black bean patties or portobello mushroom caps marinated in teriyaki sauce make excellent plant-based alternatives. Grill the mushrooms gill-side up first, then flip and add the pineapple.
• Seafood Twist Ground salmon or tuna patties create a unique Hawaiian fusion. Be gentle when flipping as fish patties are more delicate than beef.

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Check that your brown sugar hasn't been processed with bone char if strictly plant-based.
• Low-Carb/Keto Skip the buns and brown sugar in the marinade; use a sugar-free sweetener instead. Serve the burger over cauliflower rice or wrapped in large lettuce leaves.
• Dairy-Free Simply omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe is already dairy-free without it.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Hawaiian Add sliced jalapeños, increase the sriracha in the mayo, or mix red pepper flakes into the teriyaki sauce. A drizzle of hot honey over the pineapple takes it up another notch.
• Bacon Addition Crispy bacon strips pair incredibly well with the sweet-savory profile. Cook them separately and add one or two slices per burger.
• Different Cheeses While Swiss is classic, pepper jack adds heat, cheddar brings sharpness, and mozzarella offers mild creaminess. Experiment to find your favorite.
• Pineapple Salsa Dice grilled pineapple with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño for a fresh salsa topping instead of whole rings.

Equipment Recommendations

• Gas or Charcoal Grill Either works perfectly for this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe. Gas offers convenience and temperature control, while charcoal adds smoky flavor. A grill pan on the stove works too if outdoor grilling isn't possible.
• Instant-Read Thermometer This is non-negotiable for food safety and perfect doneness. Digital thermometers give quick, accurate readings. Aim for around $15-30 for a reliable model.
• Wide Metal Spatula A sturdy, wide spatula helps you flip burgers without breaking them. Look for one with a thin edge that slides easily under the patty.
• Basting Brush Silicone brushes are heat-resistant and easy to clean. You'll need this for applying the teriyaki glaze during grilling.
• Shallow Dish for Marinating A glass or ceramic dish works best. Avoid aluminum, which can react with acidic marinades.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board Essential for slicing pineapple, onions, and tomatoes. A serrated knife works especially well for tomatoes.
• Mixing Bowls You'll need a few different sizes for the marinade, teriyaki mayo, and sauce separation.
• Grill Brush Keep your grates clean for the best grill marks and to prevent sticking.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Make-Ahead Strategy

• The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually improves the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Shape your patties the night before, keep them covered in the fridge, and marinate them in the morning of your cookout.

Refrigerator Storage

• Cooked burgers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. Store the buns separately to prevent sogginess. Grilled pineapple rings last about 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Freezer Storage

• Uncooked, seasoned patties freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between each patty, then store in a freezer bag with the air pressed out. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. Don't freeze the pineapple rings or assembled burgers; the texture suffers.

Reheating Instructions

• Reheat cooked patties in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water and a lid to create steam. The microwave works in a pinch but can make the meat rubbery. Warm pineapple rings separately to avoid overcooking the burger.
• For this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe, I always recommend grilling fresh rather than making ahead when possible, as the flavors are brightest and the textures are best straight off the grill.

FAQ

Time to Fire Up Your Grill

Now that you've got all the secrets to creating an amazing tropical burger experience, it's time to put this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe into action. The combination of juicy beef, caramelized pineapple, and that sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze creates something truly memorable. Whether you're planning a summer BBQ or just want to bring some island vibes to your dinner table, this Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe delivers every single time.

Don't stop at just burgers though! If you love bold, exciting flavors, check out my Buffalo Bites Recipe for another crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for game day. And when you're in the mood for something completely different, the Shrimp Scampi Pizza RecipeShrimp Scampi Pizza Recipe combines seafood and Italian flavors in an unexpected way that'll blow your mind. This Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe is just the beginning of your culinary adventures. Fire up that grill, gather your favorite people, and get ready for some serious compliments. Trust me, you'll be making these burgers on repeat all season long.

With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson💛

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Teriyaki Pineapple Burger Recipe