
Bite into a combo of grilled pineapple, juicy beef, tangy teriyaki, and pillowy buns all together. It’s like an island vacation in your own backyard. The first time I grilled pineapple, I couldn’t stop. Now if it’s summer, we always throw pineapple on top—plain burgers don’t stand a chance around here.
After trying this, I realized Hawaiian rolls and pineapple feel like they were invented to go on burgers. Folks went back for more so fast, I started making extra just to keep up with everyone’s appetite.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Ginger paste: brings gentle heat and zing, grab a chilled tube if you can
- Ground chuck: pick an 80/20 blend for the perfect juicy bite
- Hawaiian sandwich rolls: they’re fluffy, soft, and just a tad sweet—look for the freshest pack
- Fresh pineapple: choose one that’s gold with a slight give; peel and slice into rings
- Salt: sharpens everything, try sea salt or kosher for best results
- Sambal chili paste: mix in a pinch for some kick, leave it out if you want things mild
- Red onion: crunchy and tangy slices, pick ones that are crisp and firm
- Black pepper: wakes up all the flavors, crack it right before you use it
- Extra teriyaki sauce: pour this on at the end for juicy layers, heat it up just until it’s pourable
- Kona Coast Island Teriyaki (or homemade): coats everything with that deep sweet and salty punch—go thick if you can
- Minced garlic: adds big savory flavor, fresh is best
- Swiss cheese: thick-cut gets super melty and tangy, try not to use the pre-sliced kind
- Ground beef ham: for an extra meaty boost, pick one that’s moist, not tough
- Brown sugar: light brown works fast on the grill; sprinkle for perfect caramel edges on your pineapple
Simple How-To Steps
- Mix & Shape Patties:
- Put ground chuck, beef ham, garlic, ginger, teriyaki, sambal, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Use your hands and gently mix, just until it sticks together. Flatten into patties, pushing a little dip in the middle so they won’t puff up.
- Char the Pineapple:
- Cut pineapple into thick rings, shake brown sugar over both sides. Set them on a hot grill, wait for golden edges and dark grill lines, pull off, let cool.
- Caramelize Onions:
- Slice red onion into thick rounds, spread onto a grill pan, and cook at medium until really soft with brown edges. Flip now and then so every piece gets color—should take 10 minutes or so.
- Sizzle the Burgers:
- Heat the grill to a medium-high temp. Lay patties down, brush with teriyaki. Flip just once. Cook to your favorite doneness. Toss Swiss slices on top, close the grill for extra melting.
- Build Your Burger:
- Toast up those Hawaiian rolls on the grill until just slightly warm, stack your cheesy beef, caramelized onion, and grilled pineapple, splash more teriyaki on, cap with a bun, and bite in while they’re steamy.

I get a kick out of watching everyone pile up burgers just the way they want. Every time, grilled pineapple steals all the attention. That sweet punch turns these into the best burgers at any meal.
Leftover Storage
If there’s extra, chill the burger patties totally, wrap them up tight, and stash in the fridge for up to three days. Pineapple and onions can stay together in one container. Always stack your burgers fresh so the buns don’t get soggy.
Swaps You Can Try
Don’t have beef ham? Just swap in more ground chuck or basic ground beef. No Swiss at the store? Provolone or mozzarella melt up just as nicely. Bottled teriyaki works, but homemade lets you pick how sweet or salty you want it.
Best Ways to Enjoy
These go great with classic potato chips or creamy Hawaiian mac salad on the side. They’re made for summer hangs and extra teriyaki for dipping is always good.

Food Traditions
Hawaii’s kitchen mixes food traditions from all over, so you get bright and bold tastes like sweet pineapple next to teriyaki’s punch. Every bite is pure sunny vibes, island-style.
Common Recipe Questions
- → I don’t have ground beef ham—can I swap in regular beef?
Absolutely! Grab whatever ground beef you’ve got, like chuck. The ham’s just for a bit of extra taste, but you can 100% skip it.
- → Not a fan of Swiss. What other cheese fits the bill?
Try provolone or Monterey Jack—both melt nicely and play well with the sweet pineapple and saucy teriyaki.
- → Need a grill for these, or can I do it on the stove?
You can totally cook these inside. Use a grill pan or even a cast iron skillet. You'll still get a tasty crust and juicy center.
- → Exactly how spicy is sambal chili paste?
It packs some heat, but you can control it. Go easy if you like things milder or skip it entirely for no heat.
- → What can I serve alongside these burgers?
Coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or even a simple salad all go hand in hand with this burger’s flavors.