Mouthwatering Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Start your meal off right with these beefy Hawaiian teriyaki burgers, with a surprise bit of ham tucked in. Warm spices like ginger, black pepper, and just a touch of garlic keep things lively. Once grilled, top them off with gooey Swiss cheese, pineapple rounds with those perfect grill marks, and soft onions layered high on cushy buns. Want a little zip? Toss on some sambal. Playing with the onion and pineapple layers ups those tropical notes, whether you’re out back by the grill or curled up at the table.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:16:15 GMT
A juicy burger topped with grilled pineapple ring. Save Pin
A juicy burger topped with grilled pineapple ring. | foodthingle.com

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.
A hamburger filled with pineapple and Swiss cheese. Save Pin
A hamburger filled with pineapple and Swiss cheese. | foodthingle.com

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.

A juicy burger topped with pineapple and red onion. Save Pin
A juicy burger topped with pineapple and red onion. | foodthingle.com

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.

Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers

Toasty Hawaiian buns filled with melty Swiss, grilled pineapple, sweet onions, and a kiss of teriyaki sauce on a smoky burger patty.

Preparation Time
25 Minutes
Cooking Time
25 Minutes
Overall Time
50 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Regional Style: Hawaiian

Output: 4 Number of Servings (2 to 4 burgers)

Special Diets: ~

What You'll Need

→ Burger Patties

01 340 g ground chuck
02 115 g ground beef ham
03 1 tablespoon ginger paste
04 1 teaspoon minced garlic
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon black pepper
07 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
08 1 tablespoon sambal chili paste

→ Burger Assembly

09 2 to 4 Hawaiian sandwich rolls
10 1 red onion, sliced
11 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
12 2 tablespoons brown sugar
13 2 to 4 slices Swiss cheese
14 120 ml extra teriyaki sauce

Steps to Follow

Step 01

First, grab your ground chuck and ground beef ham. Scoop in the ginger paste, garlic, salt, and pepper, then add sambal and teriyaki. Mix by hand in a bowl until blended. Shape into patties. Press a dip into the middle of each with your thumb or a spoon.

Step 02

Throw sliced red onions onto a grill pan and set over heat. Give them an occasional stir so they don't burn. Pull them off once they're golden, lightly sticking together, and super soft.

Step 03

Lay pineapple rings out and sprinkle with brown sugar. Cook both sides on the grill until you see grill lines and sticky caramel bits form.

Step 04

Toss patties on a preheated grill over medium-high. Brush with more teriyaki as they cook. Grill till they reach your favorite level of doneness.

Step 05

When patties are almost done, lay a slice or two of Swiss on top. Let the cheese sit just long enough to melt over the edges.

Step 06

Grab your Hawaiian roll and stack on a burger patty. Top with a grilled pineapple round and loads of sweet onions. Drizzle with extra teriyaki if you’re feeling it. Serve right away and dig in.

Additional Tips

  1. If you chill the patties in the fridge before grilling, they'll stay together much better on the hot grates.

Essential Tools

  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grill pan or sheet

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Swiss cheese means there's dairy in here
  • Hawaiian rolls and many teriyaki sauces pack some gluten
  • Soy sneaks in via the teriyaki sauce

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 615
  • Fat Content: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Protein: 31 g