Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers – Juicy, Smoky, and Bursting with Tropical Flavor
Summertime grilling just got a major tropical upgrade with these Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers. Perfectly seasoned beef patties meet sweet grilled pineapple and smoky red onions, all nestled in a soft brioche bun and drizzled with rich teriyaki sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a weekday flavor escape, this burger hits every note—savory, sweet, and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magic about the mix of smoky grilled beef and sweet caramelized pineapple. This recipe hits that perfect balance—savory and juicy from the beef, bright and tropical from the pineapple, with the sticky-sweet depth of teriyaki sauce tying it all together. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for guests, and totally crave-worthy every time.
Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pineapple rings
- 4 slices red onion
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
For serving:
- Extra teriyaki sauce for drizzling
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Turkey or Chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner version.
- Gluten-Free? Use GF buns and check your teriyaki sauce label.
- Canned Pineapple Rings work great in a pinch—just pat them dry before grilling.
- Make it Spicy with a smear of sriracha mayo or a jalapeño slice.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers
- Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
- Season and shape the ground beef with salt and pepper into 4 equal patties.
- Grill the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness.
- Grill the pineapple and onion slices for 2 minutes per side until lightly charred.
- Toast the brioche buns on the grill until just golden.
- Assemble: On the bottom bun, place lettuce, then the burger, grilled pineapple, grilled onion, and a generous drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Cap with the top bun.
- Serve immediately with extra teriyaki sauce on the side.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overwork the Beef: Handle it gently so the patties stay juicy.
- Let the Grill Do Its Thing: Resist flipping too early—let those grill marks develop.
- Use a Meat Thermometer for perfect doneness—160°F is ideal for ground beef.
- Rest the Patties for 2–3 minutes after grilling to lock in juices.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These burgers shine with fun, fresh sides and summery drinks:
- Try with Blueberry Lemonade for a sweet, tart complement.
- Serve alongside Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fusion-style feast.
- For a hearty crowd-pleaser, whip up Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole on the side.
- Hosting a big group? Set up a Walking Taco Bar for a festive, make-your-own option.
- Add a cozy twist with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for cooler evenings.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Leftover patties keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Grilled pineapple and onions can be chopped and tossed into a salad or rice bowl.
- Freeze extra patties (uncooked) between parchment paper for easy meal prep.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the flavor going with these other favorites from the site:
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Walking Taco Bar
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
Final Thoughts
Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers are more than just a meal—they’re a mini vacation on a bun. Whether you’re shaking up burger night or grilling for guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Tried it? Leave a comment below or tag us @chefmaniac to show off your burger builds! Be sure to follow for more tropical twists and grilling favorites coming your way.
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