This easy Hawaiian teriyaki burger combines lean ground beef with grated carrots and scallions, then it’s finished with a grilled pineapple slice and a homemade pineapple-teriyaki sauce. The result is a juicy, slightly sweet burger that brings island flavor to a weeknight dinner or backyard barbecue.
I developed this recipe after a trip to Disney World with my husband and daughter. We stayed at the Grand Floridian Resort and dined at the Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. A memorable teriyaki steak topped with pineapple at that dinner inspired this burger version, bringing the same sweet-and-savory balance into a simple ground beef patty.
The homemade pineapple-teriyaki sauce is the highlight—sweet pineapple juice, soy, fresh ginger and garlic reduce into a glossy sauce that perfectly complements grilled pineapple. If you’re short on time, premade teriyaki sauce will work, and canned pineapple (packed in juice, not syrup) can be substituted for fresh.
To reduce carbs, serve the burger on a bed of lettuce instead of a bun and drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the patty and pineapple.
Pineapple-Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
- 1/4 cup cold water (to dissolve cornstarch)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for umami and salt)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (for sweetness and acidity)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, very fine (for bright, pungent flavor)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (for savory depth)
Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger
Yield: 8 servings | Serving Size: 1 burger
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Total: 35 mins
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 93% lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha sauce (more if you prefer spicy)
- 8 slices fresh pineapple (for grilling)
- 8 whole wheat 100-calorie buns (or your preferred buns)
- 8 lettuce leaves (optional, for topping or bun substitute)
For the pineapple teriyaki sauce:
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger, very fine
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
Instructions
Prepare the patties
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with the grated carrots, chopped scallions, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sriracha. Mix just until incorporated—do not overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and form each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
Make the pineapple-teriyaki sauce
- Whisk the cornstarch into 1/4 cup cold water until dissolved and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15–18 minutes until the mixture reduces and concentrates in flavor.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly; the sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Grill the burgers and pineapple
- Heat a grill to high. Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
- Place the patties on the hot grill and cook 5–7 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- While the burgers are cooking, grill the pineapple slices 2–3 minutes per side until they have char marks and are warmed through.
Assemble
- If using buns, place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun to catch juices and add crunch.
- Top with a cooked burger, brush or spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pineapple-teriyaki sauce over the patty, and place a grilled pineapple slice on top. Add the bun top and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Short on time? Use store-bought teriyaki sauce and canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup).
- For a lower-carb option, skip the bun and serve the burger over crisp lettuce with extra sauce drizzled on top.
- Adjust the sriracha to control the heat—start with 1 tsp and increase if you prefer more spice.
Nutrition (per burger)
Calories: 330 kcal • Carbohydrates: 37 g • Protein: 29 g • Fat: 10 g • Saturated Fat: 3 g • Cholesterol: 60 mg • Sodium: 584 mg • Fiber: 6 g • Sugar: 21 g
Enjoy these Hawaiian-inspired teriyaki burgers fresh off the grill for a flavorful, easy meal that balances savory beef, warm grilled pineapple, and a tangy-sweet homemade sauce.
