Hawaiian Burger Recipe
Make Hawaiian Burger Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties & Seasoning
Pineapple & Glaze
Burger Assembly
Optional Garnish
Method
Burger Patties & Seasoning
- 1
Prepare meat
Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the meat. Using your hands, gently combine seasoning into the beef by pressing and folding once or twice — avoid overworking to keep patties tender.
- 2
Form patties
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (approximately 4 oz each). Form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns, pressing a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.
- 3
Cook patties
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When shimmering, add the patties (work in batches if needed) and cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more for medium; add a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty during the last minute, cover briefly to melt. Remove cooked patties to a warm plate and tent with foil.
Pineapple & Glaze
- 4
Caramelize pineapple
While patties rest (or before cooking patties), heat a separate large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. When melted, add the pineapple rings in a single layer. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the rings and cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes until the sugar begins to melt and caramelize.
- 5
Make glaze and finish rings
Carefully flip the pineapple rings and drizzle the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and reserved pineapple juice over them. Continue to cook 1–2 minutes, spooning glaze over the rings until they are golden and slightly sticky. Remove rings to a plate. Reserve any pan glaze to brush on buns or patties.
Burger Assembly
- 6
- 7
Prepare sauce
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard until smooth. Taste and adjust — add a pinch of salt if needed.
- 8
Prepare tomatoes
Arrange tomato slices on a plate and lightly sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt; let sit 2 minutes to draw out flavors, then blot any excess juice with a paper towel.
- 9
Assemble burgers
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then a cheese-topped beef patty. Top each patty with a caramelized pineapple ring, then a tomato slice. Add the top bun and press lightly to set.
- 10
Garnish & serve
If using, sprinkle thinly sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds over the pineapple or plate for garnish. Serve immediately with fries or a side salad.