Hawaiian Burger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the meat. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined—do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick, slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When the oil is shimmering, add the patties (work in batches if necessary). Cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until a crust forms, then flip and cook another 3 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of Swiss cheese and cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese.

Caramelize pineapple

In a separate skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the pineapple slices and cook 2 minutes per side until golden. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar evenly over the pineapple and cook another 1–2 minutes, turning once, until the sugar melts and creates a glaze. Remove pineapple and keep warm.

Heat ham

In the same skillet (or on the grill), quickly heat the ham or Canadian bacon slices 30–60 seconds per side until warmed and slightly browned. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Slice the tomato into 4 thick slices. Thinly slice the red onion into rings. Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Keep these ready for assembly.

In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon pineapple juice and 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (if using). Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch of salt or more lime juice if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Slice the buns and spread a little of the reserved butter on the cut sides. Toast the buns in a dry skillet or on the grill over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and lightly crisp.

To assemble each Hawaiian Burger: spread a tablespoon of the sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf, then the cheesy burger patty. Top the patty with one warmed slice of ham/Canadian bacon, then a glazed pineapple ring, a tomato slice, and a few red onion rings. Spread a little more sauce on the top bun and close the burger.

Serve immediately while hot. Optional: serve with fries or a simple cabbage slaw.