Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

There’s something truly special about a backyard gathering in the summer, and what better way to celebrate it than with Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple? The moment I fire up the grill and the sweet aroma of grilling pineapple fills the air, I can’t help but feel a rush of nostalgia. This dish has been a family favorite for years, bringing everyone together with its tantalizing flavors and vibrant ingredients. Each bite of these burgers, topped with caramelized pineapple and a homemade teriyaki sauce, feels like a mini-vacation to a tropical paradise.

As a kid, summer meant visiting my grandparents, who always knew how to throw a good barbecue. They introduced me to the magic of grilling and the joys of juicy turkey burgers. Now, as an adult, I’ve taken that love and put my own twist on it with these Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories created around the grill. Friends gather, laughter echoes, and every bite is a reminder of those cherished moments.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your summer cookouts or impress your friends with something different yet delicious, these burgers are the answer. Let’s dive into the details of creating a meal that not only satisfies your appetite but also serves as a centerpiece for good times and great company.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

When it comes to the ingredients for Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple, each component plays a vital role in delivering flavor and texture. The combination of fresh ingredients like turkey, pineapple, and ginger creates a vibrant and delicious burger experience. Let’s take a closer look at the key players in this recipe.

• 1 pound of 93% lean ground turkey: A healthier and leaner alternative to beef that still offers great flavor and protein content.
• ¼ cup of whole wheat panko bread crumbs: Adds a nice texture to the patties, keeping them moist and juicy.
• 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves): Infuses the burgers with aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger: Provides a zesty kick that complements the teriyaki sauce.
• ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the burgers.
• ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro: Adds freshness and brightness to the dish.
• 4 rings of canned pineapple (reserve juice for teriyaki sauce): Sweet and juicy, perfect for grilling and topping the burgers.
• 1 red onion, cut into ½-inch-thick slices: Caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adding sweetness to the dish.
• Whole wheat hamburger buns: Serves as the base for our delicious burger.
• ¼ cup of reserved pineapple juice: Used to create the teriyaki sauce that ties everything together.
• ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the savory and umami flavor essential for teriyaki.
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity that balances the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon of honey: Brings sweetness to the teriyaki sauce.
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (about 1 clove): Another layer of garlic flavor in the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger: Enhances the sauce with its aromatic warmth.
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch: Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce.

Putting Together Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delicious Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple. The process is straightforward, and I promise you’ll be delighted with the end result. Follow these steps, and get ready to impress!

1. Prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the reserved ¼ cup pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. While you wait for the sauce to boil, whisk the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water together in a small bowl to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Once the sauce is boiling, add the slurry, then stir to combine. Cook for 1 additional minute until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko, garlic, ginger, black pepper, cilantro, and 3 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce. Mix just until combined; be careful not to compact the meat.
5. Shape the mixture into four ¾-inch-thick patties. Place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
6. While the patties chill, set aside some of the remaining teriyaki sauce for serving and reserve the rest for grilling.
7. Preheat the grill to medium high and lightly oil the grates. This will prevent the burgers from sticking.
8. Grill the rings of pineapple and red onion slices until caramelized and tender, about 3 minutes per side for the pineapple and 4 minutes for the red onion.
9. Next, grill the burgers for 4 minutes on the first side. Flip them, brush with the teriyaki sauce, and grill for 4 minutes on the other side. Flip again and brush the other side with sauce.
10. Continue cooking until the burgers are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160 to 165 degrees F, about 10 minutes total. Remove them to a plate, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. If desired, grill the buns for a few seconds until warm.
11. Serve the burgers inside of the buns, brushed with reserved sauce and topped with grilled pineapple and red onion. Enjoy your perfect summer meal!

Recipe Variations about Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

There are countless ways to customize Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some tasty variations to consider:

• Add Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to your teriyaki sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the turkey with a plant-based burger or a mixture of black beans and quinoa for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Cheese Lovers: Top the burgers with a slice of your favorite cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fresh Toppings: Enhance the burgers with fresh toppings like sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, or fresh tomato slices for added crunch.
• Alternative Sauces: Experiment with different sauces, such as a spicy mayo or a sweet chili sauce, to change things up.
• Serving Styles: Serve the burgers on lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb option or pair with a side of grilled veggies.
• Storage: Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked patties for up to three months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper.
• Pairing: These burgers pair wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Great Combinations for Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

When it comes to serving Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple, the right combinations can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some suggestions to consider:

• Pair with Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of fried sweet potatoes complements the flavors of the burgers beautifully.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad or a mango salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the burgers.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Summer Gatherings: Perfect for barbecues and summer parties, these burgers are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
• Casual Lunch: Enjoy these burgers for a delightful lunch, especially with a side of grilled vegetables.
• Picnics: Pack these burgers for a picnic; they hold up well and are easy to transport.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for a quick meal option later.
• Seasonal Pairing: Serve these burgers during summer gatherings, as they embody the essence of outdoor grilling and fresh ingredients.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple are a true celebration of summer flavors, with their juicy patties and sweet, grilled toppings. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare and how they bring everyone together around the grill. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the blissful tastes of summer!

Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

The ultimate summer dish! Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple combine juicy, flavorful turkey patties with sweet, caramelized pineapple slices. This easy weeknight dinner is not just a meal; it's a gathering of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for your next barbecue or family gathering!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Ground Turkey 93% lean
• ¼ cup Panko Bread Crumbs Whole wheat
• 1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Garlic About 3 cloves
• 1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Ginger
• ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• 4 rings Canned Pineapple Reserve juice for teriyaki sauce
• 1 count Red Onion Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 4 count Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns For serving
• ¼ cup Reserved Pineapple Juice From canned pineapple above
• ½ cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic About 1 clove
• 2 teaspoons Minced Fresh Ginger
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the reserved ¼ cup pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. While you wait for the sauce to boil, whisk the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water together in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the sauce is boiling, add the slurry, then stir to combine. Cook for 1 additional minute until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko, garlic, ginger, black pepper, cilantro, and 3 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce. Mix just until combined; be careful not to compact the meat. Shape the mixture into four ¾-inch-thick patties. Place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. While the patties chill, set aside some of the remaining teriyaki sauce for serving and reserve the rest for grilling. Preheat the grill to medium high and lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill the rings of pineapple and red onion slices until caramelized and tender, about 3 minutes per side for the pineapple and 4 minutes for the red onion.
5. Next, grill the burgers for 4 minutes on the first side. Flip them, brush with the teriyaki sauce, and grill for 4 minutes on the other side. Flip again and brush the other side with sauce. Continue cooking until the burgers are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160 to 165 degrees F, about 10 minutes total. Remove them to a plate, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. If desired, grill the buns for a few seconds until warm.
6. Serve the burgers inside of the buns, brushed with reserved sauce and topped with grilled pineapple and red onion. Enjoy your perfect summer meal!

Notes

There are countless ways to customize these burgers. You can add heat with sliced jalapeños or enjoy a vegetarian option using plant-based patties. Toppings like avocado or spicy mayo can elevate the flavor, while leftover burgers store well in the fridge for quick meals.

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Meet Georgia Clark

I’m the one who obsesses over the details so you don't have to. I love the science of cooking and perfecting comfort classics. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to guarantee it comes out foolproof and delicious every single time you make it.