Hawaiian Grilled Hamburgers
This recipe features an oriental-flavored, moist, and juicy turkey burger with a pineapple slice. The flavors are addictive!
This recipe features an oriental-flavored, moist, and juicy turkey burger with a pineapple slice. The flavors are addictive!
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
- 8 leaves
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 lbs ground beef or 2 lbs ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon oil (if you use turkey burger)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or 1/4 cup splenda brown sugar ble
- 2 cans pineapple slices in juice
- 2 teaspoons pineapple juice
- Carbohydrate 41.5164127875121 g
- Cholesterol 32.6200000088762 mg
- Fat 33.3091671703507 g
- Fiber 1.71140098669256 g
- Protein 15.5571334243236 g
- Saturated Fat 9.61022229164148 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (277g)
- Sodium 1014.84939591828 mg
- Sugar 39.8050118008196 g
- Trans Fat 9.78478603257829 g
- Calories 526 calories
Step-by-step
- Open canned pineapple, drain juice and reserve some for the recipe.
- In a large mixing bowl, add egg, (oil if using turkey burger only), brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice. Mix well and set aside.
- For the dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, celery seed, pineapple juice, and ketchup. Taste and adjust ketchup as needed. Refrigerate.
- Add ground meat to the egg, brown sugar, and spice mixture. Mix well (using your fingers is recommended).
- Form the mixture into 8 patties.
- Grill the patties for about 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Grill the pineapple rings for about 2 minutes per side.
- Brush margarine on each side of the buns and grill for the last two or three minutes to toast.
- To serve: Place a cheese slice on the bun, then the cooked patty, a spoonful of sauce, a romaine lettuce leaf, a pineapple ring, and top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve with taro chips, Hawaiian potato chips, pistachio nuts, and fresh coconut slices (optional). Dip coconut slices in a mixture of vanilla, evaporated milk, and Splenda before serving.
- Note: Fresh pineapple can be substituted, but use some of its natural juice to balance the acidity.
Aloha from My Kitchen: Hawaiian Grilled Hamburgers – A Taste of Paradise
The aroma of grilling meat, the sweet tang of pineapple, and a hint of exotic spice – that’s the promise of these Hawaiian Grilled Hamburgers. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, adapting it to suit my busy lifestyle and my family’s preferences. What started as a simple weeknight dinner has become a family favorite, a little taste of paradise we can enjoy whenever the mood strikes.
It all began on a family trip to Hawaii. The vibrant colors, the warm sunshine, and the incredible food inspired me to create something that captured the spirit of the islands. I fell in love with the combination of grilled meat, sweet pineapple, and savory spices. But back home, I wanted to make it healthier, lighter, and more adaptable to what I had on hand. That's when the turkey burger version was born, and let me tell you, it’s just as delicious, if not more so!
The key to this recipe is the balance of flavors. The ginger and soy sauce bring a subtle warmth and umami depth, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the juicy pineapple. The homemade dressing adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint, tying all the flavors together beautifully. And don’t forget the toasted buns! A little char adds a satisfying textural element that elevates the whole experience.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat – I’ve used ground beef in the past, and it’s equally delightful. You can also adjust the level of spice to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of ginger and soy sauce. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other tropical fruits like mango or papaya to the mix.
Beyond the flavor, this recipe is also about convenience. It's quick to assemble and cooks relatively fast. I often make the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The dressing also keeps well, so you can prepare it in advance and have it ready when you need it. It's perfect for a casual get-together with friends or a family barbecue.
More than just a hamburger, this is a culinary adventure. It's a reminder that even the simplest meals can transport you to another place, another time. It's a dish that sparks joy, brings people together, and embodies the spirit of easy, delicious living. So go ahead, fire up the grill and get ready to experience the taste of paradise in every bite!
Serving Suggestions: Don’t limit yourself to just taro chips and Hawaiian potato chips. These burgers also pair well with a side salad, coleslaw, or even some grilled corn on the cob. A refreshing tropical fruit salad would be a delightful complement to the meal. And for a truly Hawaiian experience, serve with a glass of chilled pineapple juice or a Mai Tai cocktail.
Make it your own: This recipe is a template. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, lettuces, and even add other toppings like bacon or caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless! Remember, cooking is all about creativity and enjoying the process. So get in the kitchen, have fun, and create your own little taste of paradise.
A final thought: This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s a reflection of my personal journey, a testament to the power of food to connect us to our memories and to each other. I hope that when you make this recipe, you'll create your own treasured memories, your own slice of Hawaiian paradise.
