⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nothing says backyard barbecue like a juicy, flavor-packed burger fresh off the grill! These Smoky Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers are a tropical twist on a classic, featuring a perfectly grilled beef patty glazed in homemade teriyaki sauce, topped with caramelized pineapple, and nestled in a toasted brioche bun. Smoky, sweet, and absolutely mouthwatering!

Jump to Recipe

📸 *A juicy teriyaki-glazed burger stacked high with grilled pineapple and crisp lettuce.*

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

The beauty of backyard barbecues is in the mix of flavors and textures, and this burger delivers big time. The sweet, caramelized pineapple perfectly balances the smoky, umami-rich teriyaki glaze. Plus, the char from the grill gives it that irresistible summer flavor.

Making your own teriyaki sauce is super easy and totally worth it—it’s fresher and tastier than store-bought. If you’re making this for a crowd, set up a burger toppings bar so guests can customize their own!

Pair these burgers with grilled corn on the cob, crispy sweet potato fries, or even a fresh watermelon salad for a complete summer feast. 🍉🔥

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 620

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ginger powder
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Burgers:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
4 slices Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese)
4 brioche buns, toasted
½ cup mayo
1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for a little heat)
Lettuce, tomato, and red onion for topping

Steps

Step 1

Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Heat over medium until simmering. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2

Prep the Burger Patties
In a bowl, mix ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into four patties, making a small indentation in the center (this helps them cook evenly).

Step 3

Grill the Pineapple
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred. Set aside.

Step 4

Cook the Burgers
Grill the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. In the last minute of cooking, brush with teriyaki sauce and place a slice of cheese on top to melt.

Step 5

Assemble the Burgers
Mix mayo with sriracha for a spicy spread. Spread onto toasted brioche buns. Layer with lettuce, tomato, burger patty, a grilled pineapple ring, and red onion. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce and top with the bun.

Step 6

Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately with your favorite barbecue sides and enjoy the sweet, smoky, and savory magic of this burger!

Make it your own!

🔥 Go Spicy – Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the teriyaki glaze.
🧀 Cheese It Up – Swap Swiss for pepper jack or smoked gouda for extra flavor.
🥑 Go Tropical – Add sliced avocado for a creamy, tropical twist.
🍔 Protein Swap – Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based patty instead of beef.
🥓 Bacon Lover? – Add crispy grilled bacon for extra smokiness!