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Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Smash Burgers Easy Recipe with Toasted Brioche

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These grilled pineapple teriyaki smash burgers combine sweet caramelized pineapple, savory beef, and a sticky teriyaki glaze, all nestled in toasted brioche buns for a flavorful and juicy burger experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend recommended for juiciness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Cheese slices (optional) — American, cheddar, or pepper jack
  • ½ cup (120ml) soy sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
  • 4 thick fresh pineapple slices
  • 4 brioche buns
  • Mayonnaise or aioli (optional)
  • Green leaf lettuce or baby spinach
  • Thinly sliced red onion or pickled onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Mix cornstarch with cold water and slowly whisk it into the saucepan. Simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Slice fresh pineapple into 4 thick rounds. Brush both sides with a bit of the teriyaki glaze and set aside.
  4. In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz / 115g each).
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  6. Grill pineapple slices for 1.5-2 minutes per side until caramelized and grill marks appear. Remove and set aside.
  7. Place each beef ball on the grill and smash down firmly to about ½-inch thickness. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and juices start to pool on top.
  8. Flip burgers, brush with teriyaki glaze, add cheese if using, and cook another 2-3 minutes until melted and cooked through.
  9. Slice brioche buns and toast cut-side down on the grill for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  10. Assemble burgers by spreading mayonnaise or aioli on buns, layering lettuce, burger patty, grilled pineapple, and sliced red onions. Drizzle extra teriyaki glaze if desired and top with the bun crown.
  11. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Do not press the burgers after flipping to keep them juicy. Brush teriyaki glaze on after flipping to prevent burning. Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Cornstarch is essential for thickening the glaze. Keep a spray bottle of water handy for flare-ups.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled pineapple, teriyaki glaze, smash burgers, brioche buns, easy burger recipe, summer grilling, sweet and savory burgers

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/grilled-pineapple-teriyaki-smash-burgers-easy-recipe-with-toasted-brioche/