tropics on a bun | hawaiian burger

Sometimes all it takes to feel like you're on vacation is the right dinner.  That's where a Hawaiian Burger come in.  It's a vacation on a bun.  The combination of fresh pineapple + teriyaki sauce + a little spice is a perfect tribute to the Hawaiian islands.  

Also, because it's done in 20 minutes, you can kick back and relax with a little tropical cocktail to really sell the whole vacation thing.  

HAWAIIAN BURGER

serves 4

STEP 1

In a saucepan over low heat, cook together ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 cup reserved pineapple juice (drained from the can), 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 clove grated garlic, and 2 tbs brown sugar until bubbling.  In a small bowl whisk together 2 tbs corn starch and ¼ cup water – quickly whisk into the bubbling pan and cook one minute until thick.

STEP 2

In a bowl, combine ground beef, 1 tsp grated ginger, and ¼ cup teriyaki sauce that you just made.  Mix until well combined.  Form into patties. 

STEP 3

Chop pineapple slices and combine them in a bowl with jalapeno and red onion.  Set aside.

STEP 4

Cook hamburger patties in a grill pan on the stove or on the barbecue until a meat thermometer reads 135 degrees.  Butter the buns and grill them along side the burgers. 

STEP 5

Spread mayonnaise on one side of the buns and top with hamburger patty, pineapple salsa, lettuce, a slice of swiss cheese, and a spoonful of teriyaki sauce. 

1.5 lb ground beef

2 tsp ginger, grated

1 can pineapple slices

¼ cup soy sauce

1 clove garlic

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons corn starch

1 egg, beaten

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

½ red onion, chopped

4 ounces swiss cheese, sliced

1 head romaine lettuce

2 tbs Mayonnaise

4 Hamburger Buns