Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey with the legendary Big Kahuna Burger - a Hawaiian-inspired American classic that transforms an ordinary hamburger into a flavor-packed sensation! Imagine biting into a juicy, teriyaki-glazed beef patty topped with sweet, caramelized pineapple and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between perfectly toasted buns. This isn't just a burger; it's a tropical vacation for your palate that will make your backyard barbecue the talk of the town!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion for toppings
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the pineapple into small, uniform chunks and setting aside. Slice tomatoes, lettuce, and onions for burger toppings.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. Gently mix to incorporate the sauce without overworking the meat.
- Divide the seasoned ground beef into two equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat. Ensure the cooking surface is hot before placing the patties.
- Cook the burger patties for approximately 4-5 minutes on the first side, allowing a nice sear and caramelization.
- Flip the patties and immediately brush with remaining teriyaki sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- While burgers are finishing, lightly toast the hamburger buns to add crispness and warmth.
- Remove patties from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Assemble burgers by placing the cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun, then top with diced pineapple, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally drizzling extra teriyaki sauce if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Don't overwork the meat when forming patties - this keeps the burger tender and prevents tough texture.
- Make a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
- Let the meat rest after cooking to ensure the juices redistribute, keeping the burger moist.
- For extra flavor, consider grilling the pineapple chunks briefly before adding them to the burger.
- Toast the buns to add a crispy texture that complements the juicy patty.
- Experiment with additional toppings like grilled onions or a spicy mayo for personalization.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
