These Hawaiian Turkey Burgers are a tropical twist on a classic, blending juicy turkey with sweet pineapple and smoky grilled flavors. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s light yet satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The tender patties, caramelized pineapple, and tangy teriyaki glaze create a harmony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible.
Each bite delivers a burst of savory, sweet, and umami notes, balanced by a hint of crunch from fresh toppings. With 342 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re craving a taste of the islands or a quick, nutritious dinner, these burgers are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground turkey
- ¾ cup dry breadcrumbs (or substitute with panko for extra crunch)
- ½ green bell pepper, diced (red or yellow bell pepper works too)
- 1 bunch green onions, diced (about ¼ cup)
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger (fresh ginger can be used, grated finely)
- 20 ounces pineapple slices (reserve juice for the recipe)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 6 slices Swiss cheese (substitute with provolone or cheddar if preferred)
- ⅓ cup Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
- 6 hamburger buns (toasted for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, diced green bell pepper, green onions, ground ginger, ¼ cup of reserved pineapple juice, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form the patties: Divide the turkey mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾-inch thick.
- Cook the patties: Heat a grill, broiler, or frying pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are golden brown.
- Grill the pineapple: During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, place the pineapple slices on the grill or pan to warm and caramelize slightly.
- Add the cheese: When the patties are almost done, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty and let it melt slightly.
- Prepare the buns: Spread 1 tablespoon of Teriyaki sauce and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each hamburger bun.
- Assemble the burgers: Place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun, top with a grilled pineapple slice, and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your Hawaiian Turkey Burgers with unique sauces and toppings! Try adding a drizzle of sriracha mayo (mix 2 tablespoons mayo with 1 teaspoon sriracha) for a spicy kick. For a tropical twist, top your burger with mango salsa or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. If you love bold flavors, swap the Swiss cheese for pepper jack or add a few slices of avocado for creaminess.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve your Hawaiian Turkey Burgers with a side of grilled sweet potato fries or a fresh tropical salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and a light citrus vinaigrette. For a fun presentation, use butter lettuce leaves instead of buns for a low-carb option. Don’t forget a cold glass of pineapple iced tea to complete the island vibe!
Quick Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover patties and pineapple slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes. For the best texture, toast the buns and reheat the pineapple separately on a grill or skillet for a few seconds.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Save time by prepping ingredients ahead! Dice the green pepper and green onions the night before and store them in the fridge. Use pre-sliced pineapple to skip the chopping step. If you’re short on time, cook the patties in a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and faster cooking.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using ground chicken instead of turkey for a slightly different flavor. For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free oats. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of soy sauce or hoisin sauce to the turkey mixture for extra umami depth.
Hawaiian Turkey Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground turkey
- ¾ cup dry breadcrumbs
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- 20 ounces pineapple slices, reserve juice
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- ⅓ cup Teriyaki sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine turkey, bread crumbs, pepper, green onion, ginger, 1/4 cup reserved juice from pineapple and salt.
- Divide turkey mixture into 6 equal parts and form into patties.
- Grill, broil or cook in a frying pan over medium heat until cooked through. The last few minutes of cooking, place pineapple over heat to cook. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each patty when warm.
- Spread 1 Tablespoon Teriyaki sauce and 1 Tablespoon light mayonnaise on buns and top with burgers and pineapple.