These Grilled Teriyaki Burgers are a flavor-packed twist on a classic, blending juicy, smoky char with the sweet-savory punch of teriyaki glaze. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for weeknights or weekend grilling. The tender, umami-rich patty pairs beautifully with a soft, toasted bun, while the caramelized glaze adds a sticky, irresistible finish.
Every bite delivers a harmony of textures—crisp edges, succulent meat, and a hint of crunch from fresh toppings. With 44g of protein and a burst of bold flavors, these burgers are as nourishing as they are delicious. Fire up the grill and let the aroma of sizzling teriyaki take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
Ingredients for Grilled Teriyaki Burgers
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 2 onions, thinly sliced (yellow or white onions work best)
- 3 teaspoons sea salt, divided (or kosher salt)
- 1½ pounds ground beef (we recommend 80/20 for juiciness, but 90/10 works for leaner burgers)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 9½ Tablespoons teriyaki sauce, divided (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 pineapple rings (fresh or canned, drained)
- 4 hamburger buns (brioche or whole wheat for a healthier option)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a medium heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and season with 1 teaspoon sea salt. Sauté for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Add a splash of water as needed to prevent burning. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high heat (about 450°F/230°C).
- Make the patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 2 teaspoons sea salt, black pepper, and 1½ tablespoons teriyaki sauce. Mix until evenly combined. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about ¾-inch thick.
- Grill the burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for 3½ minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3½ minutes (for medium doneness). Adjust time for preferred doneness: 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, 4 minutes per side for medium-well.
- Grill the pineapple: While the burgers cook, place the pineapple rings on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
- Rest the burgers: Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Assemble and serve: Place each patty on a hamburger bun. Top with 1 grilled pineapple ring, ¼ of the caramelized onions, and 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Elevate Your Burger with Creative Toppings
While the caramelized onions and pineapple rings are already a winning combo, consider adding a slice of pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or a dollop of sriracha mayo for extra zing. For a fresh twist, top your burger with avocado slices or a handful of arugula for a peppery crunch.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Teriyaki Burgers
Pair these juicy burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a light Asian-inspired slaw for a balanced meal. For a refreshing drink, try a ginger lime soda or a cold green tea to complement the teriyaki flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To cut down on prep time, use pre-sliced onions and store-bought teriyaki sauce. You can also caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to grill, simply reheat them while the burgers cook.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results, keep the buns and toppings separate until ready to eat.
Grill Like a Pro: Equipment Tips
For perfectly grilled burgers, make sure your grill is preheated to high heat and clean to prevent sticking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works just as well for achieving those beautiful grill marks.
Grilled Teriyaki Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons sea salt
- 1½ pounds ground beef, (we used 80/20)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 9½ Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 4 pineapple rings
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium heavy-bottomed skillet. Add the onions, season with 1 teaspoon sea salt, and sauté for 15 minutes until soft and golden brown, adding water as needed to keep the onions from burning.
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Make the patties. While the onions are cooking, mix together the ground beef, 2 teaspoons sea salt, ground black pepper, and 1 ½ tablespoons teriyaki sauce in a large mixing bowl until a homogeneous mixture is achieved. Form the mixture into 4 patties and set aside.
- Grill the burgers. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 3 ½ minutes on either side.
- Rest. Remove the burgers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve. Sandwich each patty between a bun along with 1 pineapple ring, ¼ of the caramelized onions, and 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce.