Meet your new weeknight hero: the Grilled Pineapple Portabella Mushroom Teriyaki Burger. It’s a game-changer for anyone craving rich, savory-sweet flavors without spending all evening in the kitchen. Bold, juicy burgers are stacked between fluffy Hawaiian buns with the irresistible combo of smoky grilled pineapple, caramelized portabella mushrooms, and a glossy layer of teriyaki sauce. Every bite bursts with contrasting textures – juicy meat, tender mushrooms, sweet pineapple, and that delightful chew of a pillowy bun. If you love big flavors but hate complicated prep, you’re about to find dinner time a whole lot more exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Effortless: You’ll have the tastiest burgers on the table in less than 30 minutes, perfect for when takeout feels tempting but you want something better.
- Sweet Meets Savory: The charred pineapple and earthy portabella mushrooms finished with luscious teriyaki sauce create a burger that sings with layers of flavor.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: No long shopping lists or tricky techniques, just a handful of ingredients, big taste, and all the satisfaction.
- Flexible and Fun: There’s room to get playful with toppings or swap proteins, making these burgers customizable for everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients and let’s talk about what makes each element shine.
- Ground Beef (80/20 blend): The perfect balance of fat and flavor for juicy, tender patties; leaner beef works in a pinch, but don’t skimp on the fat if you want that classic burger experience.
- Canned Pineapple Slices: Brings a caramelized sweetness and slight tang; fresh pineapple works wonderfully, but canned saves time and is always consistent.
- Portabella Mushrooms: Thickly sliced; their deep, meaty flavor soaks up teriyaki beautifully and adds irresistible texture.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Choose a quality bottled sauce or make your own; it becomes the smoky-sweet glaze tying everything together.
- Hawaiian Style Hamburger Buns: These slightly sweet, soft buns are the unsung hero—regular buns will do, but nothing beats the island bakery touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef; seasoning matters more than you think, so don’t forget it!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Want to make this burger your own? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the beef altogether and double up on the mushroom slices, or try a meaty veggie patty.
- Kick Up the Heat: Add some sliced jalapeños or a generous squiggle of Sriracha to bring zing to your grill.
- Cheese Please: Melt a slice of Swiss or provolone on your patties for extra richness.
- Tropical Twist: Add a slather of creamy avocado or a spoonful of slaw for extra crunch and contrast.
- Different Protein: Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian burger.
The most important thing is to have fun and try new combinations—burgers are all about getting creative!
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Portabella Mushroom Teriyaki Burgers
Step 1: Prep the Patties
Mix your ground beef with salt and pepper, and shape into patties just a little bigger than your buns. Let them rest while you preheat your grill or grill pan—high heat is key for that seared crust.
Step 2: Grill the Mushrooms and Pineapple
Brush mushroom strips and pineapple slices lightly with teriyaki sauce. Toss them onto the grill. The pineapple should develop caramelized grill marks, while mushrooms get tender and a bit smoky—just a few minutes per side will do.
Step 3: Grill the Burgers
Place your patties on the hot grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium, basting each burger with teriyaki sauce as it cooks. This is where the flavors turn seriously irresistible.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
In the last minute, place your Hawaiian buns on the grill, cut side down. You’re aiming for toasty edges and a soft center—don’t walk away, they toast fast.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burger
Spread a bit of extra teriyaki sauce on each bun. Layer on your beef patty, followed by grilled mushrooms and a slice or two of pineapple. Add your top bun and press gently.
There’s no wrong way to stack—just be generous with those toppings!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overwork the Beef: Shape patties gently for the juiciest texture; overmixing leads to tough burgers.
- Grill, Don’t Steam: High heat ensures caramelization instead of soggy patties and toppings.
- Baste Well: Brushing the teriyaki sauce on while grilling creates a gorgeous glaze and prevents dryness.
- Let Them Rest: After grilling, let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling—this keeps the juices locked inside and buns from going soggy.
How to Serve
Presentation matters as much as taste! Serve your burgers hot, stacked high and proud.
Perfect Pairings
- Side Dishes: Crisp sweet potato fries, salt-and-pepper kettle chips, or a simple Asian-style slaw.
- Extras: A handful of fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or a slice of fresh jalapeño on top for a flavor boost.
- Drinks: Tropical iced tea, ginger beer, or a citrusy craft cocktail complements the burger perfectly.
Set out extra napkins—these burgers are deliciously juicy and messy, and that’s how they should be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool completely, then store grilled patties, mushrooms, and pineapple separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked patties tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Pineapple and mushrooms taste best fresh, but you can freeze them for convenience.
Reheating
Warm patties and mushrooms in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, then build your burgers as usual. Toast buns just before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
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Can I make these burgers on a stovetop if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet will deliver wonderful flavor and caramelization. Turn on your vent fan, and you’ll come close to that outdoor grilled taste.
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What’s the best way to keep burgers from falling apart on the grill?
One key is not to flip them too soon—wait until the edges look cooked (usually 3-4 minutes), then flip with a wide spatula. Using chilled patties also helps them hold together beautifully.
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Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Definitely. Fresh pineapple brings a brighter, tangier punch, but canned is so convenient for weeknights. Just drain very well if using canned so you don’t end up with a soggy burger.
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Is there a lighter version of this burger?
For a lower-calorie option, switch to ground turkey or chicken, use light teriyaki sauce, and pile on extra mushrooms for extra satisfaction without the extra fat.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Pineapple Portabella Mushroom Teriyaki Burger is proof that weeknight dinners can be both easy and restaurant-worthy. With beautiful contrasts of sweet, savory, juicy, and smoky flavors, this burger keeps things interesting, fast, and so satisfying. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, try those playful variations, and enjoy a taste-packed meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
PrintGrilled Pineapple Portabella Mushroom Teriyaki Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion (Hawaiian-American)
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Grilled Pineapple Portabella Mushroom Teriyaki Burger is a flavorful fusion of juicy beef patties, savory portabella mushrooms, caramelized pineapple, and a rich teriyaki glaze, all nestled in soft Hawaiian-style buns. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors makes this burger a standout for any grilling occasion, combining classic barbecue elements with tropical flair.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
For the Toppings
- 6 slices canned pineapple (drained)
- 2 whole portabella mushrooms, sliced into 1 inch strips
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (divided, for brushing and drizzling)
For Assembly
- 4 whole Hawaiian style hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill – Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While heating, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Shape and Season Patties – In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 equal patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Grill Portabella Mushrooms – Place the sliced portabella mushrooms on the grill. Brush with some teriyaki sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
- Grill Pineapple Slices – Place the canned pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing lightly with teriyaki sauce, until caramelized and grill marks appear. Remove and set aside.
- Grill Burger Patties – Place the beef patties on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness, brushing with teriyaki sauce during the last minute of cooking for a flavorful glaze. Remove and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Toast the Buns – Split and lightly toast the Hawaiian-style burger buns on the grill for about 1 minute until golden and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Burger – Place a patty on each bottom bun. Top with grilled portabella mushroom strips, caramelized pineapple, and an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce, then cover with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for a plant-based patty to make it vegetarian.
- Canned pineapple can be replaced with fresh for a bolder flavor.
- For extra flavor, marinate portabella strips in teriyaki sauce 15 minutes before grilling.
- Pair with sweet potato fries or an Asian slaw for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg