There are burger recipes that require a grill, constant flipping, and careful timing. And then there are these Oven-Baked Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers. With just four simple ingredients and a sheet pan, you can create burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and packed with sweet, savory, tropical flavor. Ground beef is mixed with crushed pineapple and breadcrumbs, shaped into patties, brushed with thick teriyaki sauce, and baked until caramelized and tender.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the burgers juicy. The breadcrumbs help bind the patties. The teriyaki sauce creates a glossy, flavorful crust that caramelizes in the oven. No grill. No flipping. Just shape, brush, and bake.
Perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts when the weather doesn’t cooperate, or any time you need a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. Serve them on buns with extra teriyaki sauce, or alongside rice and roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Only 4 simple ingredients
-
No grill required—all in the oven
-
Juicy, flavorful patties with a caramelized teriyaki crust
-
Pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture
-
Minimal cleanup with a sheet pan
-
Ready in under 30 minutes
Oven-Baked Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 15-20 minutes | Resting Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
-
1½ pounds ground beef (80-85% lean)
-
½ cup canned crushed pineapple, well drained
-
⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
-
½ cup thick teriyaki sauce, plus extra for serving (if desired)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, well-drained crushed pineapple, and breadcrumbs. Gently mix with clean hands or a fork until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat so the burgers stay tender.
3. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions for hearty burgers (or 6 for smaller ones). Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Press a small, shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Arrange the raw beef patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they brown instead of steam.
5. Brush with Teriyaki Sauce:
Using a pastry brush or clean basting brush, generously brush teriyaki sauce over the tops and sides of the raw ground beef patties. Make sure each patty has a nice, even coating; this is what gives you that glossy, flavorful crust in the oven.
6. Bake:
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through. For food safety, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty; it should read at least 160°F (71°C). If you want a more caramelized top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so the sauce does not burn.
7. Rest and Serve:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the burgers rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Brush a little more teriyaki sauce over the hot burgers if desired, then serve on buns or alongside your favorite sides.
Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
Drain the Pineapple Well: Excess liquid from the pineapple will make the patties too wet and difficult to shape. Drain the crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer and press gently with the back of a spoon to remove as much juice as possible.
Do Not Overwork the Meat: Gently mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat will result in dense, tough burgers.
Make an Indentation: Pressing a small indentation in the center of each patty helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
Thick Teriyaki Sauce: Use a thick, sticky teriyaki sauce (such as Soy Vay or Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce). Thin teriyaki sauces will not create the same caramelized crust.
Add Toppings (Optional): Top the cooked burgers with grilled pineapple rings, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
Make Ahead: You can shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Brush with teriyaki sauce just before baking.
Variations
Spicy Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon of sriracha to the ground beef mixture. The heat balances the sweetness.
Garlic Teriyaki Burgers: Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder or 4 cloves of fresh minced garlic to the ground beef mixture. The garlic adds savory depth.
Ginger Teriyaki Burgers: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger to the ground beef mixture. The ginger adds warmth and brightness.
Cheesy Teriyaki Burgers: Top each patty with a slice of provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese during the last 2 minutes of baking. The cheese melts into a gooey topping.
Hawaiian Burger Bowl: Serve the patties over rice with steamed broccoli, pineapple chunks, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Skip the bun for a low-carb option.
Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Burgers: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the mixture to keep the patties moist.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers are delicious served:
-
On toasted hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and onion
-
On Hawaiian sweet rolls for mini sliders
-
Over rice with steamed vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers)
-
In a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option
Topping Ideas:
-
Grilled pineapple rings
-
Sliced green onions
-
Sesame seeds
-
Extra teriyaki sauce
-
Sriracha mayo
-
Pickled red onions
Side Dish Ideas:
-
Roasted sweet potato fries
-
Coconut rice
-
Grilled vegetables
-
Asian slaw
-
Steamed edamame
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place the patties on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, until heated through. The microwave will work but may make the patties less crisp.
These burgers freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze the cooked patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
These Hawaiian Teriyaki Burgers are a brilliant example of how simple ingredients and smart techniques can create an extraordinary burger. The crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the patties juicy even when baked. The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, preventing the patties from falling apart. The thick teriyaki sauce, brushed on before baking, caramelizes in the oven, creating a glossy, flavorful crust.
Baking the burgers instead of grilling or pan-frying allows for hands-off cooking and even heat distribution. The high oven temperature (400°F) ensures the patties develop a browned exterior while staying juicy inside. The optional broiler step adds even more caramelization for those who like a deeply browned crust.
This recipe is proof that you do not need a grill to make delicious, juicy burgers. With a few simple ingredients and a sheet pan, you can create Hawaiian teriyaki burgers that are sweet, savory, and perfect for any night of the week. Serve them on buns with extra teriyaki sauce, and enjoy.