Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger

Sweet, salty and smoky, this burger pairs a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze with charred pineapple. The pineapple caramelizes on the grill, the glaze clings to the patty and a slice of Swiss melts over the top to tie it together.

Making your own teriyaki takes about five minutes and lets you control the sweetness. Brush the glaze on only at the end so the sugar doesn't burn. New to grilling? Our guide on how to grill burgers covers heat zones and timing.

1. Make the glaze. Combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger and garlic in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1 to 2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Set aside.
2. Form the patties. Divide the beef into 4 portions (6 oz / 170 g each) and shape into patties about ¾ inch thick, slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each.
3. Heat the grill. Preheat a grill to medium-high (around 400 to 450°F) and oil the grates. A grill pan or cast-iron skillet also works.
4. Grill the pineapple. Grill the pineapple rings 2 to 3 minutes per side until marked and caramelized. Move to a plate.
5. Grill the patties. Season the patties with salt and pepper and grill 4 to 5 minutes per side.
6. Glaze and add cheese. During the last 2 minutes, brush the patties generously with teriyaki glaze and top with cheese. Close the lid to melt. Cook until the patties reach 160°F (71°C).
7. Toast the buns. Toast the buns cut-side down on the grill for 30 to 60 seconds.
8. Assemble. Spread mayo on the buns if using. Layer lettuce, the glazed patty, a pineapple ring and red onion. Drizzle with a little extra glaze and serve.

• Glaze late. The sugar in teriyaki burns quickly over direct heat, so brush it on only in the final minutes.
• Dry the pineapple. Patting canned rings dry helps them caramelize instead of steam.
• Keep extra glaze separate. Set aside some clean glaze for drizzling so you never reuse the brush that touched raw meat.
• Swap the cheese. Pepper jack adds a spicy contrast to the sweet pineapple.

Approximately 720 calories per serving. This is an estimate.