Lisa's Hawaiian Marinade For Burgers

This Hawaiian-style burger sauce mixes barbecue sauce with pineapple juice, Worcestershire, black pepper, and green onions for a sweet, smoky, tangy topping that turns a plain grilled burger into something tropical.

The pineapple juice is the key ingredient. Just a tablespoon adds a fruity sweetness and subtle acidity that lightens up the heavier barbecue sauce. Worcestershire rounds it out with a savory depth so the whole thing doesn’t lean too sweet.

Scallions added at the end give it a fresh, sharp bite against all that smoky-sweet flavor. Think of this as the bridge between a classic BBQ burger and a Hawaiian-style build with pineapple rings.

Pro Tips

• Use a smoky or hickory-flavored barbecue sauce for the best match with the pineapple. Sweet baby-style sauces can make it too sugary.
• Spoon the sauce over the patties right after they come off the grill while they’re still hot. The heat opens up the flavors.
• Slice the scallions thin, including the green tops. The green parts add color and a milder onion flavor.
• This sauce works great as a dipping sauce for fries alongside the burgers too.

Variations

• Top the burger with a grilled pineapple ring and Swiss cheese for the full Hawaiian experience.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha for spicy Hawaiian burgers.
• Brush the sauce onto chicken thighs or pork chops for grilling.