Your search for the ultimate summer burger ends here! Introducing the irresistible Kona Burger: a mouthwatering fusion of savory teriyaki, sweet grilled pineapple, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
There are some meals that leave an indelible mark on your memory, and for me, the Kona Burger holds a special place. It all started years ago during a memorable lunch with Etienne. We both, without prior discussion, ordered the exact same dish: the legendary Kona Burger from Original Joe’s. If you’ve been following my culinary journey, you might recall this restaurant from my earlier post on sweet potato fries with dill dip – and yes, I’m fairly certain those delightful fries were part of that very same order!
From the very first bite, I was smitten. It was love at first taste, a perfect symphony of flavors that danced on the palate. This recipe isn’t just a simple burger; it’s my heartfelt homage to that iconic dish, meticulously crafted to replicate the magic of that original experience. It’s a burger with an abundance of fantastic elements: the rich, savory sweetness of teriyaki sauce, the caramelized tang of grilled pineapple, the irresistible crunch of bacon, and the creamy melt of mozzarella. Seriously, it’s so good, it deserves mentioning the bacon twice!
The satisfaction of recreating a beloved dish is immense, and this Kona Burger truly delivers. When I presented my homemade version to Etienne last week, his reaction was the ultimate validation. He proclaimed he wouldn’t have been able to distinguish it from the restaurant’s original. That, my friends, is a win in my cookbook!
Crafting Your Perfect Kona Burger: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own Kona Burger at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize every detail to your liking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the harmonious blend of its distinct components. Let’s delve into how to bring this Hawaiian-inspired masterpiece to life.
The Heart of the Burger: The Patty
While I often enjoy crafting my own hamburger patties from scratch, this recipe is designed to be accessible and flexible. Feel free to use your preferred method: whether it’s perfectly seasoned homemade patties, convenient store-bought options (I’ve found great success with the high-quality burgers from The Keg, often available at Costco), or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian twist. The key is to choose a patty that you love and cook it to your desired doneness, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
The Flavor Star: Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce is undeniably one of the defining flavors of the Kona Burger. You have the option to either whip up your own homemade teriyaki sauce, offering a depth of flavor and control over ingredients, or opt for a high-quality store-bought version for convenience. While my personal teriyaki recipe is still in the works and will be shared soon, a good quality bottled sauce will certainly do the trick. Look for one with a good balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes to truly elevate your burger.
The Sweet & Smoky Twist: Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is not just a garnish; it’s a game-changer for this burger. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, enhancing its sweetness and adding a delightful smoky char. It provides a juicy, tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors of the meat and bacon. For perfect grill marks and a slight warm-through, pineapple slices only need 1-2 minutes per side on a medium-high grill. Watch for those beautiful golden-brown lines!
The Irresistible Crunch: Crispy Bacon
What’s a great burger without bacon? The crispy, salty strips of bacon add a crucial layer of texture and a burst of savory flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple and teriyaki. You can cook your bacon in a hot pan until perfectly crisp, or for a less hands-on approach, bake it in the oven. Once cooked, briefly blot the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring maximum crispiness.
The Creamy Finish: Melted Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese, with its mild flavor and incredible melt, is the ideal choice for the Kona Burger. It creates a creamy, luscious layer that binds all the flavors together without overpowering them. It melts beautifully over a hot patty, adding that irresistible gooey texture that every great burger needs.
Assembling Your Culinary Masterpiece
Now for the grand finale: assembly! Begin by lightly toasting your hamburger buns – a crucial step for preventing sogginess and adding a delightful crunch. Spread a thin layer of mayo (or butter for richness) on both halves of the toasted bun. Follow this with a generous drizzle of teriyaki sauce on each bun half. Next, lay a fresh handful of crisp romaine lettuce on the bottom bun, topped with two slices of creamy mozzarella cheese. Place your perfectly cooked burger patty directly on the mozzarella, allowing its residual heat to start the melting process. Drizzle the patty with a bit more teriyaki sauce. Then, crown your burger with those delectable grilled pineapple slices and two strips of crispy bacon. Finish it off with thinly sliced tomato and the top bun. Serve immediately with a crisp pickle on the side for that extra tang!
What Accompanies the Kona Burger Best?
A burger this spectacular deserves equally fantastic side dishes. For us, nothing quite beats the classic pairing of sweet potato fries. If you haven’t yet experienced my recipe for sweet potato fries with a refreshing dill dip, you absolutely must give it a try! The creamy, herbaceous dip perfectly complements the naturally sweet and crispy fries, creating an unbeatable combination.
Beyond fries, a fresh, vibrant salad can be an excellent choice to balance the richness of the burger. Here are some of our favorite salad recipes that would pair wonderfully:
- Keto Cabbage Salad: A light, crunchy option.
- Roasted Corn and Chickpea Kale Salad: Hearty and flavorful.
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A festive and satisfying choice.
- Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad: Adds a smoky depth to a classic.
For a complete summer meal, consider a crisp coleslaw, a light fruit salad, or even some baked beans. And don’t forget the beverages! A cold craft beer, a refreshing iced tea, or a sparkling lemonade would all be perfect companions to your delicious Kona Burger.
As the weekend approaches, I hope you find joy in your kitchen and perhaps even embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this Kona Burger. If you’re looking for other summer activities, berry picking remains high on my list – a wonderful way to enjoy the season’s bounty. I’m still hoping to take the kids soon, but in the meantime, I’ll happily live vicariously through your adventures!
For more baking inspiration, be sure to visit my Instagram where I recently shared my elaborate Swedish princess cake for a special collaboration!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Kona Burger Recipe
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 9 reviews
Author: Katherine | Love In My Oven
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 burgers 1x
Description
This Kona Burger is your new favorite summer recipe! It’s a teriyaki burger with grilled pineapple, mozzarella, and bacon – a perfect taste of the tropics for your grill. Dig in!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 hamburger patties*
- 4 slices (rings) fresh pineapple
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 fresh hamburger buns
- 1–2 tbsp mayo (or butter)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, divided**
- handful romaine lettuce, chopped
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- 2 pickles, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 350F/175C). Once the grill is hot, place the hamburger patties directly onto the grates. Cook the patties, flipping once, until they reach your desired internal temperature (e.g., 160F/71C for well-done beef). During the final 1-2 minutes of the burger’s cooking time, add the pineapple slices directly to the grill. Cook for about 1 minute on each side, just long enough to achieve beautiful char marks and warm through. Remove both patties and pineapple to a plate.
- While your hamburgers are grilling, prepare the bacon. You can fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy, or bake it in the oven for even cooking. Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- Lightly toast your hamburger buns. Once toasted, spread a thin layer of mayo or butter on both the top and bottom halves of each bun. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce evenly over the buttered/mayo-coated side of each bun. On the bottom bun, layer a handful of fresh, chopped romaine lettuce, followed by two slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Carefully place the hot, cooked burger patties on top of the mozzarella slices. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the patties. Next, add the sliced tomato, the smoky grilled pineapple, and two crispy slices of bacon. Complete your Kona Burger by topping it with the upper half of the bun. Serve immediately, accompanied by a fresh pickle on the side!
Notes
*As highlighted in the article, you’re welcome to use your preferred hamburger patties, whether they are homemade, previously frozen, or your favorite store-bought brand.
**While I enjoy crafting my own teriyaki sauce, a good quality store-bought version can also be used for convenience and excellent flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes