1 pound lean ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup teriyaki sauce, divided (my favorite store-bought is Kikkoman, or see recipe below!)
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
8 pineapple slices
8 tomato slices
1 cup shredded lettuce
mayo
4 burger buns with sesame seeds
Teriyaki sauce
½ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
¾ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
If using store-bought teriyaki sauce, skip this step.
For the homemade teriyaki sauce whisk all ingredients together in a small sauce pan.
Stir constantly while bringing to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes.
Reduce heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl to rest until ready to use.
In a medium bowl combine ground beef, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce.
Mix well, then form into 4 equal sized patties.
Place pineapple slices and patties on a preheated grill rack.
Grill patties over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side until cooked through to desired doneness.
When fully cooked, turn off the grill, transfer pineapples to a platter or serving tray, and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each burger patty (still on the grill).
Cover the grill until cheese is melty (about 1-2 minutes).
Assemble burgers by spreading mayo on the insides of the burger burns.
Top bottom half of bun with burger patty, teriyaki sauce, pineapple slices, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.