Spicy Pineapple Jalapeno Burgers

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

Fire up your grill and get ready to spice up your burger game with these Spicy Pineapple Jalapeno Burgers. This recipe brings a sweet and spicy twist to your classic burger, perfect for summer cookouts or any time you crave a taste of the tropics with a kick.

Ingredients for Spicy Pineapple Jalapeno Burgers

The base of our burger is ground beef, chosen for its rich, savory flavor. We season it with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural taste of the beef. The jalapenos, diced and mixed into the patty, offer a fresh, spicy kick. Grilled pineapple slices bring a sweet, juicy contrast to the heat, while pepper jack cheese melts over the top, adding creamy spice. We’ll slather a mixture of mayonnaise and lime juice onto the buns for a tangy, creamy spread. Red onion adds a sharp crunch, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro finishes each burger with a burst of herby freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before dicing.
  • Pressing a small indentation in the patties helps them cook flat, not dome-shaped.
  • If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings work well too.
  • Let the cheese melt naturally with the grill lid closed for even melting.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these burgers with a light, crisp salad like arugula with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. For a side, sweet potato fries complement the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully. A cold, citrusy beer or a refreshing lemonade will wash it all down perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but note that they may cook faster, so adjust your grilling time accordingly.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the beef patties for store-bought veggie burgers or grilled portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
Is there a way to reduce the carbs?
Sure, you can wrap the patties in lettuce leaves instead of using buns for a low-carb version.

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeno Burgers Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for getting those beautiful grill marks and ensuring your patties cook evenly. While the grill heats, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your ground beef. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and diced jalapenos. Use your hands to gently combine everything. You’re aiming for even distribution without overworking the meat, which can make burgers tough.

Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into patties. Thumbprint the center of each patty slightly to help them cook evenly without puffing up. Now, place these patties on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 4 minutes, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. Just before they’re done, top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese and let it melt over the heat.

While the patties are grilling, mix mayonnaise with lime juice in a small bowl. This zesty spread will pair beautifully with the spicy and sweet elements of the burger. Next, throw your pineapple slices on the grill for about 2 minutes per side. This grilling caramelizes the sugars, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Don’t forget about the buns! Place them on the grill for about 1 minute until they’re nicely toasted. This step is quick but makes a big difference in texture. Now it’s time to assemble: Spread your lime mayonnaise on both halves of the bun. Layer with your juicy patty, followed by a slice of grilled pineapple, some thinly sliced red onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Top with the other half of the bun, and you’re ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and spicy flavors that perfectly balance each other.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for a casual BBQ or a weekday meal.
  • Grilled pineapple adds a caramelized sweetness that’s irresistible.
  • Pepper jack cheese provides a creamy, spicy layer of flavor.
  • Customizable heat level to suit your preference.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup jalapenos, diced
4 slices pineapple, grilled
4 hamburger buns
4 slices pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and diced jalapenos. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill the patties for 4 minutes on each side or until desired doneness.
4. Top each patty with a slice of pepper jack cheese and let it melt.
5. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and lime juice.
6. Grill pineapple slices for 2 minutes per side.
7. Toast hamburger buns on the grill for 1 minute.
8. Assemble the burgers by spreading lime mayonnaise on each bun, then adding the patty, grilled pineapple, red onion, and cilantro.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!