Hawaiian Hamburger Pineapple Skewers

Name: Hawaiian Hamburger Pineapple Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Highlighted under: International Table

I love grilling Hawaiian Hamburger Pineapple Skewers for summer barbecues! The combination of juicy hamburger patties and sweet, caramelized pineapple creates a flavor explosion that's hard to resist. Each bite transports me to a tropical paradise, enhanced by the smokiness from the grill. These skewers are quick to prepare, and they impress both kids and adults alike. The fun of skewering the ingredients together makes it a perfect family activity too. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that blends savory and sweet in the best way possible.

Created by

The Chefadriancooks Team

Last updated on 2026-03-17T13:41:30.406Z

When I first tried Hawaiian Hamburger Pineapple Skewers at a local BBQ, I couldn't get enough! The contrast of the savory burger meat with the sweet, juicy pineapple created a delightful taste that I knew I had to replicate at home. After some experimentation, I found the perfect balance in seasoning the beef and grilling the skewers at just the right temperature to achieve that rewarding char.

One tip that worked wonders was soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling. This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps the skewers intact while cooking. Trust me, it makes all the difference when you serve these up at your next gathering!

Why You'll Love These Skewers

Juicy beef paired with sweet, grilled pineapple
Easy to make and perfect for outdoor gatherings
Colorful presentation that impresses guests

Perfecting the Skewers

To ensure the skewers hold up during grilling, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill while also allowing you to impart delicious flavors into your meal. Choose skewers that are about 10 to 12 inches long for easy handling and a good balance of ingredients. If you prefer reusable options, metal skewers are excellent as they provide consistent heat and don’t require soaking.

When forming the hamburger patties, aim for roughly the same size as your pineapple chunks. Uniformity helps them cook evenly on the grill. I find that making the patties about 1/2 inch thick works best because they will shrink slightly as they cook, creating a perfect fit alongside the juicy pineapple. Keeping the patties slightly thicker helps retain the moisture, ensuring they’re deliciously juicy when served.

Grilling Tips

Preheating your grill to a medium-high temperature is crucial for achieving that coveted char on your skewers. Aim for a temperature around 375°F to 450°F. This will help seal in the juices of the hamburger patties while providing the sweet caramelization on the pineapple. I recommend using a grilling thermometer to check your grill’s temperature, ensuring consistent cooking results.

Turn the skewers gently every 3 to 4 minutes to create a nice crust without allowing the patties to fall apart. Watch for visual cues; the beef should be cooked through, visibly browned, and the edges of the pineapple should start to sizzle and char. A slight glaze on the pineapple indicates they are ready to be served, imparting both texture and sweetness to contrast with the savory beef.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Hawaiian Hamburger Pineapple Skewers:

For the Skewers

1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Hawaiian Hamburger Pineapple Skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a marinade. Combine the ground beef with half of this mixture and form into small patties.

Assemble the Skewers

On each soaked skewer, alternate threading a burger patty, a chunk of pineapple, and pieces of bell pepper until the skewer is filled. Repeat this process for all skewers.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the beef is cooked through and has a nice char.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the grill and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or salad. Enjoy your tropical feast!

These steps will ensure your skewers are a hit at any gathering!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, let the skewers marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Experiment by adding other vegetables like zucchini or onion for extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Keep in mind that turkey and chicken tend to dry out more quickly, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil into the meat mixture for moisture. If you're a vegetarian, plant-based burger patties can serve as an excellent alternative, allowing for the same grilling enjoyment without the meat.

For a burst of color and flavor, try adding additional vegetables to your skewers, such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or red onion wedges. These vegetables can enhance not just the visual appeal but also add a complex flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the savoriness of the beef.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing for a gathering, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and store them uncovered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld. Just remember to grill them fresh for the best texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can easily be reheated on a skillet over medium heat for a quick meal.

For meal prep, consider grilling extra skewers. They can be frozen individually for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them on the grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of Hawaii any day of the week!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for beef. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

→ What kind of skewers should I use?

Use wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden, make sure to soak them to prevent burning.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the skewers in advance, refrigerate, and grill them when you're ready to serve.