The Hawaiian Burger

Every one has heard of a 'Hawaiian' burger. These burgers usually entail pineapple and teriyaki sauce and not much imagination. However, this Hawaiian burger is not your typical Hawaiian burger. What makes this burger different? Not only is the pineapple marinated in our Pastamore Honey Ginger Teriyaki Marinade and Grill Sauce, but the burger also features grilled SPAM!

I know that the first thing that comes to mind with SPAM is not necessarily a positive thought. However, sometimes food works in mysterious ways. SPAM is a staple food in Hawaii, and is even offered at McDonald's and Burger King in Hawaii. SPAM used on this burger is used in the same way that bacon would be used on a traditional burger. Sliced thinly and grilled, the SPAM gives a great flavor that makes this burger complete.


Ingredients: Servings: 3- 1/3 lb burger
1 lb - 80/20 ground beef
1 Tbsp - Pastamore Traditional Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp - salt
1/2 tsp - black pepper
1 pinch - smoked paprika
1 tsp - Pastamore Barrel-Aged Worcestershire
3 onion buns
1 7 oz can - SPAM (sliced bacon thick)
3 pieces Pineapple - 1/2" thick slices (fresh or canned acceptable)
2 oz - Pastamore Honey Ginger Teriyaki Marinade and Grill Sauce

Directions:
1. Turn on the grill (gas or charcoal is acceptable).
2. In a large bowl combine the meat, Pastamore Barrel-Aged Worcestershire, Pastamore Traditional Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar, and all dry ingredients. Mix well.
3. Cut and core the pineapple (if you are using fresh). Slice the pineapple into 1/2" thick slices. In a bowl combine the pineapple and the Pastamore Honey Ginger Teriyaki Marinade and Grill Sauce. Mix the pineapple with the sauce so that it is evenly coated and allow to sit before they go on to the grill.
4. Remove the SPAM from the can and slice into bacon thick slices. Do not cut too thin as it will burn on the grill, but you are welcome to slice it as thick as you would like.
5. After the meat has sat for 10 minutes, separate into 3 equal sized patties. Make sure that the grill has been cleaned off, and turn the temperature to medium-high heat. Allow the burgers to cook on one side for 4-7 minutes and then turn. The goal is to only flip the burger once during the cooking process. Once the burgers are halfway done, place the pineapple and SPAM on the grill. If there is not enough room for all of the food, cook the pineapple first and the SPAM last. Cook the SPAM and pineapple until they have nice grill marks on them, but do not overcook either of them as they will dry out.
6. Check the temperature of the burger to see if they have reached the desired doneness. Servsafe recommends that ground beef is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 155°F to kill pathogens.
6. Place the bottom of the toasted bun on the plate. On the bun place the burger, and on top of the burger place the SPAM. On top of the SPAM place the grilled pineapple and the top of the bun.

Do not be afraid of the SPAM in this recipe. It may not be the healthiest food out there, but one ounce is not going to kill you. Take the risk and try this recipe as it is written. Although many burgers this summer have been great, there is something about this burger that has made it my favorite.