This burger is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the smoky teriyaki-glazed bacon, the juicy Swiss-covered patties, and the caramelized pineapple. It’s my homage to the ultimate burger, and I hope it leaves you as satisfied as it left me.
You may remember the Big Kahuna Burger from Pulp Fiction—the one that made Samuel L. Jackson take a big sip of soda to wash down that tasty burger. That scene stayed with me, and it kept me up at night for a year until I finally perfected what I thought an epic burger should taste like.
And on that note, let’s jump right into it!
What You’ll Need
3 lbs ground chuck
1 tablespoon pink sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 can pineapple rings
1 onion, sliced thin
1 lb thick-sliced bacon
2 cups teriyaki sauce
1 lb Swiss cheese slices
4 big brioche buns
1 cup Kewpie mayo
1 cup honey mustard
Let’s Get Cooking
To make Mel’s Big Kahuna Burger, you’ll want to use a griddle or a cast iron pan. And if you have a burger press, you’re ahead of the game! If not, grab a good, solid spatula. Let’s fire up the heat and get that pan sizzling hot!
Step 1: Prep the Patties
In a large bowl, mix the ground chuck with 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, pink sea salt, and black pepper. Form the mixture into handful-sized meatballs and place them on a platter in the fridge to chill.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in your hot pan until crispy. Once it’s ready, add 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce and set the bacon aside.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
Use the bacon grease to cook down the sliced onions, adding a teaspoon of teriyaki sauce for extra flavor. Once they’re soft, set them aside.
Step 4: Grill the Pineapple
Get the pan hot again and place the pineapple rings in. Add a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce, flip, and repeat. Set aside when they’re caramelized and golden.
Step 5: Smash the Patties
Take the burger balls out of the fridge. With the pan hot again, place the meatballs one by one and smash them flat with a spatula. Aim for about 3/4-inch thickness. Cook until the top feels warm to the touch, then flip and press again. Add a teaspoon of teriyaki sauce, flip, and top with Swiss cheese. Cover with a lid for about 1 minute to melt the cheese perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Burger
Lay out your brioche buns. Spread Kewpie mayo on the bottom bun and honey mustard on the top. Place the caramelized onions and pineapple on the top bun, and add two cheese-covered patties to the bottom bun. Top with the teriyaki-glazed bacon and close it up.
Step 7: Enjoy the Epic Creation
Take a moment to admire what you just made. Then, it’s time to devour this masterpiece! Big bites are a must—be messy and enjoy every last bite before you even think about wiping your face or looking at your shirt. Trust me, it’s worth it.
And, of course, take a sip of soda to wash down that tasty burger—just like Samuel L. Jackson did!
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