Big Kahuna Burger
The Big Kahuna Burger is a fictional fast-food burger chain famously featured in Quentin Tarantino's films, notably in "Pulp Fiction" (1994). This gourmet burger embodies a fusion of American Southern flavors with Hawaiian influences, offering a juicy, flavorful experience topped with sweet grilled pineapple, caramelized onions, and a savory teriyaki aioli.
Ingredients
- Butter Lettuce
- 1 Sweet Onion
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1 Pineapple
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 4 slices Cheddar Cheese
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 4 Hamburger Buns
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
Make the Patties
- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix gently to incorporate without overworking the meat.
- Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat, round patty about 3/4-inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to ensure even cooking.
- Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate while you prepare the other components. This helps maintain their shape during cooking.
Make Teriyaki Aioli
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Refrigerate the aioli until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
Prep Produce & Grill Patties
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- If onions start to stick, deglaze with a splash of water or broth.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- cLightly brush pineapple slices with oil and grill until caramelized and slightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush each patty with a little teriyaki sauce on both sides.
- Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- During the last minute of grilling, place two slices of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
- Remove patties from the grill and let them rest.
Toast Buns
- Split the hamburger buns and lightly butter each cut side.
- Place the buns, buttered side down, on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and toasted.
Assemble the Big Kahuna Burger
- Spread about 2 teaspoons of teriyaki aioli on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place a leaf of butter lettuce on the aioli. Add the grilled beef patty with melted cheese. Top with a slice of grilled pineapple. Add a generous portion of caramelized onions. Place tomato slices on top.
- Spread additional teriyaki aioli on the top half of the bun and place it over the assembled ingredients.