• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Air Fryer
  • About Me
  • Discounts
  • Contact Me

Healthful Blondie

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Air Fryer
  • About Me
  • Discounts
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • All Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • About Me
    • Discounts
    • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » By Meal » Lunch & Dinner

    Published: April 14, 2021

    Healthy Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

    5 from 8 votes
    Jump to Recipe Pin Print

    Healthy pineapple teriyaki turkey burgers that are juicy, nourishing, and easy to grill. Topped with grilled pineapple, charred red bell pepper, and a simple 5 minute homemade teriyaki sauce, these simple turkey burgers are delicious all year round! Perfect for weekend BBQ grill outs and families.

    healthy Hawaiian pineapple teriyaki burger (paleo)

    Grilled pineapple teriyaki turkey burgers

    It’s almost grill season which means HELLO family BBQs, burgers, and warm weather festivities! I have to admit, I just love Summer. The weather is perfect, you get to be outdoors all the time, and the food is just fantastic. Seriously, I am a sucker for a juicy burger, grilled veggies, and a delicious berry crumble!

    You have to add this healthy turkey burger recipe to your weekly menu! The Asian inspired burger patties are mouthwatering, juicy, and taste absolutely incredible. The pineapple rings are tender, caramelized, and grilled to perfection. The homemade teriyaki sauce is lightly sweet and tangy. It is hard not to eat two or three of these burgers!

    These teriyaki burgers are just perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, date night, and even casual family dinners. Serve them on toasted buns or convert them into a burger salad. I cannot wait to hear what you guys think of this fun healthy turkey burger recipe!

    turkey burgers with grilled pineapple and homemade teriyaki sauce

    Is teriyaki sauce healthy?

    Not every teriyaki sauce recipe is “healthy.” That is why I am here to help! This homemade teriyaki is made with only simple ingredients and no refined sugar. We’ll be using low sodium soy sauce for flavor, honey as a natural sweetener, a dash of pineapple juice to increase the depth of flavor, some water and arrowroot starch (or cornstarch) to thicken the sauce. I promise you, this homemade teriyaki is so much healthier than any store bought version and it couldn’t be easier to make! Plus if you use arrowroot and tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) this dish is paleo!

    Grilled paleo teriyaki turkey burgers with pineapple and red bell pepper

    Ingredients in teriyaki burgers

    You’ll only need a few, simple ingredients to get this easy 15 minute turkey burger dinner recipe going! I am all about simplicity and ease, so don’t worry, you won’t need to go to the supermarket and buy a lot of expensive ingredients and spices. For this paleo turkey burger recipe, you are going to need some ground turkey, pineapple, soy sauce, ginger, and some seasonings! Here is a list of all the ingredients you’ll need:

    For the turkey burgers:

    • Lean ground turkey (I used 93%): ground turkey is the best source of lean protein!
    • Scallions (also called green onion)
    • Spinach: for some extra vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C!
    • Fresh ginger
    • Soy sauce: you’ll be adding 1 Tablespoon of reduced sodium soy sauce to these burgers for extra flavor!
    • Pineapple: use fresh or canned pineapple.
    • Red bell pepper: this recipe calls for 1 red bell pepper which is full of vitamins A and C.
    • Lettuce
    • Buns

    For the pineapple teriyaki sauce:

    • Arrowroot powder or cornstarch: necessary to thicken up your homemade teriyaki sauce.
    • Cold water
    • Soy sauce: this teriyaki sauce calls for 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce.
    • Pineapple juice
    • Honey: honey is nature’s candy and the perfect natural sweetener.
    • Sesame oil
    • Fresh ginger
    • Garlic clove: tis teriyaki recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove.

    Easy ingredient substitutions

    I love simple and easy recipes! If you don’t love every ingredient in this one, I am here to help you out with a list of the very best substitutions for these easy teriyaki turkey burgers!

    Ground turkey: easily swap the ground turkey out for ground chicken (make sure it is not 99% lean) or ground beef.

    Fresh ginger: if you do not have fresh ginger, sub for 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of ground dried ginger spice.

    Spinach: you can easily leave out the spinach. I just added it for extra health benefits and lots of vitamin A and C.

    Soy Sauce: You can use tamari sauce as well which will make this dish 100% gluten free and paleo!

    Pineapple juice: Use orange juice instead if you do not have pineapple juice on hand.

    Honey: You can use coconut sugar or maple syrup to sweeten the teriyaki sauce.

    simple teriyaki turkey burgers with pineapple

    How to make healthy pineapple teriyaki turkey burgers

    Homemade teriyaki turkey burgers with grilled pineapple rings are so easy to make! For these juicy patties, we’ll just mix everything together and then either cook them on the stove or grill them – your choice! Then, we will make an easy 5 minute teriyaki sauce. After that assemble and enjoy!

    The first thing you’ll do is gently combine the ground turkey, scallions, spinach, ginger, and low sodium soy sauce in a mixing bowl. Make sure you do not over-mix!

    Divide ground turkey mixture and make 4 burger patties, equal in size and about 3/4-inches thick.

    Next, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and coat with non-stick spray. Grill the pineapple rings and red bell pepper slices until tender and caramelized, about 2 – 3 minutes per side.

    Grill the turkey burgers for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

    Meanwhile, dissolve the arrowroot starch in the cold water and set to the side.

    Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add the low sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring the sauce to a quick boil.

    Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the arrowroot start water. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, making sure to continually whisk, until the sauce has thickened.

    Serve the burgers on toasted buns, brushed with the pineapple teriyaki sauce, and topped with grilled pineapple, grilled red bell pepper, and lettuce. Enjoy!

    Tips for making healthy homemade teriyaki sauce

    Making teriyaki sauce is really simple! Here are my tips on how to make the best homemade teriyaki sauce:

    1. Dissolve the arrowroot powder or corn starch in cold water before adding to the teriyaki sauce. If you add the arrowroot powder straight to the boiling soy sauce mixture, the sauce will get clumpy.
    2. Bring the sauce to a rapid boil, then reduce to a simmer.
    3. Remember to continually whisk as the sauce thickens. This makes sure the sauce is smooth and thick.
    Teriyaki turkey burgers with grilled pineapple

    How to perfectly grill pineapple

    Grilling pineapple rings is actually really easy! You want to make sure it is still juicy, but also charred. Here is how to perfectly grill pineapple:

    1. Preheat your grill pan or grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
    2. Make sure the grill is clean, then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray. I like to use avocado oil spray. 
    3. Either cut a fresh pineapple into small rings, buy fresh pineapple already cut into rings, or use canned pineapple.
    4. Place pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 2 – 3 minutes on each side. The pineapple rings should be juicy, tender, and lightly charred.
    5. Let the pineapple rings sit for a minute, and enjoy with your teriyaki burger!

    How to meal prep and store leftover teriyaki burgers

    Pineapple teriyaki turkey burgers make for the best meal prep! Simply separate each burger and toppings into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for 4 – 5 days. Do not store the buns with the burgers.

    When you are ready to enjoy your teriyaki burger, warm up in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top.

    juicy pineapple turkey burgers with healthy teriyaki sauce and grilled red bell pepper

    Did you make this recipe?

    If you make these healthy turkey burgers, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

    Looking for other healthy dinner recipes? Check these out!

    Need some more tasty and healthy dinner, lunch, or meal prep ideas? Here are some of my favorite Healthful Blondie dinner recipes to try out….

    Goat Cheese & Pesto Crusted Chicken

    Healthy Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Burgers

    Crispy Salmon with Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli

    Easy Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

    Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Healthy pineapple teriyaki turkey burgers

    Healthy Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

    Healthy pineapple teriyaki turkey burgers that are juicy, nourishing, and easy to grill. Topped with grilled pineapple, charred red bell pepper, and a simple 5-minute homemade teriyaki sauce, these simple turkey burgers are delicious all year round! Perfect for weekend BBQ grill outs and families.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Serving 4 burgers

    Ingredients
     

    Burgers:

    • 1 lb of lean ground turkey, I used 93%
    • ⅓ cup scallions, thinly sliced
    • ½ cup spinach, finely chopped
    • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger, very fine
    • 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
    • 4 - 8 slices pineapple, fresh or canned
    • 1 medium red bell pepper, seedless and cut into rings
    • 4 buns of your choice
    • 8 lettuce leaves

    Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce:

    • 2 tsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
    • ¼ cup cold water
    • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
    • ¼ cup pineapple juice
    • 1 Tbsp honey
    • ½ tsp sesame oil
    • ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger, very fine
    • 1 small garlic clove, minced

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, scallions, spinach, ginger, and low sodium soy sauce. Do not over-mix!
    • Divide mixture and make 4 burger patties, about 3/4-inches thick.
    • Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and coat with non-stick spray. Grill the pineapple rings and red bell pepper slices until tender and caramelized, about 2 - 3 minutes per side.
    • Grill the burgers for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
    • Meanwhile, dissolve the arrowroot starch with the cold water and set to the side.
    • Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add the low sodium soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring sauce to a quick boil.
    • Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the arrowroot start water. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, making sure to continually whisk, until the sauce has thickened.
    • Serve the burgers on toasted buns, brushed with the pineapple teriyaki sauce, and topped with grilled pineapple, grilled red bell pepper, and lettuce. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Substitute ground chicken or ground beef.
    Substitute freshly grated ginger with 1/4 tsp ground ginger.
    Substitute honey with coconut sugar or maple syrup.
    TO STORE: in the refridgerator for 3 - 4 days.
    TO REHEAT: cover with damp paper towel and microwave for 30 - 60 seconds, or until warm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 799mg | Potassium: 907mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 5095IU | Vitamin C: 172mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course Lunch & Dinner
    Cuisine Asian, Healthy
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!

    Recipe by Tati Chermayeff / Healthful Blondie + Photos by The Travel Palate

    I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Everything counts to keep my dream afloat; thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

    1. Mi3piphany says

      April 15, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! I typically don’t like mixing sweet with salty, but it really does look mouthwatering! L’ll have to try it out!
      On another note, your site is beautiful!

      Reply
      • Tati Chermayeff says

        May 12, 2021 at 6:56 pm

        I am so excited to hear what you think!!! Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply
    2. Emily Richard says

      May 29, 2021 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      The is such a fantastic recipe. My whole family REALLY LOVED THEM + the burgers are really juicy and light. I never named my own teriyaki sauce before and didn’t know it was so easy! I’ll be making this again!

      Reply
      • Tati Chermayeff says

        June 04, 2021 at 2:18 pm

        I am so happy to hear this Emily!! Wow, you made my day.

        Reply
    3. Saskia Chermayeff says

      June 16, 2021 at 9:44 am

      5 stars
      such a delicious combination! I would never have thought that pineapple would pair so nicely with the burger, but it did!!!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Tati, founder and creator of Healthful Blondie

    I’m Tati, a foodie, recipe developer, and blogger based in Austin, Texas. I started Healthful Blondie in 2020 to celebrate life, health, and my passion for cooking and baking. If you are in search of “lightened-up,” healthier versions of classics, you are in the right spot! My recipes are easy to follow, simple, and super tasty.

    More about me →

    don't miss a thing!

    Recent recipes

    • 3 ingredient healthy lemonade popsicles
      Lemonade Popsicles
    • crispiest air fryer gnocchi recipe
      Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
    • crispy air fryer halloumi cheese
      Air Fryer Halloumi
    • lemon drizzle cupcakes
      Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes
    • ultra-crispy vegan tofu schnitzel
      Crispy Vegan Tofu Schnitzel
    • healthy 15-minute Baja shrimp tacos
      Baja Shrimp Tacos

    Footer

    Recipes

    Recipe Index
    Mains
    Breakfast
    Snacks
    Desserts
    ---
    Privacy

    Featured in

    Well + Good
    Women's Health Magazine
    FeedFeed
    POPSUGAR Fitness
    BuzzFeed

    • Pinterest
    • Facebook