Kilauea Burger from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks features a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato, and tangy island-style BBQ sauce, all nestled inside a toasted sesame seed bun for a mouthwatering, flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Fryer or skillet (for bacon)
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Bun toaster or griddle
- Squeeze bottle (for BBQ sauce)
- Sandwich assembly station
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 hamburger buns with sesame seeds
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
- 1/2 cup island-style BBQ sauce
Use fresh, high-quality ground beef to ensure your Kilauea Burger tastes juicy and flavorful. Select sharp cheddar cheese slices that melt well over the patty for a rich texture. Opt for crispy bacon cooked to perfection in a skillet or fryer to add a savory crunch. Toasting the sesame seed buns on a griddle or bun toaster enhances their flavor and prevents sogginess. You can easily recreate the mouthwatering Kilauea Burger from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks with these key ingredients and simple equipment at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat your grill and bun toaster (or griddle).
- Form ground beef into 4 equal patties.
- Season patties as desired.
- Place patties on hot grill.
- Cook patties to preferred doneness, flipping once with tongs or spatula.
- Place cheddar cheese slices on patties during last minute of grilling; cover to melt cheese.
- Cook bacon in fryer or skillet until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Slice tomato into 4 thick slices using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves.
- Split buns and toast on bun toaster or griddle until golden brown.
- Place bottom bun on sandwich assembly station or plate.
- Layer with lettuce, then tomato slice.
- Add hot beef patty with melted cheddar.
- Place 1 slice of crispy bacon on cheese.
- Squeeze or spread island-style BBQ sauce over bacon.
- Top with sesame seed bun crown.
- Serve immediately on plate or tray.
Substitution
When preparing a copycat Kilauea Burger from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based patties to suit dietary preferences while maintaining the burger's juicy texture. If cheddar cheese is unavailable, sharp American or Colby cheese slices achieve a similar melt and flavor profile. Use leafy romaine or butter lettuce if iceberg is not on hand, ensuring a fresh crunch that complements the tangy island-style BBQ sauce. To keep bacon crispy, cook it in a skillet over medium heat and drain on paper towels before assembling. Toasting your buns on a griddle or under a broiler enhances texture and helps prevent sogginess when adding the sauce and toppings.
Tips
Ensure the grill is fully preheated before placing the beef patties to achieve a proper sear and lock in juices. Use tongs or a spatula to flip patties only once, preventing them from drying out or falling apart. When melting cheddar cheese, covering the patties briefly helps achieve even melting without overcooking the meat. Always toast the sesame seed buns just before assembly to maintain their crisp texture, and use a squeeze bottle for the island-style BBQ sauce to control even distribution and avoid sogginess in your Kilauea Burger.
Nutritions
The Kilauea Burger offers a rich source of protein primarily from the 1 lb of ground beef and crispy bacon, supporting muscle repair and growth. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health, while the fresh lettuce and tomato contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants. The sesame seed bun provides carbohydrates for energy, and the island-style BBQ sauce adds flavor with moderate sugars and spices. Your meal delivers a balanced combination of macronutrients and essential vitamins for a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
Storage
To keep your Kilauea Burger fresh, store the cooked beef patties, bacon, and toasted buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap fresh lettuce and tomato slices in paper towels and place them in a sealed container to maintain crispness for 1-2 days. Reheat patties and bacon on a grill or skillet before assembling, then add fresh vegetables and sauce just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers great flavor. Try adding grilled pineapple slices to introduce a sweet, tropical twist that complements the island-style BBQ sauce. Substitute cheddar cheese with a sharp pepper jack for a spicier bite, or melt Swiss cheese for a milder, nuttier taste. Toasting buns on a griddle with a bit of butter enhances their crispiness and adds a rich, buttery flavor to your Kilauea Burger.
Allergies
The Kilauea Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the sesame seed buns. Sesame seeds can also trigger allergies in some individuals, so it's important to check your sensitivity to these ingredients. If you have allergies to beef, bacon, or any components of the BBQ sauce, take caution before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Kilauea Burger from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks boasts a juicy flame-grilled patty topped with melted Swiss cheese, grilled pineapples, and teriyaki sauce that delivers a unique sweet and savory flavor profile. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold island-inspired flavors makes this burger stand out to burger enthusiasts seeking a tropical twist. Your copycat version can capture this delicious balance by using quality ingredients and replicating the signature grilled pineapple and tangy teriyaki glaze. Trying to make it at home allows you to indulge in a restaurant-quality burger experience customized to your taste.