Hawaiian Tuna Burger Recipe
This Hawaiian Tuna Burger recipe from Griddle Nation brings together the vibrant flavors of the tropics with a bold, griddle-cooked tuna patty. Hosted by CJ Fraizer and Nate Lippy, the recipe combines sweet pineapple, teriyaki mayonnaise, and fresh cucumber-carrot slaw to deliver a burger that is both flavorful and approachable. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or game day, this recipe turns a simple tuna burger into a tropical, crowd-pleasing meal.
The Inspiration
On Griddle Nation, CJ Fraizer and Nate Lippy experiment with trending dishes, transforming viral food concepts into accessible home recipes. The Hawaiian Tuna Burger was inspired by classic Hawaiian flavors—grilled pineapple, tangy teriyaki, and fresh slaw—while highlighting the high-heat griddle techniques the show is known for. Nate and CJ wanted a burger that was not only visually appealing but packed with layers of flavor, textures, and tropical flair. Viewers love it because it’s fun, approachable, and delivers the same bold flavor you might find in a Hawaiian food truck or a backyard summer cookout.
Ingredients
- 2 Safe Catch Frozen Tuna Burger Patties
- Graza Frizzle High Heat Cooking Oil
- 2 Brioche Sesame Seed Buns
- 2 Fresh Pineapple Rings
- ¼ C Mayonnaise
- ¼ C Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ C Cucumber, Julienned
- ¼ C Carrot, Julienned
- 1/8 C Ponzu Sauce
- Graza Drizzle Olive Oil
- 2Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2Tbsp Cilantro, Picked Leaves
- Pickled Red Onions, To Taste
- 2 Leaf Lettuce Pieces
- 2 Tomato Slices
Methods
- Heat griddle to medium heat. Allow 10-15 minutes, or until the surface darkens and light smoke appears
- Add a thin layer of Graza Frizzle High Heat cooking oil, then lay down the Safe Catch tuna burger patties and the pineapple rings.
- In a separate small bowl combine mayonnaise and teriyaki.
- In another Medium bowl combine cucumber, carrot, Ponzu, Graza Drizzle, sesame seeds and cilantro. Mix and set aside.
- After 2 minutes, or when golden brown, flip the tuna burger patties and the pineapple rings to cook on other side.
- To build the burger: Place mayonnaise mixture on top and bottom buns, lay down leaf lettuce, a tomato slice, then grilled pineapple ring, the tuna burger, cucumber slaw, pickled onion, then top bun.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Tuna Burger is perfect for casual dinners, game-day gatherings, or summer backyard cookouts. Serve alongside crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors of the burger. For entertaining, consider setting up a burger bar with extra toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, or extra teriyaki mayo, allowing guests to build their own tropical creations. Pair with a light lager, sparkling water with citrus, or an iced tea for a refreshing complement to the grilled, sweet-savory flavors.
Final Thoughts
Nate and CJ’s Hawaiian Tuna Burger is more than just a sandwich—it’s a celebration of tropical flavors and griddle-cooked perfection. The combination of grilled pineapple, teriyaki mayonnaise, and crisp cucumber-carrot slaw creates a layered, flavorful burger experience that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or impressing friends on game day, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a dish that encourages creativity and invites you to experiment with tropical-inspired burger toppings while staying true to the show’s approachable, high-heat cooking style.
For more information, check out the Griddle Nation website.