The Brazilian Barbecue Pineapple Burger is a culinary homage to the robust, flavorful traditions of Brazilian churrasco, uniquely paired with the tropical brilliance of grilled pineapple. This delightful creation takes the celebratory essence of a Brazilian barbecue—a social and sensory feast—and reinvents it as a mouthwatering handheld meal. Combining savory, smoky flavors with the natural sweetness of caramelized pineapple, this burger brings a taste of Brazil to your plate while offering a truly global twist on a hearty classic.
In Brazilian culture, churrasco is more than just a cooking method; it’s a cherished social ritual. Originating in Southern Brazil, churrasco is the art of grilling meats, often over open flames, to unlock deep, smoky flavors. It’s a communal experience where friends and families gather to share good food and lively conversation. Pineapple, on the other hand, has held its own as a tropical star in Brazilian cuisine. From desserts to savory dishes, it’s celebrated for its ability to balance rich and bold flavors while adding a hint of freshness. The marriage of the two—churrasco and pineapple—creates a unique harmony, and this burger pays homage to that tradition.
At the heart of this burger is a succulent beef patty, generously seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its natural flavor. Brazilian cuisine values simplicity when it comes to seasoning meats, allowing the quality and richness of the beef to shine. The patties are grilled to perfection, developing a delightful charred crust reminiscent of classic churrasco methods. The grilling step is crucial, as it imparts a distinct smoky aroma that captures the soul of Brazilian barbecue.
What elevates this burger to the next level is the crown of caramelized pineapple. A dusting of brown sugar on fresh pineapple slices allows the natural sugars to intensify as they meet the heat of the grill. This transforms the pineapple into a golden, sticky-sweet layer that complements the savory beef patty beautifully. The interplay of smoky, juicy beef with the lush, tropical sweetness of pineapple is a symphony of flavor, embodying the Brazilian knack for balancing contrasts in their dishes.
The rest of the burger’s assembly pays homage to its global burger roots while keeping it simple and fresh. Crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while slices of red onion introduce a mild sharpness to balance the sweetness of the pineapple. Lightly toasted burger buns act as the perfect vessel, soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the glorious elements together.
This dish requires little in terms of preparation and is easy to adapt to preferences. For a true Brazilian flair, you could serve it alongside farofa (toasted cassava flour) or a side salad of fresh tomatoes and hearts of palm. No matter how you serve it, this Brazilian Barbecue Pineapple Burger is guaranteed to transport you to the sun-soaked streets and lively churrascarias of Brazil with every bite. It’s a celebration of flavor and culture—an edible passport to one of the world’s most vibrant culinary traditions.
Brazilian Barbecue Pineapple Burger
Ingredients
Patty Mixture
- 500 grams ground beef preferably grass-fed for better flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pineapple Slices
- 4 medium pineapple slices fresh, about 1/2-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Burger Assembly
- 4 medium burger buns lightly toasted
- 4 medium lettuce leaves crisp Romaine or butter lettuce
- 4 slices red onion
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 200°C/400°F). Brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they reach the desired doneness (internal temperature should be at least 71°C/160°F for medium-well). Remove the patties and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- While the burgers cook, sprinkle the pineapple slices with brown sugar. Place the pineapple on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until caramelized and golden.
- To assemble, place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a beef patty, a slice of grilled pineapple, a slice of red onion, and the top bun. Serve immediately.