Grilled Cilantro Burger Sliders With Teriyaki And Pineapple

For the teriyaki sauce:

In a medium size saucepan, add the chopped garlic, soy sauce, Hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and all of the pineapple juice from the 8 ounce can of sliced pineapple. Add the honey and stir all ingredients together. Cook the sauce on low to medium heat until it starts to thicken (about 15 to 20 minutes). Stir the sauce as it’s cooking. Once the sauce starts to thicken, remove pan from the heat and set aside.

For the cilantro burgers:

Heat the barbeque grill on medium heat. In a medium size bowl add the ground beef, cilantro, red pepper flakes, green onions, salt and garlic. Mix together and make 4 small thick patties.

When the grill is medium-hot add the burgers onto the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side (or longer if you prefer the burgers more well done). For the last minute of cooking time, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each burger. Remove burgers from the grill onto a plate, cover with foil and set aside.

For the assembly of the sliders:

While the burgers are cooking, add the slices of pineapple to the grill. As soon as you see grill marks on the bottom side of the pineapple (about 2 to 3 minutes), turn it over. Then as soon as there are grill marks on the other side, remove the pineapple from the grill onto a plate and set aside.

Slice the buns in half horizontally and lay them out with the cut sides facing up. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce on the sides that are facing up. Then add a slice of grilled pineapple and a cilantro burger to each bottom side of the bun. Next, drizzle more of the teriyaki sauce on top of the burger. Cover the slider with the top sides of the bun and serve warm. These can be served as is or topped with sliced tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves or lettuce and mayonnaise.