Elevate Hawaii’s claims to fame—Spam and pineapple—on this island-inspired burger. Chop freshly grilled pineapple (which adds a caramelized element) for a crunchy cabbage, sesame oil, and jalapeño slaw, and coat Spam in honey and soy sauce before grilling to perfection. The bun of choice? Sweet Hawaiian, of course. Pair with: Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana. A hint of Maui Gold pineapple complements the tropical slaw, while Mana's wheat base softens Spam's saltiness.
How to Make It
Prepare the pineapple slaw: Preheat grill to high (450°F to 500°F). Sprinkle both sides of pineapple rings with sugar. Place pineapple on oiled grates, and grill until deeply caramelized, about 3 minutes per side. Grill jalapeño until charred, 6 to 8 minutes, turning to char all sides.
Coarsely chop grilled pineapple and jalapeño, and place in a large bowl. Add cabbage, scallions, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and salt; toss to combine. Set aside.
Prepare the burgers: Whisk together honey and soy sauce in a shallow dish. Place Spam slices in mixture, and turn to coat evenly. Form sirloin into 4 (¼-inch-thick) patties; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place Spam slices and burgers on oiled grates; grill, uncovered, about 4 minutes, turning once halfway through. Remove from grill, and keep warm.
Spread cream cheese on bottom halves of buns. Top each with a burger, Spam slice, slaw, and top halves of buns.