The Big Kahuna Burger is one of the countless themes running throughout numerous Tarantino films, almost as prevalent as revenge, lurid violence, and racial epithets. After this double-stacked caramelized-pineapple-and-onion Hawaiian smash-burger, you're gonna need a Red Apple cigarette.
Ingredients
1 red onion, sliced into rings
2 Tbsp butter, divided
3 thin pineapple slices
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 ounces ground beef, divided into two balls
2 slices Monterey jack cheese
King's Hawaiian roll, toasted in butter
1/2 Tbsp ketchup
1/2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce
Method
Makes 1 burger
In a sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon butter until foaming, and add red onion. Cook slowly over low heat, tossing constantly, until soft and caramelized - about 30 minutes. Set aside.
Wipe out sauté pan, and heat remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat until sizzling. Add pineapple slices, and sauté until lightly charred on both sides. Set aside.
In a large cast iron skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat, until smoking. Place beef balls several inches apart in skillet, and smash down using a large, flat spatula. Use a rolling pin or the handle of another spatula to press the burgers firmly down, until they are thin and craggly. Cook for approximately 60 seconds, until the bottom is charred and crispy. Flip, and immediately top with cheese. Remove from heat, but leave burgers in the pan while you assemble, so the cheese melts completely. Dress bun with ketchup and teriyaki sauce, top with burgers, then caramelized onions and pineapple.