Sunnys Maui Luau Burger Food

SUNNY'S BREAKIN'-THE-FAST BURGER

Steps:

• For the rolls: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Scoop a bit of bread out of each roll top to create a well, discarding the scooped bread. Brush the insides, top and bottom, with the melted butter. Close the rolls and wrap individually or together in aluminum foil, then place directly on the oven rack to warm while preparing the burgers, no longer than 20 minutes.
• For the burgers: Add the ground chuck, bacon, paprika, salt and a few grinds of pepper to a large bowl. Gently mix with your non-dominant hand, using your fingers like a pitchfork so you don't squish the meat. Mound the mixture into a ball and divide in half, then divide each half in half again to make 4 even portions.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil to a griddle pan over high heat. Gently roll each portion of meat into a ball and place on the pan. Using the back of a plate, a flat lid or a spatula (with no holes), press each ball into a flat patty, slightly larger than the rolls. Cook the patties until they easily release from the griddle, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, then top each with a slice of cheese and continue to cook until the patties are cooked through and the cheese is melted, another 2 to 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the jalapeño to the griddle and char on all sides, then remove and finely chop, removing the seeds if you would like less heat.
• Build the burgers: Whisk the hot sauce and maple syrup together in a small bowl. Remove the rolls from the oven and unwrap. Put a patty on each roll, then drizzle each with the maple hot sauce. Top each with some jalapeño followed by a fried egg and more hot sauce as desired.

SUNNY'S SPICY GREEN GODDESS BURGER

Steps:

• For the patty. In a large bowl, add the beef and gently break it up so it isn't in one big lump. High over the top, sprinkle the salt, cumin and a few nice grinds of black pepper. With your less dominant hand, make a claw or pitchfork and fold the beef over itself while turning the bowl with your other hand. The goal is to blend but not over-mix the beef. Divide into 4 equal parts and make into balls. Cover and let them rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
• For the glaze. In a medium bowl, add the jelly, cilantro, dill, mint, parsley, scallions and jalapeno. Stir to combine.
• To grill and glaze. Heat the grill to 400 degrees F.
• Press or form each ball of beef into a patty slightly larger than the circumference of the buns. Place over the direct heat of the grill and cook until they release, about 4 minutes. Flip the burgers, move to the indirect heat of the grill and immediately top each with a nice spoonful of the glaze. Continue to cook until desired doneness.
• For serving: To build the burgers, start on the bottom buns and build up. Place the cheese, grilled and glazed patty, a spritz of lime and a handful of chips on each. Smear equal amounts of avocado on the inside of each top bun. Top the burgers and serve.

SUNNY'S SIZZLING SUMMER BURGER

Steps:

• Place the patties on a tray in one layer. Mix the salt, pepper, cumin, garlic and onion powders and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle on both sides of the patties and rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Heat a grill to medium-high heat.
• Add the patties to the grill and cook to desired doneness, flipping once.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the cheese sauce and sriracha seasoning in a small saucepot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fully combined and hot.
• Lay down some lettuce leaves on the bottom buns, then top with the patties, onion slices, fried jalapenos and finally the cheese sauce. Top with the top buns and serve.

SUNNY'S MAUI LUAU BURGER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the pork, parsley, salt, garlic, 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce and some pepper. Gently mix, then separate into 4 balls and rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
• In a shallow dish, add the pineapple rings in one layer, then on each ring, add 4 slices of onion. Brush the tops with the remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce. Pour beer in the side of the dish up to the level of the pineapple. Rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Heat an outdoor grill to medium high for direct and indirect heat (to cook on a griddle, see Cook's Note). Press the burgers into patties slightly larger than the buns. Place the burgers over the direct heat and cook on one side for 6 to 8 minutes. Flip to the indirect heat side of the grill and cook until the internal temperature reads 155 degrees F. Remove from the grill and lightly tent the burgers with loose-fitting aluminum foil for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, shake the excess marinade off the pineapples and onions. Grill the pineapple rings on one side until charred and easily released to be flipped; grill on the other side until grill marked. Using a grill pan, cook the onions until tender and charred, about 15 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Brush the outside of the buns with the butter and place them on the grill buttered-side down. Grill until toasted but still shiny, 1 to 2 minutes. Build each burger starting with a bottom bun, a patty, a pineapple ring, some onions, a handful of plantain chips and a top bun.

SUNNY'S EASY ON YOUR BODY AND LEAN JALAPENO BURGER

Steps:

• For the grill: Preheat the grill to 400 degrees F or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
• Crumble the beef into a large bowl. Add the salt, seasoning blend and some pepper. Mix the beef mixture gently with your hands so as to not overmix. Just fold the ground beef, don't mush or squeeze the ingredients into the beef. Form 4 patties.
• Place the patties and the jalapenos over the direct heat of the grill or into the cast-iron pan. Cook the patties on one side until the meat is seared and releases easily from the grill grates or pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the patties and rotate the jalapenos to get them charred on both sides. Cook until desired doneness on the beef, 3 to 4 more minutes for medium-rare to medium.
• For the toppings: Top the burgers with the cheese and transfer to a plate or sheet pan. Cover with aluminum foil for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the charred jalapenos and chop. Spread over the cheese on the burgers.
• Squeeze mustard on both the top and bottom buns if desired. Build the burgers by topping the bottom buns with the cheeseburgers, jalapenos, a pile of red onions, a pile of lettuce and the top buns. Serve.