What would compliment a Hawaiian themed burger?

I was thinking of making a spicy Hawaiian burger for my final in my catering class. We're working with spices and herbs.



I want to make a spicy pineapple sauce but I'm not sure what type of pepper or spice i should use. Cayenne? Red pepper? Something with a kick but also can compliment that island feel



what other spices or herbs would you associate with Hawaii/islandy

I was thinking sage because of the cirtus pineapple but it all has to blend together so..



help?What would compliment a Hawaiian themed burger?
Habanero/Scotch Bonnet peppers are very spicy and a little bit goes a long way. Use gloves. Scrape out the seeds toss the stem and any white insides. Chop up the whole pepper and use 1/4 of it in your recipe. Then taste. If its not hot enough add another 1/4 of your chopped pepper and so on till its just right.



I do know that Hawaiians use Kiawe wood which is beyond extremely similar to mesquite wood here on the main land. Add some mesquite wood chips to your grill for that aroma and flavor. If your using a gas grill just toss a good handful of them in an aluminum foil pouch and punch some holes in it so the smoke can get out.



Place the envelope of wood chips directly above your flames or on them and make sure its underneath the grilling rack you'll have the burgers on. Don't bother soaking the wood chips as the directions will often tell you. That's only if your planning on smoking foods for a long time (2-8 hours) and since your cooking burgers your cooking in minutes not hours.



Other flavors that blend with Hawaii and Pineapple are: Ginger, Soy, Brown Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Mint, Pomegranate, Coconut, Lychee, Guava, Mango, Red Onion, Hoisin Sauce, and many many more. I'm not saying use all these flavors just pick a few and work from there. Don't for get the cheese... burgers without cheese are sacrilegious. If your going for a sweet hot pineapple topping i'd recommend a sharp white cheddar or something that got a good pack of its own flavor. Stay away from the smoked cheeses since you using the wood chips, I hope.



Hawaii is also famous for its Pink Salt that is cultivated from its iron rich sea waters.



Best of luck if you need furter advice feel free to contact me!
Make a sweet chutney using pineapple, mango and typical island fruits. Even adding sweet chili sauce will acheive a brightly colored sweet finished product. When I think of Hawaii, I remember sweet, colorful foods...



If you are looking at just the burger presentation, try to find one of those little paper umbellas that one might find in a chinese restaurant when they serve their exotic drinks - make a great 'topping' for the burger.



SteveWhat would compliment a Hawaiian themed burger?
I would use a very bright finely chopped hot pepper with maybe some roasted red pepper in the sauce to compliment the citrus and spiciness I would also make an aioli with terriyaki and maybe combine ground pork into the meat sounds yummy to me
teryiaki sauce and maybe some pineapple rounds.