Red Robin Banzai Burger (Copycat Recipe)

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Red Robin’s Banzai Burger is a tasty treat you can now make at home. This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite to your kitchen. You’ll combine juicy ground chuck with teriyaki glaze for a sweet and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.

The burger is topped with grilled pineapple, melted cheddar cheese, fresh tomato, and crisp lettuce. It’s all served on a toasted brioche bun for the perfect blend of textures. With this recipe, you can enjoy the Red Robin experience without leaving your house.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Red Robin Banzai Burger at home:

• 2 teaspoons softened butter
• 4 brioche hamburger buns
• 1 pound ground chuck (80/20 blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup teriyaki glaze
• 8 fresh pineapple rings
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 8 tomato slices
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. The 80/20 ground chuck will give your burgers the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Fresh pineapple rings work best, but canned will do in a pinch.

Don’t forget to pick up some teriyaki glaze – it’s key to getting that signature Banzai Burger taste. You can find it in most grocery stores near the Asian food section.

Instructions

To prep the toppings:

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread some softened butter on the brioche buns and toast the buns cut-side down in a dry skillet. Set aside.  

Prep the burger meat:

1. In a large mixing bowl, use your hands to mix together the ground chuck, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and two tablespoons of the teriyaki glaze, 
2. Divide the meat into equal portions and shape each into a patty. Reserve for later. 

Cook the pineapple rings and prep the toppings:

1. Add some butter to the skillet.
2. Pat the pineapple slices dry and put them on the cooking surface. Cook on both sides for a minute or two until lightly charred. Reserve the cooked pineapples for later. 
3. While the pineapples are cooking, slice the tomatoes and shred the lettuce. Put off to one side.

Cook the burger patties:

1. Place a clean skillet or grill pan over medium heat. 
2. When hot, cook the burgers on the first side for four to 6 minutes, depending on how you like your burgers. 
3. Flip the burgers, and cook them for a minute less than the first side. 
4. Brush some teriyaki glaze on the top of the burger and add a slice of cheese. 
5. Cover the burgers with a lid and wait until the cheese melts.

Assemble the banzai burger:

1. Spread mayonnaise on both cut sides of each bun. 
2. Place the cooked burger on the bottom bun. 
3. Add the cooked pineapple, sliced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce on top of the patty. 
4. Place the top bun on the burger and serve. 

Enjoy your homemade Red Robin Banzai Burger! The sweet and savory flavors will transport you to burger paradise.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can swap out some ingredients in this Red Robin Banzai Burger copycat recipe. Here are a few ideas:

Meat: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarians can use a plant-based patty.

Bun: Whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps work well for a healthier twist.

Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or provolone.

Pineapple: If fresh isn’t available, use canned pineapple rings. Pat them dry before grilling.

Teriyaki glaze: Make your own with soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.

Toppings: Add crispy bacon, sliced avocado, or grilled onions for extra flavor.

Sauce: Try BBQ sauce or sriracha mayo instead of plain mayo.

You can also mix things up by:

• Making slider versions for parties
• Turning it into a rice bowl with all the burger toppings
• Chopping the ingredients to create a Banzai Burger salad

Remember, the key is keeping that sweet and savory combo that makes this burger special.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best flavor, let your burger patties sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.

Try grilling your pineapple rings for extra smoky flavor. You can also use canned pineapple rings if fresh ones aren’t available.

To prevent your buns from getting soggy, lightly toast them and add the lettuce before the patty. This creates a barrier against the juices.

Make your own teriyaki glaze for a fresher taste. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

You can freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

For a lighter option, try using ground turkey instead of beef. You might need to add a bit of oil to the pan to prevent sticking.

Experiment with different cheese types. Pepper jack or Swiss can add an interesting twist to your Banzai burger.