Spicy Teriyaki Elk Burgers

Burger Patties:

1. Thaw ground meat in a paper towel-lined bowl under refrigeration to remove excess moisture. This helps the burger patties stick together.
2. Preheat grill to 350°F.
3. To a medium bowl, add ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, teriyaki sauce, and melted bacon grease.
4. Mix with your hands until the spices are well combined with the meat. Work quickly because the bacon grease will start to set up. When you're done mixing, the bacon grease should be distributed throughout the meat.
5. Divide meat into 4 equal portions and gently roll the portions into balls.
6. Form each ball into a patty by gently squishing it between the palms of your hands. Patties should be about 4-5" in diameter. Using your thumb, place a small dimple in the middle of each patty. If your patties have warmed up, place them in the fridge for 30 minutes to help them stick together.
7. Place patties on the preheated grill directly over the flame. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned on the bottom.
8. Flip burgers and immediately drizzle with teriyaki sauce and top with 1 slice of cheese per burger patty. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through. You can add more teriyaki sauce on top of the cheese as well. Remove to a plate and assemble burgers.

Grilled Pineapple:

1. You can grill the pineapple while you grill the burgers, if your grill has enough space directly over the flames. Or you can grill it before you grill the burgers and keep it warm until serving.
2. Spray the grill grates with olive oil spray. Place the pineapple slices on the grill, directly over the flames. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce.
3. Grill for 3 minutes, or until grill marks are on the bottom of the pineapple. Flip and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Assembly:

1. You can assemble your burgers however you'd like but this is how I like to do it!
2. Spread mayo on hamburger buns. Place burger patties on the bottom halves of the buns. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce.
3. Top with pickled jalapeños, grilled pineapple, and lettuce. Place the top halves of the buns on top. Place a sandwich pick in each burger to hold them together. Enjoy!