Hawaiian Loose Meat Sandwiches

Hawaiian Loose Meat Sandwiches are both sweet and savoury. These sandwiches are quick and easy to make on a flattop, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Loose meat sandwiches were something I grew up eating. The sandwiches I grew up on were simply ground meat and onion cooked together and served on a hamburger bun with ketchup. This recipe takes loose meat burgers up a notch.

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What Is A Loose Meat Sandwich?

A loose meat sandwich is a type of burger in a sense. It is made from ground meat and diced onions and served on a bun. But the meat is not formed into a patty; instead, it is left loose and crumbly.

Making loose-meat sandwiches is easier than making burgers. We even find it quicker because the meat cooks evenly and faster than making patties, and there is no time wasted making patties.

What Are The Ingredients For Hawaiian Loose Meat Sandwiches?

This recipe for Hawaiian Loose Meat Sandwiches uses a few ingredients.

• Ground Pork.
• White Onion.
• Canned Crushed Pineapple.
• Ketchup.
• Soy Sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Brown Sugar.
• Paprika.
• Garlic.
• Onion Powder.
• Salt and Pepper.
• Hot Sauce.
• Hamburger Buns.

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Alternatives For These Sandwiches

The meat in this recipe is pork, but other meats can be used to make these sandwiches. Ground beef, chicken, or turkey can be substituted for pork.

Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned. It is best if it is crushed.

Another way to make these loose meat sandwiches is to make them into sliders. We use King’s Hawaiian rolls as the buns.

For a different flavour, try our Korean Beef Sloppy Joes.

Toppings For Hawaiian Loose Meat Sandwiches

These sandwiches can be served as they are or with any toppings of your choice. Some of our favourites include:

• Pineapple rings. We like to grill them before adding them to the top of the meat.
• Cheese. Shredded cheese or slices are great on these sandwiches. Mozzarella is one of our favourites to add.
• Lettuce. Shredded lettuce or a whole leaf of lettuce on top of the meat.
• Tomato Slices.

What To Serve With Loose Meat Sandwiches

Serve these loose meat sandwiches with any side dishes you would serve with burgers.

• Fries. Regular French fries or sweet potato fries.
• Garden salad.
• Coleslaw.
• Potato chips.

How To Make Loose Meat Sandwiches On the Griddle

Making loose meat sandwiches on the griddle is very easy. We find it easier than cooking it on a stovetop. We cook these on our 2-burner, 22-inch Blackstone.

To make these sandwiches, use one side of the griddle to cook the meat with the onions, breaking it up as it cooks. The ground pork should be crumbly. Push the grease towards the grease trap as the meat cooks.

The other side of the griddle can be used to heat the sauce in a pan while the meat cooks. Then the sauce is poured over the cooked meat.

The buns can be toasted on the other side of the griddle while the sauce cooks down with the meat.

Do These Sandwiches Have To Be Made On A Griddle?

No, they do not have to be cooked on a griddle. We find it quicker and easier to clean up.

But loose meat can also be cooked in a cast-iron fry pan or any type of frying pan on the stove.

What To Do with Leftovers

Any leftover meat filling should be kept in the fridge in an air-tight container. The meat will stay fresh for up to three days.

Reheat the meat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth if the meat is too dry.

We would love to hear what you think of this recipe. Leave a comment below.