The Best Grilling Recipes You Need to Try This Summer
Nothing says summer quite like firing up the grill and enjoying delicious meals outdoors with family and friends.
Whether you’re a grilling pro or just looking to try something new, I’ve rounded up the best grilling recipes to make your summer sizzle. From juicy burgers to mouthwatering veggies, these recipes are sure to become your go-to favorites.
So, grab your tongs, put on your favorite apron, and let’s get grilling!
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Choosing the Right Grill
The choice between charcoal grilling and using a gas grill is a tough one.
Both options offer a unique style. Charcoal provides that authentic smoky flavor, a must for smoking meats and infusing that unbeatable taste into BBQ chicken. It requires patience and skill, turning grilling steak tips into an art form.
Yet, gas grills promise convenience. Their quick setup and consistent heat are perfect for easy grill recipes and weekday dinners. From grilled vegetables to seafood on the grill, the precision of a gas flame means less guesswork.
So do you want the tradition and smoky allure of charcoal? Or does the ease and speed of a gas grill appeal to you more? Once you’ve made that decision (or have chosen to have both)- you can find some awesome recipes.
The Best Grilling Recipes
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Savor the zesty and flavorful taste of grilled lemon pepper chicken! Perfectly seasoned with a tangy lemon zest and cracked pepper, this dish is light and refreshing. It’s an easy and delicious option for summer cookouts.
Honey Lime Shrimp
Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of honey lime shrimp fresh off the grill! These succulent shrimp are marinated in a honey-lime sauce that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect for a quick and tasty summer meal.
Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Take a culinary trip to Japan with these delicious yakitori skewers! Grilled to perfection, these skewers feature juicy chicken brushed with a savory-sweet sauce. They’re a fun and flavorful addition to any summer barbecue.
Grilled Lobster Tails With Bourbon Sauce
Indulge in the luxurious taste of grilled lobster tails with a rich bourbon sauce! This dish combines the delicate sweetness of lobster with the deep, smoky flavors of bourbon. Ideal for an elegant summer dinner.
Grilled Steak Fajita Bowl
Enjoy a sizzling grilled steak fajita bowl packed with vibrant flavors! Juicy steak, grilled peppers, and onions are served over a bed of rice and topped with fresh salsa and guacamole. A perfect dish for a hearty summer meal.
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
Add some zest to your summer with grilled chili lime chicken! This spicy and tangy chicken is marinated in a bold chili-lime sauce, making it juicy and flavorful. It’s a delicious option for a summer cookout.
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Sink your teeth into tender and juicy grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs! These thighs are slathered in a smoky barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection. A crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering.
Sweet Honey Chicken Kabobs
Treat your taste buds to sweet honey chicken kabobs! Marinated in a honey glaze and grilled with colorful veggies, these kabobs are both tasty and visually appealing. Perfect for a fun and easy summer dinner.
BBQ Orange Chicken
Experience a burst of citrusy goodness with BBQ orange chicken! This dish features chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, then grilled to perfection. A delightful and unique addition to your grilling repertoire.
Grilled Peaches
Sweeten up your summer with grilled peaches! These juicy peaches are grilled until caramelized and served warm, making them a perfect dessert or side dish. Add a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
Traeger Grilled Salmon
Delight in the smoky and rich flavors of Traeger grilled salmon! This salmon is perfectly cooked on a Traeger grill, giving it a delicious smoky finish. Ideal for a healthy and flavorful summer meal.
BBQ Greek Gyros Kebabs
Enjoy a Mediterranean twist with BBQ Greek gyro kebabs! These kebabs are loaded with seasoned meat and veggies, then grilled to perfection. Serve with tzatziki sauce for a delicious and fresh summer dish.
Juicy Grilled Cucumber
Refresh your palate with juicy grilled cucumber! Lightly seasoned and quickly grilled, these cucumbers are a unique and healthy addition to any summer meal. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Vietnamese Grilled Chicken
Spice up your grill with Vietnamese grilled chicken! Marinated in a blend of Vietnamese spices and herbs, this chicken is full of bold flavors. A delicious way to diversify your summer grilling menu.
Grilled Pork Chops with Rosemary Dijon Marinade
Savor the herby and tangy flavors of grilled pork chops with rosemary Dijon marinade! These pork chops are marinated to perfection and grilled for a juicy, flavorful bite. Perfect for a sophisticated summer dinner.
Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
Bring a tropical twist to your grill with Hawaiian grilled cheese! This sandwich combines sweet pineapple, ham, and melted cheese for a deliciously gooey treat. A fun and flavorful twist on a classic.
Coffee Rubbed Steak
Add some bold flavor to your grill with coffee rubbed steak! This steak is seasoned with a rich coffee rub that enhances its natural flavors. Perfect for a unique and mouthwatering summer meal.
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce! This juicy steak is topped with a zesty chimichurri that adds a fresh and tangy finish. A perfect dish for any summer barbecue.
Pellet Grill Smoked Meatloaf
Experience the smoky goodness of pellet grill smoked meatloaf! This meatloaf is cooked to perfection on a pellet grill, giving it a rich, smoky flavor. A comforting and delicious addition to your summer menu.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Indulge in the sweet and savory taste of pork belly burnt ends! These bites are caramelized on the grill, resulting in a tender and flavorful treat. A perfect appetizer or main dish for summer gatherings.
Chimichurri Shrimp
Delight in the fresh and zesty flavors of chimichurri shrimp! These shrimp are grilled and topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, making them a light and flavorful summer dish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Grilled Sea Bass (Greek Style)
Enjoy the fresh and delicious taste of grilled sea bass Greek style! This sea bass is marinated in Greek herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. A healthy and flavorful option for your summer cookouts.
Chicken Al Pastor
Spice up your summer with chicken al pastor! This chicken is marinated in a blend of Mexican spices and grilled to perfection. Perfect for tacos, salads, or on its own.
Thai Chicken Satay
Experience the exotic flavors of Thai chicken satay! These skewers are marinated in a fragrant Thai sauce and grilled to perfection. Serve with peanut sauce for a delicious and authentic summer dish.
Grilled Shishito Peppers
Add some heat to your summer with grilled shishito peppers! These peppers are lightly charred on the grill, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish. Easy, tasty, and full of flavor.
Juicy Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Enjoy the bold and zesty flavors of tequila lime grilled chicken drumsticks! Marinated in a tequila-lime mixture, these drumsticks are grilled to juicy perfection. A fun and flavorful addition to your summer barbecue.
Teriyaki Salmon
Savor the sweet and savory taste of grilled teriyaki salmon! This salmon is marinated in a rich teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. A delicious and healthy choice for summer meals.
Grilled Peaches with Vegan Peach Ice Cream
Indulge in a sweet summer treat with grilled peaches and vegan peach ice cream! The warm, caramelized peaches pair perfectly with the creamy, cool ice cream. A delightful dessert that’s both tasty and healthy.
Grilled Garlic Mushroom Kebabs
Add some earthy flavors to your grill with garlic mushroom kebabs! These mushrooms are marinated in a garlic sauce and grilled to perfection. A tasty and healthy side dish for any summer meal.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of grilled bruschetta chicken! This dish features juicy grilled chicken topped with a zesty tomato and basil bruschetta. A perfect, light, and refreshing summer meal.
Essential Grilling Tools
I’ve discovered that the right tools can turn grilling from a chore into a delight. No matter if you’re prepping bbq chicken, grilling steak tips, or giving those grilled vegetables the perfect char, essential tools are key. Let’s talk about a few must-haves.
- Grill tongs: They have saved my fingers from burns more than once. Opt for a long, sturdy pair for flipping meats or moving hot coals.
- Meat thermometer: It has been my secret to perfectly smoked meats every time. Ensuring food safety while nailing the ideal doneness is a game-changer.
- Grill brush: Maintenance is crucial for longevity. A good grill brush will keep your grill clean and ready for every barbecue session, ensuring those grill marks are always Instagram-worthy.
Investing in high-quality grilling tools pays off. It’s not just about the ease of cooking; it’s about elevating the entire experience. Whether you prefer charcoal grilling or gas grill recipes, the right tools will help you master your grill setup and maintenance, leading to countless delightful summer grilling sessions.
Prepping Your Grill
Prepping your grill is the cornerstone of a successful barbecue. The steps you take before the food even touches the grill can make or break your cooking experience.
First off, cleaning your grill is a task that pays in flavor dividends. Nobody wants last week’s marinade haunting today’s seafood delicacy. I found that heating the grill for a few minutes makes it easier to scrub off any residues with a grill brush.
Secondly, oiling the grate became my non-negotiable step. By simply soaking a paper towel in cooking oil and rubbing it over the bars using tongs, I ensured my food released effortlessly, maintaining those coveted grill marks.
Whether you’re using a charcoal grilling setup or a gas grill, these initial actions lay the groundwork for an unforgettable outdoor cooking session.
Marinades and Rubs: Flavor Infusions
I always found that the secret to unforgettable grilled food lies in the marinades and rubs. These potent flavor infusers can transform even the simplest ingredients.
Marinade ideas aren’t just about soaking meat. They tenderize and imbue the bbq chicken or steak with flavors that chars beautifully. From a zesty lemon-herb to a rich, smoky BBQ sauce, the options are endless. I urge you to try seafood on the grill after a good marinade bath. The flavors cling to the fish, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
Rubbing your meats or grilled vegetables with a blend of seasoning techniques before they hit the heat can make a world of difference. A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika can work wonders.
Grill Maintenance and Safety
Maintaining your grill ensures years of joy from those summer grilling sessions. You’ll want your investment to last, whether you swear by charcoal grilling or prefer the convenience of a gas grill. Regular upkeep not only extends the lifespan of your grill but also keeps your barbeque safe for everyone around.
First off, I always make sure my grill is cool before I start scrubbing away. Cleaning the grates after every use prevents buildup and ensures your bbq chicken or grilled vegetables don’t stick next time. Speaking of grills, have you checked the propane levels in your gas grill recently? Running out mid-cook is as fun as a summer rain during a barbecue.
Safety-wise, I keep my grill in an open area. It avoids smoke buildup and lowers the risk of fire. Plus, I regularly inspect hoses on my gas grill for leaks. A simple soap and water solution can help with this. Bubbles reveal leaks!
Also, I never forget to keep grilling tools and a fire extinguisher nearby. You never know when you’ll need them. And remember, always keep those curious pets and kids at a safe distance while you’re flipping those easy grill recipes or smoking meats to perfection.
The Last Sizzle
I hope you’re feeling inspired to fire up the grill and try out these amazing recipes!
Summer is all about enjoying good food, great company, and making lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a big barbecue or having a cozy family dinner, these grilling recipes are sure to impress and satisfy.
So, go ahead and get creative with your grill this season. Happy grilling, and cheers to a delicious summer!
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