Summer is the perfect time for grilling, offering a chance to enjoy fresh flavors and the great outdoors. Whether you’re cooking up meats, seafood, or veggies, these grilling recipes will make your summer barbecues unforgettable. Here are some of the best grilling recipes to try:
1. Classic Grilled Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (for toppings)
- Cheese slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Patties: Place patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Add cheese slices during the last minute if desired.
- Toast Buns: Toast burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Assemble: Top with your favorite toppings and condiments.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Skewers: Grill chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve with a side of rice or vegetables.
3. Grilled Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep Veggies: Toss vegetables with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Veggies: Place vegetables on a grill basket or directly on the grill grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or salad topping.
4. Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Shrimp: Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Serve: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Corn: Place corn directly on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until charred and tender.
- Season: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve as a delicious side dish.
6. Grilled BBQ Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to low heat (indirect heat).
- Grill Ribs: Place ribs on the grill away from direct heat. Cover and cook for 1.5-2 hours, turning occasionally.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: During the last 15 minutes, brush ribs with BBQ sauce and cook until caramelized.
- Serve: Cut into individual ribs and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
7. Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare Pineapple: Brush pineapple rings with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Pineapple: Grill pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and grill marks appear.
- Serve: Serve warm as a dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
8. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate Mushrooms: Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Marinate mushrooms for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Mushrooms: Place mushrooms on the grill, gill side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, until tender.
- Serve: Serve as a side dish or on a burger bun.
9. Grilled Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix quinoa or rice, black beans, corn, cheese (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill each pepper with the mixture.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium.
- Grill Peppers: Place peppers on the grill, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, until peppers are tender.
- Serve: Serve warm with a side of salsa or guacamole.
10. Grilled Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 mango, peeled and cubed
- 1 pineapple, peeled and cubed
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
Instructions:
- Prepare Fruit: Thread mango, pineapple, and strawberries onto skewers.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill Fruit: Brush fruit with honey or agave nectar. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until slightly charred.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.
These recipes will help you make the most of your summer grilling sessions. Enjoy the flavors and the fun of outdoor cooking!