When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like the flavor and aroma that a charcoal grill can bring to your dishes. The smoky taste that only charcoal can provide is unbeatable, and with the right recipes, you can create delicious feasts for family and friends. Whether you’re a grill master or just looking to add some excitement to your outdoor cooking routine, these 18 smoky charcoal grill recipes are sure to impress.
From classic burgers and ribs to more adventurous options like jerk-spiced chicken and Korean-style beef short ribs, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. And with the addition of flavorful glazes, marinades, and toppings, you can take your grilled dishes from good to great.
So fire up that grill and get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering smoky flavors. In this article, we’ll be sharing our favorite charcoal grill recipes for burgers, meats, seafood, vegetables, and more. Whether you’re a carnivore or a vegetarian, there’s something here for everyone.
Classic Charcoal-Grilled Burgers with Smoky Aioli
Classic Charcoal-Grilled Burgers with Smoky Aioli
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this timeless recipe that combines the richness of charcoal-grilled burgers with the tangy, smoky flavor of aioli.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and other toppings (optional)
– Smoky Aioli (recipe below)
Smoky Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Form into 4 patties and grill for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, mix aioli ingredients in a small bowl.
5. Assemble burgers with toppings of choice and serve with smoky aioli on the side.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Honey-Glazed Charcoal Grilled Chicken Wings
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this sweet and spicy twist on classic grilled chicken wings. A perfect blend of honey, chili flakes, and garlic creates a sticky glaze that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, chili flakes, and garlic.
3. Brush the glaze all over the chicken wings, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Place wings on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Flip wings halfway through cooking time.
6. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Ribeye Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering ribeye steak, smothered in a rich garlic herb butter. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds ribeye steak
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
2. Season the ribeye steak with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chives.
5. Remove the steak from the grill and spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the top.
6. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Pork Ribs
Get ready to fall off the bone with these tender and flavorful Smoky Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Pork Ribs. This recipe combines the smokiness of charcoal grilling with the sweetness of classic BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Apply the dry rub to both sides of the pork ribs.
4. Place ribs on the grill and cook for 30 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
5. While ribs are cooking, soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
6. After flipping ribs, add soaked wood chips to the grill and let them infuse their smoky flavor.
7. Brush BBQ sauce on both sides of the ribs during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with these flavorful and easy-to-make shrimp skewers, perfect for a summer evening or backyard gathering. With the sweet and tangy combination of lemon and garlic, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Add the shrimp and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Jerk-Spiced Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Thighs
Add a Caribbean twist to your grilled chicken with this easy and flavorful recipe. Jerk seasoning, made with ingredients like allspice and thyme, pairs perfectly with the smoky char from charcoal grilling.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with the jerk mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Elevate your summer barbecues with this addictive twist on classic grilled corn. Charcoal-grilled corn slathered with chili lime butter is a game-changer that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the corn ears for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
3. Meanwhile, mix together the softened butter, lime juice, chili powder, and salt in a small bowl.
4. Once the corn is cooked, brush the chili lime butter evenly over each ear of corn.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Transform humble portobello mushrooms into a smoky, savory masterpiece with this simple recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Place mushrooms on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. Remove from grill and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Teriyaki Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your grilled salmon game with this sweet and savory teriyaki-inspired recipe, paired with a refreshing pineapple salsa. Perfect for a quick dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
3. Brush both sides of salmon fillets with the teriyaki mixture.
4. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Serve grilled salmon with pineapple salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Charcoal-Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Savor the bold flavors of a backyard barbecue with this easy-to-make recipe that combines spicy sausage with sweet peppers, all grilled to perfection over charcoal.
Ingredients:
– 4 spicy sausages (such as Andouille or chorizo)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the sausages and peppers.
4. Grill sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Grill peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve sausages with grilled peppers and onions, and optional barbecue sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Whole Fish with Herbs and Lemon
Savor the smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled fish, elevated by the brightness of lemon and the fragrance of fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole fish (such as trout or snapper), scaled and gutted
– 2 lemons, sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Charcoal for grilling
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the fish under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the fish, making sure it’s evenly coated.
5. Place the sliced lemons on top of the fish.
6. Grill the fish for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Vegetable Medley
Experience the rich flavor of grilled vegetables infused with a hint of smokiness from charcoal grilling. This medley combines the natural sweetness of colorful vegetables with the depth of charred goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 charcoal briquettes
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced vegetables and toss to coat.
3. Place the vegetable medley on the grill, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Close the lid and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe, perfect for a summer barbecue. This combination of smoky lamb chops and zesty mint chimichurri is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, mint, and parsley.
3. Brush the lamb chops with the chimichurri mixture.
4. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper.
5. Grill lamb chops for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Korean-Style Charcoal-Grilled Beef Short Ribs
A classic Korean BBQ dish that’s both tender and flavorful, these charcoal-grilled beef short ribs are a must-try for any meat lover. With a sweet and savory marinade, these fall-off-the-bone ribs will become a staple in your backyard cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochugaru, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the beef short ribs to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
6. Brush with sesame oil during the last minute of grilling.
7. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Pizza with Smoky Tomato Sauce
Elevate your pizza game with this unique recipe that combines the smokiness of charcoal-grilled crust with a tangy, slightly sweet smoky tomato sauce. This perfect blend of flavors will transport you to a summer evening spent around the campfire.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1 cup smoky tomato sauce (see below for recipe)
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Smoky Tomato Sauce Recipe:
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Grill crust for 4-5 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
4. Spread smoky tomato sauce evenly over crust.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese and basil.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes from start to finish.
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Pork Belly Tacos
Get ready to elevate your taco game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the richness of pork belly, the depth of smoky charcoal flavor, and the crunch of fresh toppings.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Lime wedges, cilantro, diced onions, and sour cream (for toppings)
– Charcoal for grilling
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Grill the pork belly for 10-12 minutes per side, or until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled pork belly, lime wedges, cilantro, diced onions, and sour cream.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Peach and Halloumi Skewers
Savor the flavors of summer with this easy-to-make recipe that combines juicy peaches, creamy halloumi cheese, and a hint of charred goodness from the grill. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, cubed
– 10-12 wooden skewers
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Alternate peaches and halloumi cubes on each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cheese is melted and slightly charred.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the smokiness of charcoal-grilling.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks. Add onion, garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
5. Brush the tops of the peppers with olive oil and place them on the charcoal grill.
6. Close the grill lid and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these 18 smoky charcoal grill recipes! From classic burgers and BBQ pork ribs, to spicy chicken wings and jerk-spiced thighs, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find creative twists like charcoal-grilled shrimp skewers, portobello mushrooms, and even a delicious-smelling pizza. Whether you’re a grilling newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes will guide you in achieving that perfect smoky flavor.
