Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and get cooking! There’s something special about gathering around the barbecue with family and friends, surrounded by the savory aromas of sizzling meats and vegetables. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 flavorful grill recipes that are sure to become your new summer favorites.
From classic BBQ chicken to spicy sausage and peppers, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, these mouthwatering dishes will inspire you to try new flavors and techniques. So grab your apron, don your sunglasses, and get ready to sizzle your way through the warmest season of the year.
Classic Grilled BBQ Chicken
Savor the sweet and smoky flavors of classic grilled BBQ chicken with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these succulent shrimp skewers, bursting with the flavors of garlic butter and a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Smoky Grilled Pork Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors and tender texture of these smoky grilled pork ribs. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy night in with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup Smoky BBQ Rub
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup wood chips (optional, for smoking)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ Rub, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs. Season both sides with the dry rub mixture.
4. Place ribs on grill, bone-side down. Close lid and cook for 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Flip ribs over and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
6. If desired, add wood chips to grill during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon
A refreshing twist on traditional grilled salmon, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the earthiness of herbs for a flavorful and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the lemon-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
5. Place salmon on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob
Elevate your summer barbecues with this flavorful and spicy twist on classic grilled corn.
Ingredients:
– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred.
6. Remove from grill and sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Elevate your burger game with these earthy, savory Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced 1/2 inch thick
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
3. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the mushroom slices.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill mushrooms for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
7. Assemble burgers by placing grilled mushrooms on toasted buns, adding optional toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs
Savory and sweet, these Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs are a flavorful twist on classic grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and mustard until smooth.
3. Brush the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with the honey-mustard mixture.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Glaze
Sweet and savory, this grilled pineapple recipe is a perfect summer treat or side dish for your next BBQ. The cinnamon glaze adds a warm and comforting touch to the caramelized pineapple.
Ingredients:
• 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and melted butter until well combined.
3. Add ground cinnamon to the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Brush both sides of pineapple slices with the cinnamon glaze.
5. Grill pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with salt (if using).
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pork Chops
Elevate your grilled pork chops with the bold flavors of Jamaica! This recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the spiciness of jerk seasoning, and the smokiness of the grill to create a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and brown sugar.
3. Brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush the pork chops with the jerk seasoning mixture.
6. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Vegetable Medley with Balsamic Glaze
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of a colorful medley of grilled vegetables, elevated by a rich balsamic glaze. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss together bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Grill vegetables for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
4. In a small saucepan, reduce balsamic vinegar over medium heat to thick glaze-like consistency (about 5 minutes).
5. Brush grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Teriyaki Grilled Beef Skewers
Transform your outdoor gatherings with these sweet and savory Teriyaki Grilled Beef Skewers, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add beef cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread beef onto skewers, leaving a small space between each cube.
4. Brush vegetable oil on both sides of the skewers.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until beef reaches desired level of doneness.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Caesar Salad with Charred Romaine
Experience the classic flavors of a traditional Caesar salad elevated to new heights by grilling the romaine lettuce and serving it atop crispy croutons, tangy parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of romaine lettuce
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut romaine lettuce into 1-inch slices and brush with olive oil, garlic, vinegar, mustard, and salt.
3. Grill lettuce for 2-3 minutes per side, or until charred and slightly wilted.
4. In a large bowl, combine grilled romaine, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Wings
Get ready to spice up your grilled chicken wings game with this bold and tangy Chipotle Lime recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and cumin.
3. Add chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Remove wings from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Flatbread
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and savory flatbread, featuring grilled peaches, crispy prosciutto, and a hint of fresh mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 6 slices of prosciutto, torn into strips
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on a lightly floured surface.
3. Brush the edges with olive oil and sprinkle with honey.
4. Arrange prosciutto strips along one edge of the pastry, leaving a small border.
5. Top with peach slices, overlapping them slightly.
6. Fold the opposite edge of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a rustic fold.
7. Place flatbread on grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Herb-Marinated Grilled Lamb Chops
Elevate your grill game with these tender and flavorful lamb chops, infused with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lamb chops (1 1/2 pounds)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest.
2. Place lamb chops in a shallow dish; pour marinade over them, turning to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove lamb from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill lamb for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-18 minutes
Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers
Savory bell peppers filled with a flavorful mix of rice, cheese, and spices, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, cheese, parsley, olive oil, onion, and garlic.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place peppers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the skin is slightly charred and tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple Glazed Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of pure Canadian maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: brown sugar, cinnamon, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of the sweet potato slices with the maple glaze mixture.
4. Grill sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Halloumi with Mint Yogurt Sauce
A Mediterranean-inspired delight that combines the creamy richness of halloumi cheese with the freshness of mint and yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of halloumi cheese (about 250g)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the halloumi cheese into 1-inch thick slices.
3. Grill the cheese for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it develops a nice golden-brown crust.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Once the cheese is cooked, serve it with the mint yogurt sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes (including grill time)
Spicy Grilled Sausage and Peppers
Get ready to spice up your outdoor cooking with this mouthwatering combination of juicy sausage, crispy peppers, and a hint of heat.
Ingredients:
– 4 grilled sausages (your choice of flavor)
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 2 medium-hot jalapeños, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the sausages.
4. Grill sausages for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, grill bell peppers for 3-5 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
6. During the last minute of sausage cooking, add jalapeños to the grill and cook until slightly softened.
7. Serve sausages with grilled peppers and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Basil
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful dessert. Grilled watermelon paired with crumbly feta cheese and fragrant basil is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slices
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the watermelon slices with olive oil and season with salt.
3. Grill the watermelon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and tender.
4. Top each grilled watermelon slice with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with chopped basil.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Summary
Kick off your summer grilling season with these mouth-watering recipes! From classic BBQ chicken to spicy grilled sausage and peppers, there’s something for everyone. Try garlic butter grilled shrimp skewers or smoky pork ribs for a savory twist. For seafood lovers, grill up some lemon herb salmon or portobello mushroom burgers. Sweet tooth? Indulge in grilled pineapple with cinnamon glaze or peach and prosciutto flatbread. These 20 recipes are sure to bring the heat to your next backyard BBQ or family dinner.
