The sun is shining, the days are long, and it’s time to fire up the grill! Summer is the perfect excuse to host a backyard BBQ with friends and family. And what better way to impress your guests than with a spread of mouthwatering grilled dishes?
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like smoky ribs or looking to try something new like jerk-spiced shrimp, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 sizzling summer grill recipes that are sure to become new favorites at your next outdoor gathering.
From sweet and savory treats like grilled peaches with burrata crostini to spicy and smoky delights like chipotle grilled sweet potatoes, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your apron, preheat the grill, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories!
Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers
Elevate your grilling game with these mouthwatering skewers, perfectly balancing the sweetness of honey and the savory flavor of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Smoky BBQ Ribs with Dry Rub
Get ready to fall off the bone with these tender and flavorful smoky BBQ ribs slathered in a sweet and tangy dry rub.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
– 1 cup dry rub mixture (see below)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Dry Rub Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon coriander
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-low heat (275°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together dry rub ingredients.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Generously apply dry rub mixture all over the ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place ribs on grill, bone side down, and close lid. Cook for 2 hours, or until tender.
6. Brush with BBQ sauce (optional) and finish cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon
A refreshing twist on classic grilled salmon, this recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the subtlety of herbs for a flavorful and healthy dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 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, thyme, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Jerk Spiced Grilled Shrimp
Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this simple and delicious jerk spiced grilled shrimp recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, garlic, and lime juice.
3. Brush the shrimp with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and brush with the jerk mixture.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes total
Charred Corn with Chili Lime Butter
Elevate your summer gatherings with this easy and addictive recipe, combining the sweetness of charred corn with the boldness of chili lime butter. Perfect as a side dish or added to tacos, grilled meats, or salads.
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 and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lime juice, and chili powder until smooth.
4. Remove corn from grill and slather with chili lime butter while still warm.
5. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines the sweetness of watermelon with the salty tanginess of grilled halloumi cheese, all wrapped up in a burst of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 250g halloumi cheese
– 2 cups diced watermelon (seedless)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice halloumi cheese into 1-inch thick pieces.
3. Brush both sides of the cheese with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the cheese for 2-3 minutes per side, until slightly charred and melted.
5. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon, chopped mint and basil leaves, salt and pepper to taste.
6. Slice grilled halloumi into thin strips and add to the salad.
7. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Grilled Pineapple Slices
Elevate your summer barbecues with this sweet and savory recipe. Spicy grilled pineapple slices make a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch slices
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Brush the pineapple slices with the sugar mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 8-10 minutes
Garlic Butter Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this simple yet impressive recipe that showcases the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms. A flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and herbs brings out the best in these meaty ‘shrooms.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and thyme until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of the mushrooms with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Place mushrooms on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs
Savor the bold flavors of Korean cuisine with this mouthwatering short rib recipe, slow-cooked to tender perfection and slathered in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
3. Add the short ribs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
5. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each rib.
6. Drizzle sesame oil over the ribs and sprinkle with water.
7. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Grilled Peach and Burrata Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of grilled peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and crispy bread. This simple yet impressive crostini is perfect for summer gatherings or impromptu get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 1 ball of burrata cheese
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush peach slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill peaches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
3. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices until lightly browned.
4. Slice burrata cheese into small pieces.
5. Assemble crostini by topping toasted bread with a piece of grilled peach, a dollop of burrata cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chipotle Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners. Chipotle Grilled Sweet Potatoes add a smoky twist to the classic roasted sweet potato.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: brown sugar, cumin, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chipotle peppers, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the sweet potatoes.
5. Place sweet potatoes on grill and cook for 20-25 minutes per side, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Grilled Margherita Flatbread Pizza
Experience the classic Italian flavors of a margherita pizza with a twist – grilled flatbread! This simple recipe yields a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made or homemade flatbread (about 12 inches in diameter)
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the flatbread with olive oil on both sides.
3. Place the flatbread on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly charred and crispy.
4. Remove from grill and spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese.
6. Add fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return flatbread to grill and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Citrus Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
This refreshing recipe combines the sweetness of citrus with the smokiness of grilled pork chops, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish perfect for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange and grapefruit juices, garlic, olive oil, and thyme.
2. Add the pork chops to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill pork chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Vegetable Kebabs with Tzatziki
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional kebabs, these grilled vegetable kebabs are served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce for a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, mushrooms)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.
5. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve tzatziki sauce chilled alongside grilled vegetable kebabs.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders
These BBQ pulled jackfruit sliders are a game-changer for anyone looking for a meatless option that’s both flavorful and satisfying. With the tender, pulled texture of jackfruit in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, these bite-sized burgers are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can of young green jackfruit
– 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Drain the jackfruit and rinse it under cold water.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Add the jackfruit to the saucepan and stir until coated with the BBQ mixture.
4. Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Assemble the sliders by placing the pulled jackfruit onto hamburger buns and topping with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Caesar Salad with Charred Romaine
Grilled Caesar Salad with Charred Romaine: Elevate the classic Caesar salad by grilling crisp romaine lettuce and serving it with a tangy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cups romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the romaine lettuce pieces with olive oil.
3. Grill lettuce for 30-45 seconds per side, or until charred and slightly wilted.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine grilled lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this easy and flavorful recipe for teriyaki grilled chicken thighs. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, these sweet and savory chicken thighs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with the teriyaki mixture.
4. Grill chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Pound Cake with Strawberries
Grilled Pound Cake with Strawberries: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Dessert
This recipe gives traditional pound cake a modern twist by grilling it and serving it warm with fresh strawberries. The caramelized crust and toasted flavors of the cake pair perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 (9×5-inch) loaf pan, greased and floured
– 1 pound unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
– Fresh strawberries, sliced
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Remove cake from oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
3. Place cake on a cutting board and slice into 1-inch thick pieces.
4. Brush both sides of each piece with butter, then place them on the grill.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and toasted.
6. Serve warm with sliced strawberries and confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (grilling) + 45 minutes (baking)
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and make this summer one to remember! Our collection of 18 sizzling recipes features mouthwatering dishes for backyard BBQs. From classic chicken skewers with honey garlic glaze, to smoky ribs slathered in dry rub, we’ve got you covered. Plus, don’t miss our unique twists like grilled peach and burrata crostini or chipotle sweet potato slices. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a veggie fanatic, there’s something for everyone on this list of scintillating summer grill recipes.
