Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious barbecued food with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a newbie looking to up your grilling game, we’ve got you covered with some of the best grilling recipes for summer BBQs.
1. Grilled BBQ Chicken
No summer BBQ is complete without some juicy, flavorful grilled chicken. For this recipe, start by marinating chicken thighs or breasts in your favorite BBQ sauce for at least an hour. Then, grill the chicken over medium heat until it’s cooked through and has those perfect grill marks. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic summer BBQ side dish, and grilling it adds an extra layer of flavor. Simply husk the corn and brush it with melted butter before grilling over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Serve with a sprinkle of salt and enjoy the sweet, smoky taste of grilled corn on the cob.
3. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Seafood lovers will appreciate these flavorful grilled shrimp skewers. Marinate peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs for at least 30 minutes. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a light and tasty summer BBQ dish.
4. Grilled Vegetable Platter
Don’t forget the veggies at your summer BBQ – grilling them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious charred flavor. Create a colorful vegetable platter by grilling a variety of veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Brush the veggies with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until tender and slightly charred. Serve as a side dish or as a vegetarian option for your guests.
5. Grilled Pork Ribs
For meat lovers, juicy and tender grilled pork ribs are a must-have at any summer BBQ. Start by seasoning the ribs with a dry rub of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Grill the ribs over low heat for about 3-4 hours, basting occasionally with your favorite BBQ sauce. The result is mouthwatering ribs that are fall-off-the-bone delicious – your guests won’t be able to resist!
6. Grilled Pineapple Dessert
Grilling fruit might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but grilled pineapple makes a sweet and refreshing dessert option for your summer BBQ. Slice a fresh pineapple into rings and grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until caramelized. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet delectable summer treat.
7. Grilled Steak Kabobs
Turn steak into an easy and flavorful dish by making grilled steak kabobs. Cut steak into cubes and marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil for at least an hour. Thread the steak onto skewers along with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, then grill over medium-high heat until the steak is cooked to your liking. The combination of tender steak and grilled veggies is sure to be a hit at your summer BBQ.
8. Grilled Lobster Tails
For a more upscale option at your summer BBQ, consider grilling lobster tails for a luxurious and indulgent dish. Split the lobster tails in half lengthwise, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Serve with melted butter and fresh lemon wedges for an elegant and delicious summer BBQ entree.
9. Grilled Peach Salad
Fresh peaches are a quintessential summer fruit, and grilling them adds a unique and delicious twist to a classic salad. Slice ripe peaches in half and remove the pit, then grill over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until caramelized. Toss the grilled peaches with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, and balsamic vinaigrette for a light and refreshing summer salad that’s perfect for your BBQ spread.
10. Grilled S’mores
No summer BBQ is complete without a sweet treat, and grilled s’mores are a fun and easy dessert option for your guests. Place a marshmallow and a square of chocolate between two graham crackers, then wrap in aluminum foil and grill over medium heat for a few minutes until the marshmallow is gooey and the chocolate is melted. Unwrap and enjoy the gooey, chocolaty goodness of grilled s’mores – a crowd-pleasing end to your summer BBQ feast.
So there you have it – 10 of the best grilling recipes for summer BBQs that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a meat lover, seafood enthusiast, or vegetarian, there’s something for everyone on this list. Fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy a delicious and memorable summer BBQ with these mouthwatering recipes. Happy grilling!
