Grilling is more than just a backyard hobby. It’s an art form, one that requires precision and attention to detail.
If you want to be the best griller in your neighborhood or at least impress your friends with some delicious recipes, it’s time to step up your game! The following guide will help you take your grilling expertise to a whole new level.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. There are many delicious and unique grilling recipes to try beyond traditional options like burgers and hot dogs. |
| 2. Grilling can be easy and accessible even for beginners, with a variety of recipes and tips available. |
| 3. Proper grilling techniques, such as preheating the grill and using a meat thermometer, can help ensure that your food is safe and cooked to perfection. |
| 4. Vegetarian options can be just as delicious and satisfying as meat-based recipes, with options like grilled portobello mushrooms and vegetable kebabs. |
| 5. Regular grill maintenance, including cleaning the grates, can help extend the life of your grill and improve its performance. |
1. Texas Style Cowboy Rib-Eye
Grilled rib-eye on a Texas-style cowboy platter.
To serve: Place the steak on the warmed plate and spoon some of the juices from the pan over it before slicing. Serve with sliced raw onion, salsa and hot sauce.
Are you new to grilling or looking to try out some easy new recipes? Check out our collection of 20 easy grilling recipes for beginners that are perfect for starting out or for a quick and easy grill session.
2. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks + Chimichurri Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy way to make steak for dinner, this is it. The garlic-herb sauce is infused right into the cauliflower, so every bite has a pop of flavor. Plus, this recipe is so simple that once you’ve made it once or twice on your grill, you’ll be able to whip together this quick meal any time you want!
Chimichurri is traditionally made with parsley and other fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. It’s usually served over grilled meat but can be used as a sauce on pretty much anything: chicken salad sandwiches (my favorite), fish tacos (also my favorite), roasted veggies…you get the idea!
The chimichurri in this recipe also has some olive oil added for richness and depth—it keeps things from getting too spicy or bitter—plus garlic for warmth and depth.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks + Chimichurri Recipe
| Ingredients | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 head of cauliflower | 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. |
| Olive oil | 2. Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch slices, leaving the stem intact. |
| Salt and pepper | 3. Brush each slice with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. |
| 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley | 4. Grill the cauliflower slices for 5-6 minutes per side, until tender and lightly charred. |
| 1/4 cup red wine vinegar | 5. While the cauliflower is grilling, prepare the chimichurri sauce by combining the parsley, red wine vinegar, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl. |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced | 6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 1/2 cup olive oil | 7. Serve the grilled cauliflower steaks with the chimichurri sauce spooned over the top. |
3. Thyme and Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
Thymus vulgaris is a culinary herb with a distinct flavor and scent. It is also known as wild thyme, common thyme or garden thyme. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried, while its flowers may be used either fresh or dried.
Thyme offers numerous health benefits including:
- Antioxidant protection
- Relief from respiratory illnesses such as colds and coughs due to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports the immune system by fighting infection due to its antimicrobial properties
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4. Corn Dog Mini Muffins
Corn dogs are the perfect finger food for kids. These mini muffins make great appetizers or a meal on their own! You can use cocktail sausages instead of hot dogs, and all kinds of bread or buns in place of the hot dog buns.
| Ingredients | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. |
| 1 cup yellow cornmeal | 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. |
| 1/4 cup granulated sugar | 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter. |
| 1 tablespoon baking powder | 4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | 5. Pour the batter into a 24-cup mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. |
| 1 large egg, beaten | 6. Cut the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces and place one piece in the center of each muffin cup. |
| 1 cup milk | 7. Bake the muffins for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. |
| 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted | 8. Serve the corn dog mini muffins warm with ketchup and mustard for dipping. |
| 8 hot dogs | |
| Ketchup and mustard, for serving |
5. Teriyaki Salmon Burgers With Sriracha Mayo
This recipe is a great way to use salmon. The teriyaki sauce gives the burgers tons of flavor and the sriracha mayo adds a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the cilantro and onion.
These burgers taste great on their own but they’re also perfect for topping with lettuce, tomato, avocado or even pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and cook up some amazing dishes. If you’re in need of some inspiration for your next BBQ, check out our list of mouth-watering grilling recipes that are sure to satisfy any appetite
6. Easy Perfect Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Preheat your barbecue grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the tenderloin, then place it in a resealable plastic bag with 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 clove minced garlic and 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary leaves.
Seal the bag and massage to distribute the marinade evenly over all surfaces of the tenderloin, then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in refrigerator before cooking (if refrigerated).
Place pork on hot grill; close lid and cook until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 C), about 10 minutes per side depending on thickness of meat (thicker pieces will take longer). Transfer pork to carving board; tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into thin slices against grain of meat
7. Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipe with Havarti, Goat Cheese and Fresh Basil
A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple, delicious snack that has found its way into the hearts of many. It’s made up of two slices of bread, buttered and placed together to form a sandwich. But you can take this classic recipe even further by adding some gourmet flair!
This recipe will teach you how to make an over-the-top version using Havarti, Goat Cheese and Fresh Basil.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices Havarti cheese (or your favorite)
- 1 slice goat cheese or Brie (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (washed)
Equipment: * Toaster oven or grill pan
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8. Easy Grilled Tropical Quesadilla Recipe
An easy-to-make meal that’s a crowd pleaser, this grilled quesadilla is made with pineapple and mango.
- Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup fresh mango, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Steps:
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the tortillas on the grill for 1 minute per side or until lightly browned and crisp. Remove from the grill and top one half of each tortilla with cheese, then add the pineapple and mango to cover evenly across both halves of your grilled quesadilla—don’t overfill or it will be difficult to fold!
Grill for another minute until cheese is melted and ingredients are warm throughout; remove from heat immediately after taking off grill as they will continue cooking if left on too long (and possibly burn). Repeat steps with other tortillas.* Serves 4 people
9. Lemon Pepper Zucchini Corn Foil Packs Two Peas & Their Pod
This recipe is so easy and tasty. It’s also a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen!
You will need:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper to taste
How to make it:
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with foil (for ease of cleanup). Spread peppers out on prepared baking sheet, cut-side up.
Roast for about 20 minutes or until charred at the edges, then place them back in their foil packets; this is where we’ll let them steam so they’re soft enough for stuffing later on.
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10. Bourbon Brown Sugar Kielbasa Bites with Bourbon Mustard – I Wash You Dry
Ingredients:
2 pounds kielbasa, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
Directions:
Heat the grill to medium heat. 2. In a large bowl, toss together the kielbasa with the bourbon, brown sugar, and mustard until well combined.
3. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until lightly charred on all sides and heated through (if you’re using an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat or if grilling in a covered outdoor grill).
11. Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins – The Cookie Rookie
These are the perfect combination of comfort food and sports bar, but without all of the calories.
The sharp cheddar and buffalo sauce add a little kick to these potato skins, but if you’re looking for something more intense then you can always use bleu cheese or ranch dressing. Serve these with some celery sticks or carrots dipped in blue cheese dressing for a full meal!
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
1 bag frozen tater tots (about 2 1/2 cups)
16 ounces cooked chicken breast strips (about 3-4 breasts)
1 cup buffalo wing sauce (you can buy it or make your own)
7 tablespoons butter
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 green onions sliced thinly
12. Grilled Brussels Sprouts with Blueberries BBQ Sauce – Cooking for Keeps
One pound of baby brussels sprouts, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil (can substitute ghee)
1/4 teaspoon salt (can add more if desired)
1/8 teaspoon pepper (I prefer black pepper)
1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons raw honey, melted coconut butter or avocado oil
A few splashes of balsamic vinegar (optional)
13. Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream – Oh Sweet Basil
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
- 1 pineapple, sliced into rings and cored
Directions: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and melted butter until smooth.
Brush one side of each slice with the brown sugar mixture and place on grill grates in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches).
Grill for 4–6 minutes per side or until caramelized, basting occasionally with any remaining sauce from the bowl. Remove from heat and serve immediately with coconut ice cream (recipe below).
14. The Best Burgers Recipes – Cooking Classy
The burgers you eat should be delicious, juicy and full of flavor. There are many different types of burgers to make and the best way to cook them is up to you! Whether it’s a burger for summer or one for your grill these recipes will help you create some mouth-watering meals.
15. Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs & Grilled Pineapple Salsa- Mom Endeavors
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- ½ cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh) drained if using canned
- Salsa:
- In a blender add the following ingredients: chopped cilantro and parsley leaves, jalapeño peppers seeds removed and diced, lime juice from half a lime and salt to taste. Blend until smooth. Set aside for later use.
16. Shrimp Tacos with White Sauce – A Spicy Perspective
Ingredients:
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika powder, optional
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (350°F). Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a ziploc bag or foil pan and place on the grill for about 10 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
17. Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Skewers & Watermelon Relish – Will Cook for Smiles
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, but you can make it even more memorable by swapping out some of the ingredients.
Use crab for tuna: Substitute 2 cans chunk light tuna in water for 2 pounds raw jumbo lump crabmeat.
Use mango instead of watermelon: Substitute 1 ripe medium mango, peeled and diced, for ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves and ¼ cup chopped scallions. Omit lime juice and substitute with ¼ cup coconut oil melted over medium heat until liquid consistency is achieved (about 3 minutes).
Stir in ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and pinch freshly ground black pepper before serving on skewers with relish formed from diced watermelon chunks sprinkled with lime juice.
18. Bacon Wrapped BBQ Meatballs – Tornadough Alli
These BBQ meatballs may be the best way to eat bacon. The combination of smokey grilled flavor and sweet sauce is worth it alone, but throw in some smoky bacon and you’ve got yourself one tasty appetizer or main course.
This recipe calls for toothpicks to secure the bacon around the meatballs, but make sure they are long enough so that when removed from the grill they do not leave half of your meatball behind!
We recommend using short or medium-length wooden skewers for this method (although metal ones would also work).
Take care that none of your toothpicks have sharp points at either end; this could cause injury when handled by guests.
Remove toothpicks before serving so as not to risk poking anyone’s mouth while they eat!
Conclusion
Good luck with the grilling season and make sure to follow the tips in this article!
Further Reading
If you’re looking to expand your grilling recipe collection, here are a few resources to check out:
Kristine’s Kitchen: a collection of delicious grilling recipes, including vegetarian and healthy options.
Delish: a list of fun and unusual grilling recipes to try out.
Gear Patrol: a roundup of some of the best grilling recipes, including classics like burgers and ribs, as well as more adventurous options.
FAQs
What are some tips for getting the perfect sear on my grilled meats?
To get the perfect sear on your meat, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Preheat the grill to a high temperature, and pat your meat dry before placing it on the grill. Avoid moving the meat around too much while it cooks, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
How can I prevent my grilled veggies from sticking to the grill?
To keep your veggies from sticking to the grill, make sure they’re dry before placing them on the grates. Brush them with oil to help prevent sticking, and avoid overcrowding the grill. Use a grill basket or skewers to keep smaller veggies from falling through the grates.
What’s the best way to grill fish?
For best results, choose a firm, thick fillet of fish that will hold up well on the grill. Brush the fish with oil to prevent sticking, and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the fish over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
What are some good vegetarian grilling options?
Vegetarian grilling options include veggie burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, grilled tofu, and grilled vegetables such as corn, zucchini, and eggplant. For extra flavor, marinate vegetables in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and herbs before grilling.
How can I clean my grill grates?
To clean your grill grates, preheat the grill to a high temperature and scrape the grates with a grill brush or scraper. For tough grime, use a mixture of water and baking soda to scrub the grates, then rinse with water and dry with a towel.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a grilling enthusiast. I’ve been grilling for years, and I absolutely love it. I love how it brings people together and how you can feed your family with just a few minutes of work.