Grilling brings out flavors in food like nothing else. From juicy meats to crisp vegetables, the grill transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.
When the weather warms up, head outdoors and fire up your grill for delicious dinners that require minimal cleanup.
You can create amazing grilled meals in 45 minutes or less with the right recipes. Whether you want perfect barbecue ribs, flavorful carne asada, or grilled sweet potatoes, these recipes make the most of your gas or charcoal grill.
With simple techniques and flavorful ingredients, you’ll impress family and friends at your next outdoor feast.
1. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Skewers bring tropical flavors to your backyard barbecue. These colorful skewers combine juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp vegetables.
The marinade blends ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This mix creates the perfect sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before threading onto skewers with pineapple chunks and vegetables. Brush with extra marinade while grilling.
These skewers cook quickly on a hot grill and develop a delicious caramelized exterior. They’re perfect for summer entertaining and family dinners.
2. Beer Brats with Mustard Sauce
Beer brats are a grilling classic that brings amazing flavor to your cookout. These juicy bratwurst sausages simmer in beer with onions and spices before finishing on the grill.
Simmer uncooked bratwurst in beer, adding sliced onions and mustard for extra flavor. After simmering, transfer the brats to a hot grill to get that perfect char and crispy exterior.
The beer bath keeps the sausages juicy while adding depth of flavor. Serve your beer brats with caramelized onions and a mustard sauce made from Dijon and stone ground mustard.
3. Sticky BBQ Ribs
Sticky BBQ ribs combine tender meat with sweet, tangy sauce. Use a two-step cooking process for the best results.
Cook the ribs in the oven at low heat for about 2-3 hours to break down tough connective tissue and ensure they become fall-off-the-bone tender. Then finish them on the grill for that essential smoky flavor and caramelized exterior.
Brush them generously with BBQ sauce during the final grilling stage. For extra flavor, try the 3-2-1 method: smoke for 3 hours, wrap with liquid for 2 hours, then sauce and finish for 1 hour.
4. Grilled Zucchini with Herb Butter
Grilled zucchini is a perfect summer side dish that’s easy to prepare and delicious. You need fresh zucchini, butter, and your favorite herbs.
Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before placing on a medium-hot grill.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until you see nice grill marks and the zucchini is tender but not mushy. While still hot, top with herb butter made by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil.
This simple side dish pairs perfectly with any grilled meat. It takes just minutes to prepare.
5. Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese and Panko
Grilled stuffed mushrooms make a delicious appetizer or side dish for your barbecue. They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly on the grill.
Select large mushroom caps and remove the stems. Mix cream cheese, garlic, and your favorite shredded cheese for the filling.
Spoon this mixture into the mushroom caps. Sprinkle lightly toasted panko breadcrumbs over the top of each stuffed mushroom.
Place them directly on the grill grate with the stuffed side facing up. Grill the mushrooms for about 5-8 minutes on high heat.
The mushrooms become juicy while the cheese melts and the panko gets crispy.
6. Honey Lime Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob gets an amazing flavor boost with a honey lime butter coating. This side dish cooks quickly and will become a summer favorite.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. While waiting, mix softened butter with honey, lime zest, and a touch of chili flakes for some heat.
Grill your corn for about 18-20 minutes, turning frequently until all sides show nice char marks. The natural sugars in the corn caramelize beautifully on the grill.
After grilling, brush the hot corn with your honey lime butter mixture. The butter melts into the kernels, creating a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze.
7. Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Teriyaki chicken drumsticks offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors for your next grilling session. You can create these flavorful drumsticks with simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and water.
No marinating is necessary for this recipe. Simmer the drumsticks in the teriyaki sauce mixture until they develop a sticky, glossy glaze.
Some recipes also add pineapple juice for extra flavor. Grilling these drumsticks creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.
They’re an excellent budget-friendly option for summer cookouts.
8. Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Grilled eggplant transforms into a delicious dish when paired with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Start by slicing your eggplant and lightly salting it to draw out excess moisture.
For the sauce, combine plain whole-milk yogurt with minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil. This creates a tangy complement to the smoky eggplant.
Grill the eggplant over medium-high heat until you get crispy skins and creamy interiors. The entire dish comes together in about 15 minutes.
Serve your eggplant hot from the grill with the cool yogurt sauce spooned over the top.
9. Carne Asada Steak
Carne asada is a flavorful grilled steak dish perfect for summer cookouts. The key to amazing carne asada is the marinade.
Marinate your flank or skirt steak for at least 2 hours, though 24 hours creates the most tender meat. A good marinade includes citrus juice, soy sauce, and spices.
Cook carne asada over high heat quickly. This gives you a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Serve your carne asada sliced against the grain. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply on its own with grilled vegetables.
10. Grilled Pizza with Mozzarella and Basil
Grilled pizza offers a unique smoky flavor and crispy texture. You don’t need a pizza stone—just place your stretched dough directly on the grill grates over hot coals.
Cook one side first, then flip it before adding your toppings. For classic Margherita style, top with fresh mozzarella and basil after the flip.
The cheese melts perfectly while the crust gets that golden-brown char. Use a 2-zone grilling method to control the heat.
Stretch your dough thin and dust with a bit of semolina flour to prevent sticking.
11. Grilled Burrata and Tomato Pasta
Grilled burrata and tomato pasta combines creamy cheese with smoky grilled flavors. Cherry tomatoes charred on the grill develop a sweet, caramelized taste that perfectly complements the gooey burrata.
Grill cherry tomatoes until they burst slightly. The heat transforms them into a natural pasta sauce filled with rich flavor.
The warm burrata melts when added to hot pasta, creating a creamy coating that clings to every strand. Add some basil and a drizzle of olive oil for freshness.
This pasta works great for summer gatherings.
12. Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad
Grilled peaches transform a simple salad into something special. The heat caramelizes the fruit’s natural sugars, creating deep flavor that pairs perfectly with peppery arugula.
Brush peach quarters with oil and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side at 400°F until they have nice grill marks. Layer the grilled peaches over a bed of fresh arugula.
Add creamy elements like goat cheese or burrata for richness. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch.
Finish with a simple dressing or balsamic reduction.
13. Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers
Grilled stuffed peppers make a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for outdoor cooking. You can fill them with various ingredients like ground beef, sausage, rice, and cheese.
Cut bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and fill with your preferred mixture. Popular fillings include ground beef with rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings, or a vegetarian option with couscous and fresh vegetables.
Place the stuffed peppers on a medium-hot grill for 15-20 minutes until the peppers soften. For extra flavor, sprinkle cheese on top during the final minutes of cooking.
These colorful treats combine smoky grilled flavor with a satisfying filling.
14. Classic BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are a grilling classic that delivers big flavor. The magic happens when pork shoulder cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender.
Smoke your pork or use a slow cooker with a tangy BBQ sauce that balances sweet and smoky notes. The meat should easily shred with two forks when done.
Serve your pulled pork on soft buns topped with coleslaw for a perfect texture contrast. You can elevate your sandwich with extras like onion rings or pepper jack cheese.
This crowd-pleaser works for any gathering from backyard cookouts to game days.
15. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic and Lemon
Grilled shrimp skewers make a perfect addition to your cookout menu. They cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.
Use a simple marinade of fresh garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. Let your shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes before threading onto skewers.
For best results on a charcoal grill, wait until coals are hot. On a gas grill, preheat on high for about 15 minutes.
Grill the skewers for just 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp cook fast and will turn pink and opaque when done.
For skewers, peeled shrimp with tails on works best.
16. Smoked Brisket with Dry Rub
Smoked brisket is often called the king of BBQ for good reason. This flavorful cut transforms from tough to tender with the right technique.
Start with a simple dry rub of kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add cayenne for heat if desired.
Smoke your brisket at a temperature between 250°F and 300°F. This low and slow method lets the fat render properly while the meat becomes tender.
Time is crucial for perfect brisket. Proper smoking can take several hours, but the melt-in-your-mouth result is worth the wait.
17. Grilled Corn with Flavored Butters
Grilled corn makes the perfect summer side dish. The heat from the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, creating sweet, smoky flavors.
Soak corn in cold water for about 5 minutes. This helps prevent the husks from burning too quickly.
Grill the corn for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred and tender. Prepare flavored butters to serve alongside.
Try Cajun butter with spices, basil butter for a fresh twist, or BBQ butter with sugar and red pepper. Mix your chosen ingredients with softened butter until well combined.
18. Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon
Grilled sweet potatoes with cinnamon make a delicious and healthy side dish for your cookout. They’re easy to prepare and provide a perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors.
Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes or medallion slices. Wedges also work well on the grill.
Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar. Add other spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Grill the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and have nice grill marks. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning.
19. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are perfect for grilling and make a satisfying meal for everyone. Their meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors make them a grilling favorite.
Marinate the portobellos in a simple mix of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
Grill the portobello caps for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re tender. Serve them as a “steak,” in a burger, or as a tasty side dish.
20. Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
Grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese is a simple yet delicious side dish perfect for your next cookout. Drizzle fresh asparagus with olive oil and add a pinch of salt and pepper before placing it on the grill.
Cook the asparagus for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until tender but still crisp. The heat brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus while adding a light smoky flavor.
Once grilled, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the warm asparagus. The cheese will slightly melt, creating a savory coating.
Enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
21. Crispy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs offer the perfect combination of juicy meat and crispy skin. Pat the bone-in thighs completely dry before cooking to achieve ultra-crispy skin.
Season generously with salt and a sprinkle of baking powder to help crisp the skin. Start with indirect heat on a lower temperature for best results.
Finish the thighs over direct heat to get that perfect crunch. The entire cooking process takes less than 10 minutes.
These thighs stay moist on the inside while developing a flavorful, crispy exterior.
Essential Grilling Techniques
Master a few key grilling techniques to transform your backyard cooking from basic to exceptional. Understand heat management and proper preheating to achieve perfect results every time.
Direct vs Indirect Heat Methods
Direct heat cooking means placing food directly over the flames or hot coals. Use this method for quick-cooking foods like burgers, steaks, chicken breasts, and vegetables.
The high heat creates those desirable grill marks and caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Indirect heat involves cooking with the heat source to one side of your food.
Set up your grill with coals or lit burners on one side only. Place food on the unlit side and close the lid.
Use this method for larger cuts like whole chickens, roasts, or ribs that need slower cooking times. Create dual cooking zones on your grill for maximum flexibility.
Set half for direct heat and half for indirect. Sear foods first, then move them to finish cooking more gently.
Best Practices for Grill Preheating
Always preheat your grill before cooking. Gas grills need 10-15 minutes with the lid closed to reach proper temperature.
Charcoal grills require 20-30 minutes until coals develop a gray ash coating. Proper preheating prevents food from sticking and ensures even cooking.
A hot grill creates immediate searing, which locks in juices and creates proper caramelization. Test your grill’s temperature using the hand method:
- High heat (450°F+): Hold your hand 5 inches above the grill for 2-3 seconds
- Medium-high (375-450°F): 4-5 seconds
- Medium (325-375°F): 6-7 seconds
- Medium-low (250-325°F): 8-10 seconds
Clean your grates after preheating but before cooking. Use a wire brush on a hot grate to remove old food particles.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
Great grilling isn’t just about heat management—it’s about maximizing flavor. Use these techniques to transform your basic grilled foods into memorable meals.
Marinades, Rubs, and Seasonings
Marinades tenderize and infuse flavor deep into meat. For best results, marinate chicken for 2-4 hours, fish for 30 minutes, and red meats for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Always use an acid (lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt) to help break down tough fibers. Dry rubs create a flavorful crust on grilled meats.
Combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar for a basic rub. Apply rubs at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
Season proteins 40 minutes before cooking or right before they hit the grill—never in between, as this can draw out moisture. Throw fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme directly onto coals to create aromatic smoke that flavors your food.
Proper Meat Resting After Grilling
Always rest your meat after grilling. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling out when cut.
Resting Times:
- Steaks: 5-7 minutes
- Chicken breasts: 5 minutes
- Whole poultry: 15-20 minutes
- Large roasts: 20-30 minutes
Cover meat loosely with foil while resting. This retains heat without creating steam that could soften your perfect crust.
Never cut meat immediately after removing it from the grill. Patience yields juicier results.
The internal temperature will rise 5-10°F during resting. Remove meat from the grill when it’s slightly under your desired final temperature.
Use the resting time to prepare your serving platters. Finish your side dishes while the meat rests.
