As the sun stays in the sky and stretches days out, there’s a primal call that sounds out to us all: the sizzle of the grill. Forget being cooped up in the kitchen on a ridiculously hot day. This summer season is all about smoky aromas, perfectly charred edges, and the sheer joy of cooking outdoors. No matter what you’re wanting to make, the grill isn’t just for burgers anymore. Get ready to fire up your passion for the summer with grilling recipes that promise to be unforgettable. The whole family will hail you as the grill master!
Recipes to Make on the Grill
Grilled Salmon Steak with Salsa Verde
You’ve probably made salmon in a pan or in the oven before but grilling salmon is going to surprise your tastebuds. After you grab the perfect cut of salmon from your local fishmonger, head to your kitchen to chop up and blend a salsa verde. Then drop that fish on the grill and watch the magic happen. The radish slaw and grilled limes on the side complement those smoky flavors inside the salmon.
Shawarma Chicken Kabobs
Kabobs and skewers are classic grill recipes that combine meat and veggies all in one bite pieces. These Shawarma Chicken Kabobs douse chicken in plenty of spices like clove, coriander, cumin, cardamom, and even lemon. It then interweaves zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and turnips in between these chunks of protein.
Grilled Oysters with Roasted Green Chile
Using the grill goes beyond chicken, beef, and vegetables. It actually works excellently for shellfish like oysters as well. All these oysters need is a few minutes on the grill with melted butter, minced garlic, and diced green chiles. Then you can slurp these small bites up with a bit of lemon juice and cilantro over top.
BBQ Beef Ribs with Shishito Peppers and Fingerling Potatoes
We knew you were waiting for a ribs recipe, so we’re here with one that builds char and spice into its flavors. BBQ Beef Ribs can be slow-cooked over a gas or charcoal grill for hours before a cookout. Pair them with shishito peppers and crispy fingerling potatoes, also cooked on the grill, and with a caramelized onion puree to coat it all.
Grilled Sunflowers Recipe with Bacon Vinaigrette
Other than sunflower seeds, you probably do not consume sunflowers often, but this recipe may just change that. Head out to your local farm (or a trip to your backyard garden) to pick your own sunflower heads for grilling. After charring them on a high heat, toss the sunflower heads with bacon bits and a matching bacon vinaigrette. Delicious, savory, and crunchy.
Great Gourmet Burger
If you’re going to make a burger you might as well make it the Great Gourmet Burger featuring four different meats. This beast of a burger patty combines bacon, beef, turkey, and pork together into a juicy mash-up. While this burger does not need very many toppings to amaze, feel free to dress it up as you deem fit for a gourmet experience.
Lemon and Basil Buttermilk Grilled Chicken Wings
Freshly grilled chicken wings are going to be much more delicious and crispier than anything you’ll find in a restaurant or store. This recipe bathes whole chicken wings in a buttermilk bath infused with lemon juice, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Plus, this is a great recipe to kick back with an IPA or white wine that cuts through the greasiness.
Grilled Panzanella Salad
Panzanella here simply means a Tuscan bread salad. Chunks of sourdough are toasted on the grill to later join heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and the seasonal ingredient of dandelion greens. Bring out your Italian side by drizzling lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic reduction, and pecorino over the salad. It’s a recipe that’s just fulfilling enough for lunch without over-stuffing before dinner.
Charred Heirloom Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Some eat tomatoes raw. Some will only eat tomatoes cooked. But we prefer our tomatoes charred. A quick char intensifies the flavor of tomatoes to perfectly nestle a radicchio, endive, baby greens, and edible blossom salad. Overtop of this symphony of garden produce you’ll also find balls of buffalo mozzarella and sherry vinegar.
Grilled Lamb Scottadito
There are many different ways to cook lamb but grilling lamb chops keeps the juices inside and gets the job done faster than other methods. To season and flavor these chops, you’ll also include a pinch of Herbes de Provence, cherry tomatoes, olives, pine nuts, feta cheese, and mint leaves. Talk about summer on a plate!
Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone and Honey
Who knew dessert could be grilled, too? Since peach season coincides with summer, it makes sense to put these peachy pink fruits on the grill. This produces a sweeter taste that gets cooled with a blend of mascarpone and honey. A little lemon juice pushes acidity through the sweetness so you can savor each and every nuance.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.
