Top 5 Most Popular Grilling Recipes For Summer BBQs

Get ready to fire up the grill and savor the flavors of summer with these top 5 most popular grilling recipes for your backyard BBQs. From mouthwatering burgers to succulent kebabs, this article unveils a collection of delicious recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to elevate your grilling game to the next level with these must-try recipes.

Classic Burgers

Ingredients for classic burgers

To make classic burgers, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Ground beef – choose a lean ground beef option for a healthier burger.
2. Salt and pepper – season the meat with these basic spices to enhance the flavor.
3. Hamburger buns – opt for fresh buns that are sturdy enough to hold the patty and toppings.
4. Cheese – select your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to add a gooey and melty element to your burger.
5. Toppings and condiments – lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are common choices.
6. Optional toppings – bacon, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or fried onions can take your classic burger to the next level.

Steps to make classic burgers

1. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper.
3. Divide the meat into equal portions and shape them into patties. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as it can result in a dense burger.
4. Place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the cheese slices on top of the patties to let them melt.
6. While the patties are cooking, assemble the buns by spreading condiments on both sides and adding the desired toppings.
7. Once the patties are cooked, transfer them onto the prepared buns and serve immediately.

Tips and variations for classic burgers

• For a juicier burger, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of barbecue sauce to the ground beef before shaping the patties.
• Experiment with different seasonings or spice blends, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder, to give your burgers a unique flavor profile.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with a plant-based patty. There are many delicious alternatives available in stores nowadays.
• To add a smoky flavor to your classic burgers, try grilling the buns for a minute or two before assembling them. This will give them a slightly charred and toasty taste.
• Don’t forget to toast the inside of the buns as well for added texture and flavor.
• Serve your classic burgers with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Ingredients for grilled chicken skewers

To make delicious grilled chicken skewers, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Chicken breasts or thighs – choose boneless, skinless pieces to make skewering easier.
2. Marinade – you can use a store-bought marinade or make a simple one with a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices.
3. Vegetables – select colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to skewer alongside the chicken.
4. Skewers – use metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden skewers to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Steps to make grilled chicken skewers

1. Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all similar in size for even cooking.
2. Prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your preferred herbs and spices in a bowl.
3. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of marinated chicken with the vegetables of your choice.
6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
7. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
8. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and variations for grilled chicken skewers

• Get creative with your marinade by adding different spices, herbs, or even citrus zest for a burst of flavor. Consider options like paprika, cumin, thyme, or rosemary.
• If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made marinade or dressing to quickly infuse your chicken with flavor.
• For added tenderness, marinade the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before skewering the ingredients to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Try grilling the skewers over indirect heat for a smoky flavor without worrying about the chicken or vegetables getting charred.
• Serve the grilled chicken skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, in a wrap or pita bread, or alongside a vibrant salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

BBQ Ribs

Ingredients for BBQ ribs

To make mouthwatering BBQ ribs, gather the following ingredients:

1. Rack of baby back ribs – choose high-quality, meaty ribs for the best result.
2. Dry rub – create your own dry rub blend using a combination of spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. BBQ sauce – select your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own using a recipe that suits your taste preferences.
4. Foil – you will need foil to wrap the ribs during the cooking process.

Steps to make BBQ ribs

1. Start by removing the membrane from the back of the rack of ribs. This can be done by gently sliding a knife under the membrane and then pulling it off with a paper towel.
2. Generously season both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, ensuring an even coating.
3. Preheat your grill to indirect heat at around 275°F (135°C).
4. Place the seasoned ribs on the grill, bone side down, and cook for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The low and slow cooking method will help render the fat and make the meat tender.
5. After the initial cooking time, remove the ribs from the grill and carefully wrap them in foil to create a tight seal. This will help retain moisture and enhance the tenderness.
6. Return the foiled ribs to the grill for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours.
7. Remove the foil and brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on both sides of the ribs.
8. Grill the ribs for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky glaze.
9. Once done, remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and variations for BBQ ribs

• Experiment with different dry rub blends by adjusting the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can add a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or use a smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can also make BBQ ribs in the oven. Simply follow the same steps but use the oven instead, preheated to the same temperature.
• Customize your BBQ sauce by incorporating ingredients like honey, molasses, apple cider vinegar, or hot sauce to add layers of flavor.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider basting the ribs with the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, creating a delicious glaze.
• Serve the BBQ ribs with classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, or potato salad for a traditional and satisfying BBQ feast.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients for grilled corn on the cob

For a delightful side dish of grilled corn on the cob, gather the following ingredients:

1. Corn on the cob – select fresh ears of corn with the husks intact.
2. Butter – use softened butter for brushing the corn.
3. Salt and pepper – season the corn with these basic spices for added flavor.
4. Optional toppings – grated cheese, chili powder, lime juice, or fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the taste of grilled corn.

Steps to make grilled corn on the cob

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Peel back the husks of the corn but leave them attached to the base. Remove the silk strands from the ears of corn.
3. Gently rinse the corn under cool water to remove any remaining silk.
4. Pat the corn dry with paper towels and spread a small amount of softened butter on each ear, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. Season the corn with salt and pepper, sprinkling it to taste.
6. Fold the husks back over the corn and tie the top with a piece of kitchen twine to secure them.
7. Place the corn on the grill and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The husks will steam the corn while the grill imparts a lovely smoky flavor.
8. After the corn is cooked, carefully remove the husks and brush the corn with any remaining butter.
9. If desired, sprinkle the corn with grated cheese, chili powder, a squeeze of lime juice, or fresh herbs to add extra layers of flavor.
10. Serve the grilled corn on the cob immediately as a tasty side dish.

Tips and variations for grilled corn on the cob

• If you prefer a slightly charred and roasted taste, grill the corn directly over medium-high heat without the husks. Rotate it every few minutes to achieve a beautifully charred effect.
• For a unique twist, brush the corn with flavored compound butter. Garlic and herb butter, chipotle lime butter, or honey cinnamon butter are all delicious options.
• Soak the corn in cold water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from burning.
• Add a tangy twist by brushing the cooked corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder instead of using plain butter.
• Grilled corn on the cob pairs well with various dishes like burgers, grilled chicken, or BBQ ribs. It’s also a fantastic addition to summer picnics and backyard gatherings.

Vegetable Kabobs

Ingredients for vegetable kabobs

To create delectable vegetable kabobs, gather the following ingredients:

1. Assorted vegetables – choose a variety of colorful vegetables that are suitable for grilling, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and mushrooms.
2. Marinade – you can create a simple marinade using olive oil, minced garlic, herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
3. Skewers – use metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Steps to make vegetable kabobs

1. Wash and prepare the vegetables by cutting them into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar to make the marinade.
3. Toss the vegetables in the marinade, coating them evenly. Allow them to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
5. Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between different vegetables to create a visually appealing and well-balanced kabob.
6. Place the vegetable skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning.
7. The vegetables should be tender with a slight char on the edges when done.
8. Remove the vegetable kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and variations for vegetable kabobs

• Customize the marinade by adding different herbs, spices, or citrus zest to suit your taste preferences. Consider ingredients like lemon zest, cumin, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.
• To add a protein element, you can alternate pieces of marinated tofu or halloumi cheese with the vegetables on the skewers.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them, as this will prevent them from burning on the grill.
• For extra flavor, brush the vegetable kabobs with additional marinade or baste them with BBQ sauce during the grilling process.
• Serve the vegetable kabobs as a standalone dish, alongside grilled meats, or as a filling option for vegetarian wraps or pita pockets. They also make for a vibrant and healthy addition to any summer BBQ or cookout.

With these top 5 most popular grilling recipes for summer BBQs, you’ll have a variety of delicious options to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re in the mood for classic burgers, tangy BBQ ribs, juicy grilled chicken skewers, charred corn on the cob, or flavorful vegetable kabobs, there’s something for everyone. Follow the ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and variations to create fantastic grilled dishes that will make your summer BBQs unforgettable. Get your grill fired up and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of summer!