Summer has arrived, and everyone is excited to spend time outside. When you combine that with some barbecue, you have the best summer moments in play! If you’re planning to invite some friends or family over for some BBQ, check out our top 5 best grill recipes below, which will undoubtedly leave their mouths watering for more!
Grilling Made Easy with the Right Tools
Must-Have Grilling Gear from Johnson’s Ace Hardware
Before you begin preparing the best grill recipes, make sure you have all of the necessary grilling equipment to make cooking effective and enjoyable. This includes high-quality gas and charcoal grills to ensure that all your food is cooked to perfection. Check out Weber, Traeger, and Big Green Egg for high-quality grills. Next, you’ll need the small but necessary items such as grill brushes, a thermometer, and tongs. You’ll need these to evenly distribute the sauce, maintain the proper temperature for perfection, and safely and effectively stir and flip the meat and vegetables. Finally, to keep things neat, clean, and evenly distributed heat, don’t forget a grill mat.
Tips for Grilling Success
Adopt best practices for grilling to ensure a successful grilling experience.
Before grilling, preheat the grill for 10 – 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and to kill any bacteria on the grates. Scrub the grates with a wire brush to remove any residue, and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Next, mark out direct and indirect heat zones on your grill for different cooking methods, such as high- and low-heat cooking.
When grilling, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and achieve the desired outcome for the various meats. For example, chicken (165°F), beef (135°F for medium-rare; 160°F for medium), pork (145°F), and fish (145°F). After grilling, allow the meat to rest and redistribute juices, resulting in tender and flavorful bites.
Top 5 Best Grill Recipes for Summer
1. Classic BBQ Baby Back Ribs
The first item on the list is the classic BBQ baby back ribs. Who doesn’t enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs smothered in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce, ideal for a summer cookout?
You’ll need enough baby back ribs for the number of guests you’ll be hosting, as well as a dry rub and your preferred BBQ sauce. Get these supplies from your local supermarket, or if you’re an experienced cook, make your own BBQ sauce!
When grilling BBQ baby back ribs, ensure that they are cooked low and slow for juicy results. This first item on the menu will undoubtedly be a crowd pleaser.
2. Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken Thighs
If you prefer chicken, don’t worry. The grilled citrus-herb chicken thighs will also impress your guests and pique their appetite! Prepare some fresh chicken thighs, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. You want to marinate all of these ingredients on the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow them to soak in.
When grilling a chicken, you want to make sure it’s well-cooked, so set the grilling temperature correctly. Sear for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden and slightly charred. Carefully flip with tongs. Once finished, let it rest on indirect heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve the chicken with grilled asparagus or summer squash. This fresh and vibrant menu is perfect for summer and will undoubtedly delight your guests!
3. Fire-Roasted Veggie Skewers
Grilling often means meat-heavy menus, so vegetarians might feel left out at a barbecue. Fear not! Our top grill recipes feature a veggie-packed dish that’s just as tasty as any classic BBQ fare.
Our fire-roasted vegetable skewers include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Cut these vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat until tender and charred. This particular item is not only tasty, but also nutritious and colorful!
4. Perfectly Grilled Burgers with Toppings Bar
Burgers are another classic dish on our list of the best summer grill recipes! Who doesn’t enjoy a good bite of a juicy burger? From children to adults, we all have fond memories of eating delicious burgers. Why not recreate that moment with your summer BBQ dish?
You’ll need ground beef or plant-based patties (for non-meat eaters), buns, cheese, and toppings such as avocado, caramelized onions, bacon, pickles, and sauce.
Season the patties with salt and pepper. Do not forget to preheat your grill to medium-high. When ready, grill the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, then add the cheese in the last minute. You can also cook your buns for 1 minute to make them slightly crispy.
5. Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze
Our last item on the best grill recipes is the ultimate summer food! It’s fresh, fun, and of course, delicious!
To make a grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze, you’ll need some fresh pineapple rings, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lime juice. Mix these ingredients and brush it over the pineapple. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the pineapple for 2-3 minutes, or until caramelized. Serve the dish when it’s still warm. To add a little more summer vibe, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! This sweet, tropical treat is a refreshing way to end your BBQ.
Conclusion
Are you ready to host and show off your grilling skills to your loved ones? Using our best grill recipes and tips, you’ll be ready to invite some guests over and have a BBQ showdown fit for the summer season! Make sure to use fresh ingredients in your recipes to ensure quality. Don’t forget to stop by Johnson’s Ace Hardware for all your quality BBQ supplies. We have everything you need to get started on your memorable summer BBQ!
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