Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy mouthwatering barbecue dishes with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, these delicious barbecue recipes will take your summer meals to the next level. From juicy steaks to smoky chicken and succulent ribs, there’s something for everyone. Plus, we’ve included flavorful veggie skewers to cater to all dietary preferences. Get ready to savor the season with these easy-to-follow and irresistibly tasty barbecue recipes that are sure to become your new summer favorites.
Contents
Classic Grilled Steak
A perfectly grilled steak is a quintessential summer delight. This recipe focuses on achieving a mouthwatering steak that is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Marinade the Steak: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the steaks, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the steaks marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Steaks: Place the steaks on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Smoky Barbecue Chicken
This smoky barbecue chicken recipe promises juicy, tender chicken with a rich, smoky flavor. It’s perfect for any barbecue gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Marinade the Chicken: In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baste with Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush additional barbecue sauce on the chicken for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue experience.
Savory BBQ Ribs
These savory BBQ ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring tender meat that falls off the bone. The rich barbecue flavor makes them a standout dish at any barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Preparation:
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the ribs.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to low heat, around 250°F.
- Cook the Ribs: Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 2.5-3 hours, turning occasionally. Keep the grill covered to maintain an even temperature.
- Baste with Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with baked beans and a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Flavorful Veggie Skewers
These veggie skewers are a healthy and delicious addition to any barbecue. Marinated in a tangy sauce, they offer a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the vegetables and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating types for a colorful presentation.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of hummus or tzatziki for dipping.
Delicious Grilled Shrimp
This grilled shrimp recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy seafood at your summer barbecue. The zesty marinade adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Preparation:
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a light, summery meal.
Perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer barbecue side dish. This recipe enhances the corn’s natural sweetness with a flavorful butter spread.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Prepare the Corn: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the corn with the butter mixture.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred.
- Baste with Butter: Brush additional butter mixture on the corn during the last few minutes of grilling.
Serving Suggestions: Serve hot, with extra butter on the side for an indulgent treat.
Smoky Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
These smoky grilled portobello mushrooms make a fantastic meatless option for your barbecue. Their rich, savory flavor and meaty texture are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients:
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Prepare the Mushrooms: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush the mushrooms with the marinade and let them sit for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Mushrooms: Place the mushrooms on the grill, gill side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Serve: Slice the mushrooms and serve.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a quinoa salad or on a bun as a vegetarian burger.
Sweet Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is a sweet and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer. The caramelized edges and tangy glaze make it an irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Juice of 1 lime
Preparation:
- Prepare the Pineapple: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and lime juice. Brush the pineapple rings with the mixture.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Savor Every Bite This Summer
With these mouthwatering barbecue recipes, your summer cookouts are sure to be a hit. Each dish, from savory grilled steak to sweet grilled pineapple, brings its own unique flavors to the table, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Experiment with these recipes, make them your own and enjoy the delicious results with family and friends. Happy grilling and bon appétit!