This Barrie 360 feature is brought to you by Napoleon Home Comfort.
The birds are chirping, the temperature is rising, and summer will soon be here. Maybe you dusted off your BBQ at the first signs of spring ... or maybe you were grilling all winter long. Either way, here are 12 drool-worthy grill recipes that are sure to blow you away this season!
1. Grilled Halloumi Cheese
I know what you're thinking. "Cheese ... On the BBQ?" But trust me on this one - it's delicious and one of the easiest grill recipes.
Halloumi has a very high melting point, making it perfect for grilling. The result is warm, salty, slightly-chewy deliciousness that you can use in about a million different ways. It's also super simple to prepare.
All you have to do is slice the halloumi about 1/2 inch thick, brush it with olive oil and grill on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until you see grill marks.
Pair the grilled halloumi with grilled veggies or fresh watermelon. Or add it to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying salad. For something a bit more filling, use it to top a pasta dish like gnocchi with a fresh tomato sauce.
2. Garlic Cajun Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp is one of those things that just tastes better on the grill. It also takes on the flavour of a marinade really quickly, unlike chicken or beef, so the prep time is much shorter.
Grilled Garlic Cajun Shrimp skewers are the perfect summer BBQ recipe. To make this dish, marinate shrimp in a combination of butter and spices then skewer them and cook them on the grill.
Here's a simple marinade recipe to get you started:
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tbsp cajun spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Combine all of the ingredients in a pan then brush half of the marinade on your shrimp skewers and refrigerate for 2 minutes before grilling. Grill for about 2 minutes on each side and brush on the remaining sauce.
3. Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are a surprising but tasty grilled treat. You can serve them with vanilla ice cream, or add them to a salad as well. Just make sure you don't buy peaches that are overripe. You want your peaches to be ripe but firm so they stand up to the heat of the grill.
To grill them:
- Halve and pit your peaches
- Heat grill to medium-high
- Brush peaches with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 4-5 minutes
Serve with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of honey and a pinch of cinnamon.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Nothing says summer quite like corn on the cob, but grilled corn on the cob takes that classic summer taste to the next level.
First, pull the outer husks down to the end of the cob and remove as much of the silks as you can. Fold the husks back into place, and then place the corn in a bowl of cold water with salt for 10 minutes. This will stop the husks from burning while the cob is grilled.
Heat your grill to medium, shake off the water, and place the cobs on the grill. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning the corn every 5 minutes or so for an even cook.
Serve with copious amounts of butter. To turn it up a notch, combine butter with chipotle pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and salt before spreading it on your cob.
RELATED: 9 ideas to make your backyard an oasis for entertainment ...
5. Strip Steak With Blistered Beans And Tomatoes
This is one of those grill recipes that sounds complicated but is actually fairly easy and will definitely impress your friends and family.
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. Toss a pound of beans with oil and season with salt. Place the beans on the grill, turning occasionally until charred. To prevent beans from falling through the grill by accident, use a grill basket.
You can cook your tomatoes in the same basket, but consider a grill skillet instead. You'll still get the BBQ flavour and char but you'll also be able to save the juices for a savory sauce. All you have to do is place 1 1/2 cups of tomatoes on the skillet and shake them around occasionally. In about 3 minutes they will start to blister and burst.
Oil the grill and throw on your seasoned and oiled steaks. Grill for about 4 minutes on each side and until lightly charred. Move your cooked steaks to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Take another 1 1/2 cups of uncooked tomatoes. Slice them and toss with smoked paprika, thinly sliced chile peppers and shallots, garlic, fresh basil, and 3 tbsp of red wine. Mix with steak, beans, and cooked tomatoes for a refreshing summer dinner.
6. Spice-Rubbed Salmon
This savoury salmon will be the star of your meal. It's easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes, and pairs well with just about any side dish, from salad to mashed potatoes to grilled veggies. You most likely already have the ingredients on hand.
Mix 1 tsp each of paprika, salt, and pepper, with 1/2 tsp each of cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder, and 1/4 tsp of coriander. Take your cut(s) of salmon and rub with olive oil and the spice mix. Grill on medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes until flaky and cooked.
If you have any leftovers, you can use them to top a salad or make an elevated salmon sandwich for lunch the next day.
7. Grilled Broccoli
This doesn't sound like the most exciting dish but don't knock it until you try it.
Grilled broccoli is super simple and when the broccoli gets a little charred it brings out a sweet, slightly nutty flavour that is absolutely delicious.
Wash your broccoli like normal then toss it in olive oil with salt, pepper and maybe even some garlic powder. Place it on some foil directly on the grill or use a grill basket. Grill for 8-10 minutes over medium heat and you are golden.
8. Bacon Wrapped Scallop Skewers
Don't let this recipe intimidate you. It's actually not as difficult as it sounds.
The trick is to pre-cook the bacon for 3 to 5 minutes until it's halfway done. Let your bacon cool then wrap it around the scallops and add to your skewers. This means you won't overcook the scallops or undercook the bacon.
To ensure the skewers don't burn, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
Brush your skewers with butter and grill the skewers for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. They're done once your bacon is crispy and your scallops are opaque. To be sure your scallops are cooked, you can use a thermometer. In Canada, the recommended internal temperature of scallops and other shellfish is 165°F.
9. Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
There is no better way to prepare chicken than on the grill. Don't believe it? Give it a try with this recipe and decide for yourself.
Toss your raw unbreaded wings in salt and pepper, then cook directly on an oiled grill for 14 to 20 minutes on indirect heat followed by 3 to 4 on direct heat. Baste them with Honey BBQ sauce just as they're finishing up.
If honey BBQ isn't your flavour of choice there are lots of seasoning recipes that can be used for wings cooked on the grill.
10. Chipotle Lime Cauliflower Steak
You don't have to be vegetarian to enjoy this delicious dish. Like many of the grill recipes so far, this one is simple yet impressive.
- Cut the cauliflower into 3 or 4 "steaks"
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and grated garlic
- In a separate bowl, mix lime zest, paprika, chipotle, and salt
- Brush one side of each cauliflower steak with the olive oil mixture and sprinkle generously with the chipotle powder mixture
- Place the seasoned side down on the hot grill
- Brush the tops with the olive oil mixture and season with the chipotle mix
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on a medium grill, flip, and cook for 5 more minutes
Trust me, you'll be adding this to your regular rotation once you've tried it.
11. Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Pork Chops
For a delightful blend of sweet and savory, indulge in these teriyaki-glazed grilled pork chops.
Start by marinating the pork chops in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Allow the pork chops to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the marinated pork chops until they're nicely caramelized and cooked through (approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side). To lock in the juiciness, let the pork rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the succulent pork chops with steamed rice and a fresh cucumber salad for a taste of Asian-inspired cuisine.
12. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs with Balsamic Glaze
Grilling isn't just for meat lovers; it's also a fantastic way to bring out the natural flavors of fresh vegetables. While there are lots of grill recipes that put veggies front and centre, this is one of the easiest.
Create colorful and delicious vegetable kabobs by skewering a medley of bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Brush the skewered veggies with a tangy balsamic glaze made by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Place the kabobs on the preheated grill and cook until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred (about 4 to 8 minutes). The result is a visually stunning and nutritious feast for your taste buds.
These 12 drool-worthy grill recipes will take your outdoor cooking experience to new heights. From juicy steaks and succulent seafood to tender vegetables and delectable desserts, these recipes showcase the versatility and flavor-packed potential of grilling.
So fire up your grill, embrace the sizzle, and get ready to indulge in dishes that will leave you craving more.
