There are few things more all-American than grilling your way through summertime while enjoying time outside with your family. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of burgers and hot dogs, but there’s so much more to throw on the grill! You can enjoy your latest catch or hunt, or even grill up some of the summer vegetables from your garden. Here are some homemade grilling recipes you can try!
Grilling Recipes for the Entire Family to Enjoy
Charcoal vs. Gas
The first step to becoming the Grill Master you’ve always aspired to be is choosing between a charcoal grill and a gas grill. There’s no right answer here, as each offers specific benefits.
Charcoal gives a smokier flavor, while propane gas lends itself to a more bacon-like flavor. Gas grills give the meat more moisture. Charcoal grills take more time to heat up and the temperature is difficult to adjust and monitor.
Gas grills are easily adjusted and can even be used on a rainy day. Cleanup is easier with a gas grill, and they can come with a myriad of accessories. However, gas grills are significantly more expensive than charcoal grills and tend to be much larger.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for an inexpensive and possibly mobile grill, go with the charcoal. If accessories, ease of use, and safety are concerns of yours, choose a gas grill.
Great Grilling Accessories
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Make sure you have the tools of the trade so you don’t get burned, don’t lose your dinner in the grill, and you pack in all of the flavors that you can! We recommend having:
- Heat-resistant oven gloves
- Wireless thermometer
- Steel tongs
- Grilling basket
- Basting brush
- Turner/Spatula
- Grill brush
- Sheet pans for transferring foods
- Cedar plank
You can get crazy with accessories, but these will get you started. Eventually, you may want to look into a smoker, as well.
Our Top Pick for Grill Gear
Texas Grills – BBQ Gloves
These heavy duty gloves are suitable not only for BBQ grilling but also for welding, campfires, BBQ smokers and more! When you need protection from the heat of your grill, reach for the grill gloves especially designed for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
8 Piece BBQ Tool Set
- Portable BBQ set includes the essentials for a day at the grill!
- Durable carry case with latch closer.
- Set components made of stainless steel with wooden handles.
- Utensils included: spatula, fork, tongs, basting brush, and skewers.
Barbeque Grill Mats
This grill item will have you named the new “Grill Mat-ster” with its easy cleanup and heavy duty material. It allows you to cook any meat of your choice including fish and vegetables without drying it out. The mat works with any grill you can find, and gas, charcoal, electric, barrel grills and portable grills as well. The mat allows for evenly grilled food every time and prevents food from falling between the grates.
Top Grilling Tips
A few tricks of the trade:
- Always start with a clean grill.
- Don’t move the food around and flip meats only once.
- Don’t squeeze or flatten meats – it removes fat and flavor.
- Keep a spray bottle handy to tame flare-ups and avoid charring.
- Use a meat thermometer.
- Leave meat out for about 30 minutes prior to grilling for even cooking.
- Slightly undercook meat; they continue to cook after removing them from heat.
- Rest the meat after cooking for 5-15 minutes for prime juiciness.
- Be careful not to char thick pieces of meat; cook them for longer, on lower heat.
- Don’t overdo it on the protein options – managing a variety of cooking times can be overwhelming.
Unique Grilling Recipes
When you’re ready to advance past the usual BBQ fare, we recommend trying out these simple but delicious recipes. Remember that how you cook the meat is the most important element in grilling.
1. Grilled Venison Loin
All you need is a pound of fresh venison, olive oil, salt and pepper, and your favorite BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 pounds venison loin, preferably in one piece
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- your favorite BBQ sauce
2. Beer Marinated Deer/Elk/Moose Steak
Marinating your meats can make all the difference in the flavor, especially for those who don’t typically prefer wild game.
Ingredients:
3. Grilled Onion Blossoms
Much healthier than the fried onion blossoms you find in steakhouses, but no less flavorful!
Ingredients:
- Large sweet onions
- 1 large grilling plank, cedar, hickory, maple, etc. soaked for over 2 hours ( I could fit 3 onions on mine but plank sizes vary).
- Italian seasoning blend, dry
- grated romano or parmesan cheese
- granulated garlic
- paprika
- olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh herbs for garnish
For the red pepper aioli:
- 1 cup of roasted red peppers, either made yourself or a good jarred one that has been drained and patted dry well
- ¾ cup of good organic mayonnaise
- 1 crushed garlic clove
- salt and pepper to taste
4. Jamaican Street Corn
A unique way to enjoy summer veggies from your garden.
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of fresh corn on the cob, leave them whole or cut in half
- 2 cups coconut flakes, toasted
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
5. Whiskey Steak Marinade
Steak may not sound like a creative grill choice, but it sure is a classic one, and this whiskey marinade kicks it up a notch.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup good quality whiskey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon rind grated
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
6. Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings
Bacon is always welcome at the BBQ, and this recipe really brings it to the forefront.
Ingredients:
- 1 lbs Bacon
- 3 sweet Onions
- 2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Sriracha hot sauce
- 2 tablespoon mayo
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
7. Simple Grilled Trout
Enjoy your fresh catch by grilling it and seasoning it simply.
Ingredients:
- 4 freshly caught trout fillets
- cooking oil, such as coconut or vegetable oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- fresh lemon juice
Don’t forget to get creative! Almost any food can be grilled, adding extra flavor to some of your favorites dishes. This summer, get outside and get grilling.
Do you have delicious grilling recipes you can share with us? Please put them in the comments section!
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