Grilling is more than just cooking; it’s an art form that brings people together and creates unforgettable culinary experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your outdoor cooking journey, this guide will provide you with a collection of delicious recipes for every occasion. Get ready to impress your guests with delectable flavours and tantalising aromas. So, fire up your barbecue, hone your skills, and let’s understand the art of grilling!
Starter BBQ Grilling Recipes
Juicy Beef Burgers: Create the perfect patty using high-quality ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices. Mix the ingredients, form into balls then into patties and leave in the fridge to set. Grill to your desired level of doneness and serve on toasted buns with your choice of toppings. We like it a bit pink in the middle, although you need to ensure the beef is ground recently.
Top tip: Some cooks swear adding an egg yolk to your mix binds the meat and prevents crumbling
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken pieces in a flavourful blend of herbs, spices, and lemon juice – alternatives include yoghurt marinade or even some chutneys. Thread them onto soaked wooden or metal skewers and grill until cooked through, juicy, and slightly charred.
Top tip: Use metal skewers to get a more thorough cooking temperature inside the chicken, by heating it from the inside.
Smoky BBQ Ribs: Rub a rack of pork short ribs with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices, leave in the fridge for the marinade to adhere to the meat. Slow-cook the ribs on the barbecue with the lid down, basting with your favourite BBQ sauce, until tender and falling off the bone. Serve with a selection of salads including rice and pasta styles.
Top tip: Novice at cooking meat? Putting them into the oven first to start the ribs off will get the bones hot
International Flavours for Outdoor Cooking
Tandoori Grilled Shrimp: Marinate un-peeled King prawns in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and lime juice, unlike red meat there is no real need to leave the marinade to adhere meaning you can cook straight away. Flash grill until pink and slightly charred, and serve with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce.
Top tip: Serve with a warm lemon finger bowl each.
Greek-style Lamb Kebabs: Season cubes of lamb with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs, set aside in the fridge for a few hours. Skewer the lamb with vegetables like peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and grill to perfection.
Top tip: Red meats like lamb need to be taken out of the fridge to warm up so they don’t contract when cooked and taste tough.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken: Prepare a spicy marinade using scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. Coat chicken pieces with the marinade and leave in the fridge. Leave in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Take to the grill and cook until beautifully charred and infused with Caribbean flavours.
Top tip: Turn the grill heat down for this one, you want to balance the charred taste but also have the chicken cooked to the bone. The bone should act as an insulator once hot and cook the chicken inside-out.
Vegetarian Delights for Outdoor Entertaining
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Thread an assortment of colourful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and grill until tender and lightly charred.
Portobello Mushroom Burger: Marinate large portobello mushroom caps in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. Grill until tender and serve on a bun with your favorite toppings for a satisfying vegetarian burger.
Grilled Halloumi Salad: Grill slices of halloumi cheese until golden and grill marks appear. Arrange the grilled cheese on a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.
References and Recipe Ideas
For more outdoor cooking recipe ideas, here are some trusted sources to inspire your culinary adventures:
a. Jamie Oliver – Outdoor Cooking Recipes: [insert affiliate link to Jamie Oliver’s outdoor cooking recipes]
b. BBC Good Food – BBQ and Grilling Recipes: [insert affiliate link to BBC Good Food’s BBQ and grilling recipes]
c. Food Network – Outdoor Entertaining Recipes: [insert affiliate link to Food Network’s outdoor entertaining recipes
Grilling is a fantastic way to elevate your outdoor cooking and create memorable foodie experiences. Remember to experiment with flavours, techniques, and ingredients to make each dish your own. With the art of grilling on a barbecue, you can bring friends and family together over delicious food, laughter, and the joy of outdoor entertaining. So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let your culinary creativity shine!
