Summertime means it’s time for barbeques! Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just having a small get-together with family and friends, there’s no denying that BBQs are an amazing experience filled with good food, refreshing drinks, and laughter.
Here are five mouth-watering recipes that are sure to impress your guests, along with some grilling tips to make your BBQs even better.
1. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp chili powder
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Corn tortillas
– Toppings: sliced avocado, cilantro, shredded cabbage, lime wedges, sour cream
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss shrimp in the mixture and coat evenly.
4. Grill shrimp on skewers, turning occasionally, until cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side).
5. Heat tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
6. Add shrimp to tortillas and top with sliced avocado, cilantro, shredded cabbage, lime wedges, and sour cream.
2. Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into chunks
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Skewers
– Toppings: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss chicken chunks in the mixture and coat evenly.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini.
5. Grill skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
3. Grilled Pineapple Slices
Ingredients:
– 1 fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp cinnamon
– Mint leaves
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut pineapple into rings and remove the core.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
4. Brush pineapple slices with the mixture, making sure they are well coated.
5. Grill pineapple slices for about 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and tender.
6. Serve with mint leaves.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
– 6 ears of corn
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Clean corn and remove husks and silk.
3. Brush each ear of corn with melted butter.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels brown slightly.
5. Grilled Watermelon Salad
Ingredients:
– 1/2 watermelon, cut into wedges
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Arugula
– Feta cheese
– Sliced red onion
Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush watermelon wedges with the mixture, making sure they are well coated.
4. Grill watermelon wedges for about 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear.
5. Arrange arugula on a serving plate and add grilled watermelon slices.
6. Top with crumbled feta cheese and sliced red onions.
Grilling Tips
1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes before adding food. This ensures that the grill is hot enough to cook the food evenly.
2. Oil the grates: Use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lightly coat the grates. This prevents food from sticking.
3. Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on your food and avoid overcooking it. This can cause it to dry out and lose flavor.
4. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your meat is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer. For chicken, the internal temperature should be 165°F.
5. Let it rest: After grilling, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat more tender.
With these mouth-watering recipes and grilling tips, you’re sure to have an amazing BBQ season. So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with your culinary skills!