The Best Grilling Recipes for Summer

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor cooking. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a weeknight dinner, these tested recipes will help you make the most of grilling season. From classic burgers to innovative vegetable dishes, we've got you covered.

Classic Burgers Done Right

The Perfect Beef Burger

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 burger buns
• Your favorite toppings

Instructions:

1. Form beef into 4 patties, making a slight indentation in the center
2. Season generously with salt and pepper just before grilling
3. Grill over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for medium
4. Let rest 2 minutes before serving
5. Toast buns on grill for 30 seconds

Pro Tips:

• Don't overwork the meat – handle gently
• Make patties slightly larger than buns (they shrink)
• Only flip once for best crust
• Add cheese in last minute of cooking

Grilled Chicken Perfection

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine marinade ingredients
2. Marinate chicken breasts for 2-4 hours
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side
4. Internal temperature should reach 165°F
5. Rest 5 minutes before slicing

Seafood on the Grill

Grilled Salmon with Dill Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, dill, lemon zest, and juice
2. Season salmon with salt and pepper
3. Grill skin-side down over medium heat for 6 minutes
4. Flip and cook 4 more minutes
5. Top with dill butter and serve

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with oil, garlic, paprika, and lime
2. Thread onto skewers
3. Grill over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
4. Garnish with cilantro

Vegetable Sides

Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Grill corn over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, 10-12 minutes
2. Mix butter, chili powder, lime zest and juice
3. Brush corn with chili-lime butter
4. Sprinkle with cotija and cilantro

Grilled Vegetable Platter

Vegetables to grill:

• Zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• Bell peppers, quartered
• Red onions, thick slices
• Asparagus spears
• Portobello mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes on skewers

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper
2. Grill over medium-high heat until tender and charred
3. Cooking times vary: 3-8 minutes per side
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving

Ribs and Slow-Cooked Meats

Competition-Style BBQ Ribs

Dry Rub:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne

Instructions:

1. Remove membrane from back of ribs
2. Apply dry rub generously
3. Set up grill for indirect heat at 225°F
4. Smoke ribs for 3 hours
5. Wrap in foil with butter and brown sugar, cook 2 more hours
6. Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, cook 1 more hour
7. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting

Grilled Pizza

Margherita Grilled Pizza

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Roll dough thin and brush with olive oil
2. Grill oiled side over high heat for 2-3 minutes
3. Flip, quickly add toppings to grilled side
4. Close lid and cook 3-4 minutes until cheese melts
5. Top with fresh basil and parmesan

Desserts on the Grill

Grilled Peaches with Honey and Mascarpone

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Honey for drizzling
• Mascarpone cheese
• Fresh mint

Instructions:

1. Brush peach halves with melted butter
2. Grill cut-side down over medium heat for 4-5 minutes
3. Flip and grill 2 more minutes
4. Serve with dollop of mascarpone and honey drizzle
5. Garnish with mint

Grilling Tips for Success

Temperature Control

• High heat (450-550°F): Burgers, steaks, thin cuts
• Medium heat (350-450°F): Chicken, fish, vegetables
• Low heat (225-275°F): Ribs, brisket, slow-cooked meats

Timing Guidelines

• Burgers: 4-5 minutes per side (medium)
• Chicken breasts: 6-7 minutes per side
• Steaks (1-inch): 4-5 minutes per side (medium-rare)
• Fish fillets: 4-5 minutes per side
• Vegetables: 3-8 minutes per side

Essential Techniques

• Preheat grill for 10-15 minutes
• Oil grates before cooking
• Don't move food too soon – let it develop crust
• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy
• Let meat rest before cutting
• Keep lid closed as much as possible

Food Safety Tips

• Keep raw and cooked foods separate
• Use different plates for raw and cooked meat
• Cook to safe internal temperatures
• Don't leave food out more than 2 hours (1 hour if over 90°F)
• Clean grill grates before and after cooking

These recipes will help you master your grill this summer. Remember, practice makes perfect – don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and techniques. Happy grilling!