55 Grilling Recipes & Unique Barbecue Ideas

Nothing signals the warmer months like the savory smell of smoke billowing from a grill in your own backyard. If you’re preparing for another long-awaited grilling season, it may be time to spice up your menu with some fresh barbecue ideas. From steak and burgers to seafood, side dishes and vegan options, we’ve got you covered with our all-time favorite grilling recipes.

Steak Recipes

A tender, perfectly seared steak may not need sauce or extra garnishes, but it can also be used in some surprising, exceptionally delicious dishes. No matter what your favorite cut is, these beef grilling ideas will spruce up your usual steak-night fare.

Grilled Porterhouse With Romesco

Looking for a slight variation on a grilled steak? Try a juicy, tangy grilled porterhouse with romesco featuring a simple scratch-made marinade.

Grilled Skirt Steak With Chimichurri

To bring a little zest to a skirt steak, try adding a rich, homemade condiment like the Argentinian staple featured in this grilled skirt steak with chimichurri recipe.

Vietnamese Flank Steak Salad

Add some fresh veggies and an international flair to your grilled meat with a Vietnamese flank steak salad, complete with a homemade marinade, crisp greens and bright aromatics.

Stuffed Flank Steak

If you’re looking for inspired grilling ideas, consider stuffing your preferred grilled meats with extra goodness. This stuffed flank steak recipe uses bread crumbs, salami, cheese, pine nuts and anchovies to create a rich, exceptionally savory dish.

Herbed Flank Steak With Tomatoes

We believe the best grilling recipes incorporate more than just meat. This herbed flank steak recipe adds grilled tomato to the equation, along with crumbled goat cheese, herbs de Provence and fresh greens.

Burger Recipes

This backyard grilling staple (unless you prefer to grill indoors) is a crowd-pleaser for kids and grownups alike. But maybe it’s time to try a new spin on the classic ketchup-and-mustard combo. Next time you prepare for burger night, consider one of these delicious variations.

Burgers Stuffed With Pimento Cheese

Looking for zesty summer grilling ideas? Burgers stuffed with pimento cheese pack a lightly spicy, cheesy punch into each patty.

Hamburgers With Fried Eggs

Eggs make everything better — and burgers are no exception. Hamburgers with fried eggs are simple, customizable and a good match with just about any side. Be sure to keep the eggs a little runny so the yolks seep into the beef when they break.

Grilled Portobello Burgers

With their meaty texture and versatile, savory flavor, mushrooms make excellent meat substitutes in vegan and vegetarian grill recipes. Whether you’re eating meat-free or simply want to change up the usual fare, grilled portobello burgers bring all the umami goodness burger fans crave.

Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Burgers

Ready for a completely different burger experience? Well-seasoned ground lamb makes for a surprising variation on ground beef, showcased perfectly in these Moroccan-spiced lamb burgers served with cilantro and yogurt on pita.

Stuffed Barbecue Burgers With Beer-Cheddar Fondue

Caramelized onions, bacon crumbles, barbecue sauce, beer and sharp cheddar cheese come together to form a gloriously decadent collection of flavors in these stuffed barbecue burgers with beer-cheddar fondue.

Pork Chop Recipes

For many barbecuers, grilling pork chops takes a major backseat to beef and chicken — but these recipes prove they deserve the same recognition. If you’re looking for other things to grill than steak, wings and ribs, look no further than pork.

Rosemary-Garlic Lamb Chops

Featuring a winning aromatic combination, rosemary-garlic lamb chops make a phenomenal steak substitute and can be cooked virtually the same way you would a T-bone.

Corn Bread-Stuffed Pork Chops

You’ve probably had corn bread on the side with your grilled meat — but have you had it inside? Packed with breakfast sausage and herbs, corn bread-stuffed pork chops are a distinctive barbecue option that could become one of your new favorite grilled meals.

Pork Chops With Grilled Apple Puree

Nothing pairs with pork quite like apples, and this recipe for pork chops with grilled apple puree takes full advantage of this delightfully summery sweet-and-savory combo.

Peach-Glazed Pork Chops With Fresh Peach Salsa

Peaches also make an excellent complement to pork. This recipe for peach-glazed pork chops with fresh peach salsa puts this bright, subtly sweet flavor tandem on full display.

Grilled Hoisin Pork Chops and Asparagus

For a less traditional option, try Cantonese-inspired grilled hoisin pork chops and asparagus, which can be cooked on the grill or on the stove.

Rib Recipes

For most dedicated barbecuers, a rack of ribs is undeniably one of the best things to cook on the grill. From hickory-smoked to Korean barbecue to an Italian lamb variation, we’ve got a wide range of flavorful options for you to try this summer.

Baby Back Ribs With Bourbon-Black Pepper Sauce

By starting these in the oven and finishing them on the grill, baby back ribs with bourbon-black pepper sauce come out amazingly tender and sticky-sweet.

Memphis-Style Baby Back Ribs

If you’ve never tried Memphis-style baby back ribs, it may be time to give this spicy, exceptionally flavorful regional take a try.

Korean-Style Barbecue Short Ribs

Korean-style barbecue short ribs are tender, refreshingly light, slightly sweet and spicy. Try them and you’ll see why this is the national dish of Korea.

Grilled Lamb Ribs (Agnello a Scottadito)

Traditionally brushed with rosemary branches, this grilled lamb ribs recipe is inspired by the classic olive oil-marinated street fare. While the authentic method is encouraged, you can feel free to use a basting brush.

Hickory-Smoked Ribs With Georgia Mop Sauce

Slathered in a homemade sauce featuring flavorful ingredients like beer, ketchup, orange juice and brown sugar, hickory-smoked ribs with Georgia mop sauce are another irresistible regional Southern variation every rib-lover needs to try.

Poultry Recipes

From spicy buffalo wings to citrus-marinated thighs to smoked breasts, poultry is one of the most versatile meats out there. Whether you’re interested in grilling chicken or duck, we’ve collected a range of dishes that showcase that versatility.

Harissa-Marinated Grilled Chicken

Marinated in a bold, flavorful Moroccan-spice paste complemented by a bright blend of spices, harissa-marinated grilled chicken is a satisfyingly complex poultry option.

Duck With Red Wine Sauce

Taking inspiration from the classic French technique of cooking duck in its own fat, this duck with red wine sauce recipe produces a robustly savory meal you’d expect to find in a high-end restaurant — right in your own backyard.

Chicken Thighs Diavolo

Featuring five different types of chili spices, chicken thighs diavolo is a succulent, alluringly spicy dish and one of the best grill recipes out there for adventurous barbecuers.

Bourbon-Molasses Chicken

Bourbon-molasses chicken is sweet, smoky and simple to prepare. Once you try it, this crowd-pleasing chicken dish will quickly become your next grilling go-to.

Lemon-Herb Chicken Breasts

Looking for a reprieve from richer grilled meals? The bright, crisp flavor of lemon-herb chicken breasts is a refreshing change of pace that’s perfect for a spring cookout or an easy weekend dinner at home.

Seafood Recipes

Whether you’re looking for protein that’s rich and fatty or light and citrusy, grilled fish offers an immensely wide range of taste and texture profiles. Try one of these recipes for flavors that truly come alive on the grill.

Tuna-Stuffed Grilled Sardines (Sardine alla Griglia con Tonno)

Double down on your seafood with tuna-stuffed grilled sardines, a deceptively simple yet delicious Italian-inspired dish. Paired with fresh arugula and lemon, it makes for a satisfyingly well-rounded entrée.

Grilled Oysters With Barbecue Sauce

At first glance, this may seem like an unexpected pairing. But once you taste grilled oysters with barbecue sauce, you’ll see why the sweet, briney flavor combination makes this such an exceptional cookout option.

Snapper Fish Tacos

Garnished with fresh vegetables and cilantro, topped with salsa and finished with a squeeze of lime, snapper fish tacos are utter perfection in the summer. Chase them with your favorite cerveza, chilled white wine or sparkling juice for a meal you’ll crave all season long.

Cedar-Planked Salmon With Seasoned Lemon Butter

For those looking for more indulgent, hearty seafood dishes, look no further than cedar-planked salmon with seasoned lemon butter. The citrus cuts beautifully through the rich, buttery salmon for a delightfully smoky main course that’s sure to satisfy.

Grilled Whole Fish

There are few things more satisfying for anglers than bringing a fresh catch straight from the water to the grill. For the rest of us, it can be (almost) just as satisfying from the market. In either case, it’s tough to beat grilled whole fish seasoned generously and stuffed with lemon and herbs.

Vegetable Recipes

Meat may take most of the spotlight when it comes to cooking out, but vegetables deserve just as much attention. Whether you’re looking for tasty side dishes or vegetarian or vegan grilling options, these dishes could become part of your regular barbecue repertoire.

Mexican Street Corn

For corn on the cob fans, Mexican street corn’s addition of spiced mayonnaise and cheese crumbles takes this classic side to another level.

Marinated Summer Vegetables Grilled on Rosemary Skewers

Packed with seasonal veggies and flavor to spare, marinated summer vegetables grilled on rosemary skewers make a tasty, attractive addition to any plate.

Grilled Polenta With Fennel Salad

Crisp, smoky and perfectly complemented by fresh greens and red onion, grilled polenta with fennel salad is a dynamic twist on corn bread. It also makes a perfect vehicle for homemade sauces, sautéed veggies or even melted cheese.

Grilled Tofu Kabobs With Spicy Marinade

Grilled tofu kabobs with spicy marinade can turn even the biggest plant-protein skeptics into believers. One of the most versatile vegan grilling recipes, this perfectly crisp tofu is a tasty vessel for your favorite sauces and marinades.

Grilled Margherita Pizza

Perfect as an unexpected side dish or a main dish change-up, grilled margherita pizza cooks right on the grill using a pizza stone. This imbues a delightfully subtle charcoal- or wood-fired flavor.

Side Dishes & Appetizers

Think the meat, fish or burgers always take the starring role in a grilled meal? These sides and appetizers might just steal the show at your next cookout.

Grilled Nachos With Black Beans

Start by roasting a bed of tortilla chips on a grilling tray, then pile your favorite toppings high on these grilled nachos with black beans for a crowd-pleasing precursor to virtually any meal.

Buttermilk Coleslaw

If you believe no cookout is complete without this staple side dish, try bringing our supremely tangy buttermilk coleslaw to your next outdoor gathering.

Grilled Figs With Prosciutto and Gorgonzola

Packed with salty cured meat and rich cheese, grilled figs with prosciutto and gorgonzola make for an alluringly sweet, savory appetizer.

Grilled Gazpacho

Possibly the perfect grilling season appetizer, grilled gazpacho is a refreshing and delightfully nuanced take on the quintessential summer soup. To maximize the flavor, prepare it a day in advance and chill overnight.

Charred Corn Salad

If you’re looking to depart from the usual corn-based dishes, try this charred corn salad. Light, crisp and imparted with a hint of smoke from the grill, this side pairs perfectly with just about any barbecued meat.

Rubs, Sauces & Marinades

Whether you prefer a spice-forward rub, a rich sauce or a savory marinade, the right flavoring can turn a simple grilled meat into a finished dish. Consider using one of our favorites in your next barbecue.

Peach Barbecue Sauce

Every great griller needs a great homemade barbecue sauce in their repertoire, and this peach barbecue sauce could become yours. Its distinctive, subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with pork and makes a surprising addition to chicken and ribs.

Horseradish Rub

Most of us think of rubs as a way to add flavor to chicken, beef and pork, but what about seafood? Try this horseradish rub to add an addictingly sharp bite to a grilled fish steak or filet.

Dark Beer Marinade

Perfect for pork and poultry, this dark beer marinade cuts the rich, malty flavor of a stout or porter with the sweetness of apple juice and brown sugar.

Mustard and Rosemary Barbecue Sauce

With a blend of Dijon and whole-grain varieties, this mustard and rosemary barbecue sauce offers a truly unique, tangy, aromatic alternative to more traditional barbecue sauces.

Chili-Orange Marinade

Spicy, bright and boldly complex, this chili-orange marinade is a versatile way to flavor just about any of your favorite cuts of meat.

Dessert Recipes

Looking for the perfect end to a perfect meal? These spring- and summer-inspired desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth this grilling season.

Maple-Glazed Peaches With Toasted Almonds

If you’ve never tasted stone fruit caramelized on a smoky grill, you’re in for a treat. These maple-glazed peaches with toasted almonds make a delightfully complex yet simple after-dinner treat and a superb accompaniment to grilled pork.

Watermelon With Mint Zabaglione

For many, watermelon is the unofficial fruit of summer — and barbecuing. Grilled watermelon with mint zabaglione incorporates a fresh, southern-Italian custard for a supremely refreshing seasonal dessert option you’ll want to return to every year.

Cranberry, Raspberry and Blueberry Pops

Homemade cranberry, raspberry and blueberry pops are a refreshing summertime treat that are so simple to prepare that the kids can even lend a hand.

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Whether you make your own ice cream or pick up your favorite store-bought flavor, you can still customize these delightful homemade ice cream sandwiches with a little hand-dipped melted chocolate.

Grilled Peach Melba

Paired with homemade buttermilk pound cake and drizzled with refreshingly tart raspberry puree, grilled peach melba marries an alluring array of flavors and textures.

Our Favorite Grilling Tools

Ready to kick-start barbecue season? Before you decide what to grill tonight, make sure you’re stocked up on these outdoor cooking essentials.

Grill Prep Trays

Cook safely and more efficiently by keeping multiple BPA-free, food-safe prep trays handy at all times. The trays will help you keep your cooked and uncooked meats separate and easily transportable.

Grilling Mitts

Even the most dexterous grillers need a little protection. Pick up a set of heat-resistant mitts that can protect you from open flames as hot as 475 degrees to cook out safely all season long.

Grill Press

If you want to consistently grill anything perfectly, a grill press will quickly become your new favorite tool. These heavy-duty cast iron weights ensure even cooking while sealing in juices for exceptionally succulent finished products.

Pizza Stone

For deliciously crispy, smoky pizzas at home, we recommend grilling your pies. Since the grates on most grills are too wide to support the dough, you’ll need a pizza stone to cook your crust evenly and preserve the ideal shape.

Thermocouple Thermometer

Remove the guesswork from gauging your meat’s internal temperature with a thermocouple thermometer. These tools provide a nearly instant reading accurate to less than 1 degree so you can be sure you’re serving up perfectly cooked meat.

How to Choose the Best Grilling Recipes

Got your outdoor cookware ready for those long afternoons and cool evenings? Picking the right grilling recipes to cook with them means leaning on your reliable dishes while mixing in some of these new twists on your favorites. We recommend starting with your preferred protein before picking appetizers, sides or desserts. 

Just remember, no matter what recipes you choose, at the end of the day, grilling is all about slowing down and enjoying good food with even better company.