Easy Outdoor Kitchen Recipes This Summer
The summer season simply begs for outdoor dining. Enjoy the long sunny days with backyard dinners that are made to impress. Whether you're making memories with the family, hosting a party, or grilling a romantic dinner for two, these grilling recipes will get you well on your way to an unforgettable evening.
1. Quick and Easy Grilled Proteins
Grilled proteins are a staple of any outdoor meal. These three outdoor kitchen recipes are great go-tos that are easily customized with your favorite flavors.
Grilled Chicken
Chicken is an easy and healthy pick for your grilled main. To get the best results, flatten the chicken and immerse it in a flavorful marinade for 2 to 48 hours before cooking. Mix up a marinade featuring your favorite flavors with a 2:1 ratio of oil to acid. Use olive, sesame, or avocado oil for your base. Then add acidic extras like lemon juice, white wine, or vinegar. Top it off with seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, or thyme.
Cook for a few minutes on each side until the center reaches 165 degrees. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to get the juiciest results.
Steak Kebabs
Stretch your steak by layering it onto kebab skewers with peppers and onions. Use a rich umami marinade with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinaigrette. Grill until the steak is about 145 degrees for medium doneness.
Pork Chops
Pork chops do best with a slightly sweet marinade. Pair brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard for the perfect blend of flavors. Garlic powder and pepper can enhance the flavor. When grilling, choose a chop that's at least an inch thick and cook until it's 145 degrees.
2. Flavorful Seafood for Outdoor Grilling
Give your cookout a coastal flavor with one or both of these summer grilling recipes from the ocean. Whether you're on the beach, beside the pool, or just invoking swimsuit vibes, these are sure to be a hit.
Grilled Salmon
For fish on the grill, salmon is a great pick. Skin-on salmon is the best choice for cooking right on the grill. Streamline cleanup by cooking the salmon in foil packets. Soy sauce, garlic, and lemon complement these fillets perfectly.
Shrimp on the Barbie
Shrimp on the barbie is an Australian classic and a delightful addition to American gatherings. To preserve the moisture and flavor, grill jumbo shrimp in the shell and butterfly them along their backs. Dry brine for 30 minutes in salt and baking soda, then toss in olive oil and cook for just two or three minutes with the cut side facing down. Serve drizzled with garlic butter.
3. Creative Burgers and Sandwiches
Take your burger game up a notch with these unique recipes. Abandon the boring beef patties and make something special with just a few tweaks to your patty assembly. These distinctive picks are a great way to break in a new outdoor kitchen or kick off the summer grilling season.
Steakhouse Burgers
The secret to perfect steakhouse burgers is a panade of torn bread and milk mashed into a paste. Combine this with ground beef and seasonings for unbeatable patties. Keep the burgers about 3/4-inch thick for a lightly charred crust and moist center.
Chorizo Burgers
Give your burgers a special kick using 50% chorizo and 50% beef. Grill until they're 160 degrees in the center, then top with pepper jack cheese and cook another minute or two until melty. Cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, and avocado are perfect toppings.
4. Vegetarian Grilling Favorites
Take a meat-free approach to your grilling. These healthy options are light on the environment and your waistline.
Portobello Burgers
Portobellos are a ready-made alternative to beef burgers. Scrape out the gills and remove the stems. Marinate your mushrooms in soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, and your favorite burger seasoning or steak rub. Cook for just four to five minutes on each side.
Veggie Skewers
Layer your favorite grill-hardy veggies on a skewer for a colorful main or side. Baby bella mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions work well. Add cherry tomatoes or pineapple for a burst of moisture and sweetness. Balsamic vinegar is an easy marinade for this recipe. For a Mediterranean twist, try olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Sweet Grilled Dessert
You may not think of the grill when it comes to dessert, but those hot grates can caramelize a special treat in minutes. Once you try a grilled dessert, you'll never shut down your outdoor kitchen before the last course again.
Caramelized Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple spears are hardy enough to stand up to the grill. Their tropical flavor is the perfect addition to any outdoor meal. Stir together a marinade of butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Brush liberally over pineapple spears. Grill the spears for seven to 10 minutes, until golden brown.
Essential Tips for Outdoor Kitchen Success
Streamline your outdoor cooking with a dedicated cooking space suited to the task. A modular backyard kitchen is the easiest way to get started. Just pick your pieces and put together a personalized space that's great for grilling and guests.
Transform Your Summer Cooking Experience
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