15+ Grill Recipes for Your Perfect Backyard Barbecue

Grilling is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious food while spending time outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you can make countless dishes on the grill.

From savory meats to delectable vegetables, the grill can transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. You’ll find recipes that suit any occasion, making your backyard the perfect place for summer meals or cozy gatherings.

1) Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Red Cabbage Slaw

Grilled mahi-mahi is a delicious choice for your next cookout. This fish is not only tasty but also healthy. You can enjoy it with a crunchy red cabbage slaw that adds a refreshing bite.

Start by marinating your mahi-mahi with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Next, preheat your grill to about 400°F (200°C). Then, grill the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through.

For the slaw, slice red cabbage and mix it with lime juice and a little honey. Serve the grilled fish on a tortilla, topped with the slaw for a perfect meal.

Ingredients

• Mahi-mahi fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Red cabbage
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate mahi-mahi with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
3. Grill mahi-mahi for 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Slice red cabbage and mix with lime juice and honey.
5. Serve fish in tortillas topped with slaw.

2) Honey Lime Grilled Corn

Honey lime grilled corn is a delicious side dish for your summer barbecues. The sweet and tangy flavors pair perfectly with the smoky taste of grilled corn.

To make this dish, you will need fresh corn on the cob. You can grill it right in the husk for added flavor. The honey-lime butter mixture gives it a wonderful taste that everyone will love.

You can also sprinkle some cilantro and salt on top for extra flavor. This is an easy recipe that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, shucked
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Cilantro, optional
• Maldon salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Mix the softened butter, honey, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl.
3. Brush the corn with the honey lime butter mixture.
4. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Remove the corn from the grill and sprinkle with cilantro and salt before serving.

3) Grilled Baby Potatoes in Foil

Grilled baby potatoes in foil are a tasty and easy side dish for any barbecue. They are simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

To start, wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half if they are large. Then, wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them moist while cooking.

Preheat your grill to medium heat at 350°F (175°C). Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are fork-tender.

You can customize the flavor by adding herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, or some salt and pepper. Enjoy your delicious grilled potatoes!

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash baby potatoes and cut larger ones in half.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap in aluminum foil.
4. Preheat the grill to 350°F (175°C).
5. Grill for 30 minutes until fork-tender.
6. Add herbs if desired before serving.

4) Grilled Salmon with Coriander-Fennel Rub

Grilled salmon is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. The coriander-fennel rub adds a nice flavor that pairs well with the fish. It’s perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need fresh salmon fillets, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, salt, and olive oil. These simple items create a delicious spice blend.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Crush the coriander and fennel seeds in a spice grinder or mortar.
3. Mix the crushed seeds with salt and olive oil.
4. Rub this mixture over the salmon fillets.
5. Grill the salmon for about 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Enjoy!

5) Yakitori Chicken Skewers

Yakitori chicken skewers are a tasty and fun way to enjoy grilled chicken. These skewers feature chicken pieces threaded onto sticks and grilled until juicy and slightly charred. You can use different parts of the chicken, like thighs or breasts, for varied flavors.

To make your yakitori even better, glaze them with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar. The result is a sweet and salty taste you won’t forget.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mirin
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
• Scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake.
3. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread the chicken and scallions onto skewers.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 375°F or 190°C).
6. Grill the skewers, turning often, until the chicken is fully cooked, about 10-15 minutes.

6) Grilled Za’atar Chicken with Garlic Yogurt

Grilled Za’atar chicken is a flavorful dish that highlights Middle Eastern spices. The za’atar blend adds a herby taste, while garlic yogurt makes it creamy and refreshing.

Start by marinating your chicken in a mix of yogurt, garlic, and za’atar. Let it soak up the flavors for at least an hour.

When you’re ready, grill the chicken over medium heat, about 375°F (190°C). Cook until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve the chicken warm with extra garlic yogurt on the side. Pair it with grilled pita, rice, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 6 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 lemons, zested
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons za’atar
• 4 chicken thighs

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix garlic, lemon zest, yogurt, cilantro, olive oil, and za’atar.
2. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat (375°F / 190°C).
4. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side.
5. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve with extra garlic yogurt and enjoy!

7) Mayo-Grilled Broccoli

Mayo-grilled broccoli is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this healthy vegetable. The mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps the broccoli get a nice char when grilled. Plus, it takes just a few minutes to prepare.

Start by cutting a medium to large head of broccoli into large florets. You want them to be about 3 to 4 inches long.

In a bowl, mix the broccoli with mayonnaise until it’s well coated. You can also sprinkle in some salt and black pepper for added flavor.

Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). Place the coated broccoli on the grill. Grill for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s tender and has nice grill marks.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-large head of broccoli
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut broccoli into large florets.
2. Coat with mayonnaise in a bowl.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Preheat grill to 350°F (175°C).
5. Grill broccoli for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

8) Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Skewers

Grilled Hawaiian chicken skewers are a delicious way to enjoy your favorite flavors. They are easy to make and perfect for summer cookouts. You’ll love the combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken.

For this recipe, you’ll thread marinated chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, and colorful bell peppers onto skewers. The marinade adds a tasty twist, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

Before grilling, preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C). Cook the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning them so they brown evenly.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 bell pepper, cut into squares
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add chicken to the marinade and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers onto skewers.
4. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
5. Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Ingredients

• 8 oz egg noodles, cooked
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix noodles, tuna, peas, cheese, and soup.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer mixture to a grill-safe dish.
5. Cover with aluminum foil.
6. Place on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes.

10) Juicy Grilled Sausages

Grilling sausages is a great way to enjoy their rich flavors. Start with fresh sausages, which are usually juicy and packed with taste.

For perfect grilling, use indirect heat. Cook the sausages over the cooler part of the grill until they are heated through. This helps keep them tender.

Once cooked, move the sausages to the hotter side of the grill for a few minutes. This will get them nice and brown. You’ll love the crispy outside paired with the juicy inside.

Feel free to serve them with your favorite toppings or sides. Mustards and sauerkraut work well!

Ingredients

• Fresh sausages
• Mustard (optional)
• Sauerkraut (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Place sausages on the cooler side of the grill.
3. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Move sausages to the hotter side for 3-5 minutes to brown.
5. Serve with toppings of your choice.

11) Carne Asada Tacos

Carne asada tacos are a delicious choice for your next grill session. Start by marinating skirt steak in a mix of lime juice, spices, and garlic. This adds great flavor to the meat.

Once marinated, grill the steak over high heat. Cook it for just a few minutes on each side until it reaches your preferred doneness. Let it rest a bit before slicing.

Slice the meat against the grain to keep it tender. Chop it into small pieces and serve it in warm tortillas. Top with avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

Ingredients

• Skirt steak or flank steak
• Lime juice
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, etc.)
• Garlic
• Tortillas
• Avocado
• Salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the steak for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450°F or 232°C).
3. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side.
4. Let it rest, then slice against the grain.
5. Serve in tortillas and add toppings.

12) Grilled Beer Brats

Grilled beer brats are a delicious choice for your next cookout. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. Using beer gives the brats a unique taste that everyone will enjoy.

To make these brats, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start by simmering the bratwurst in beer. This step helps infuse the flavor.

After simmering, grill the brats until they are golden brown and heated through. You want an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Serve them up with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• Bratwurst sausages
• Beer (your choice)
• Sliced onions
• Optional: mustard, sauerkraut, or peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour beer into a pot and add the bratwurst.
2. Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
4. Grill the brats for 5-10 minutes until nicely browned.
5. Serve with toppings of your choice.

13) Perfect Veggie Burgers

Grilling veggie burgers is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal. These burgers are hearty and packed with flavor. You can use a mix of beans, vegetables, and grains to create the perfect patty.

Start by choosing your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms work well. Combine them with beans like black beans or chickpeas for added protein.

Here’s a simple recipe for your grill.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans.
2. Mix in quinoa, bell peppers, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in breadcrumbs until the mixture binds.
4. Form patties and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C).
6. Grill patties for 6-8 minutes on each side. Enjoy!

14) Smoky Grilled Lasagna

Grilling lasagna adds a unique smoky flavor to this classic dish. You can use your favorite ingredients to make it your own. It’s perfect for a warm day and impresses guests.

Start with fresh lasagna noodles, ground beef, or sausage. A mix of cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan works best. Layer them generously for a rich taste.

Set your grill to 250°F (121°C). Prepare the lasagna in a cast-iron skillet. Smoke it for about 2 hours for that delicious flavor. The result is a cheesy and savory meal.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or sausage
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• Seasonings (oregano, basil, salt, pepper)
• Marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 250°F (121°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and seasonings.
4. Layer sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture in a cast-iron skillet.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella.
6. Smoke for 2 hours.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

15) Grilled Stuffed Peppers

Grilled stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy option for your next barbecue. You can fill them with a mix of your favorite ingredients, making them very versatile. Try using sausage, ground beef, or even a veggie mix with brown rice and cheese.

Start by cutting the tops off bell peppers and removing the seeds. Prepare your filling and stuff the peppers generously. Place them on a preheated grill at medium heat, around 350°F (175°C), and grill for about 20-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Serve them hot and enjoy the blend of flavors.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Ground beef or sausage
• Brown rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Cheese (your choice)
• Spices (like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. Cook the ground meat until brown. Then, mix it with rice and tomatoes.
4. Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
5. Place peppers on the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes.