5 Summer Grilling Ideas for Your Barbecue

Summertime means the sun sets later, the kids are out of school, and your grill is ready for cooking. Whether a holiday or just a fun weekend planned, having a barbecue is one of the highlights of summertime. The smoky flavors and aromatics make your mouth water. Try one of these five summer grilling ideas for your barbecue.  

1. Chicken Shawarma 

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that is popular worldwide. People make this dish at home, and you can find it at food trucks, markets, fairs and other street food venues. The origins of shawarma go back to the 18th century in the Ottoman Empire. You can use the techniques of the past in your dish.

One of the crucial steps in making chicken shawarma is marinating. You’ll need olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cayenne and allspice. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but it works best overnight. Breasts or thighs will work for this recipe, depending on your preference. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Mushroom Burgers 

Mushroom burgers are an excellent choice for vegetarians or anybody who wants a tasty dish. These burgers are a good source of protein for those who desire meatless options now and then. You can cook a mushroom burger numerous ways, but let’s stick to the classics and mimic an American cheeseburger.

Portobello mushrooms are the best choice for this purpose. They’re large and look and taste the most similar to a beef burger. You can make a marinade using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and other seasonings you like. Mushrooms don’t need a long time on the grill. About five minutes should do the trick, and you’ll have amazing mushrooms ready. Top your burgers with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and your choice of sauces.  

3. Surf and Turf

Do you want steak or seafood for dinner? You can have the best of both worlds with surf and turf meals. Cooking steak and shrimp on the grill feels right during the summertime. With this recipe, you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

These surf and turf foil packs are a convenient way to feed yourself and three others a delicious meal. In each foil sheet, put steak cubes, shrimp, corn cobs, tomatoes, red onions, lime and garlic. Then drizzle oil and add seasonings. You’ll want to ensure the foil covers all the food so that the steam does its job. Cook for about six to eight minutes, depending on how you like your steak. 

4. Baked Potatoes

If you’re a steak lover, what’s one of the best sides for your ribeye or New York strip? If you have baked potatoes on your mind, try grilling them to take this savory side dish and elevate its flavor. 

One way to help your potatoes cook evenly is to poke holes and microwave them for five to eight minutes beforehand. Cover the potatoes with olive oil and wrap them in foil. Put them on a grill at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can expect the potatoes to finish between 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know the potatoes are ready when you can easily stick your fork through the middle. Split the potato open and add butter, cheese, scallions and your other favorite toppings.

5. Guacamole

When you go to restaurants like chipotle, guacamole is one of the most popular sides. The creaminess of the avocado paired with the flavors of red onion, citrus and salt create a delicious dip for your chips. Now, you can prepare guacamole on your grill, and you don’t have to pay extra to scoop it on your plate.

Grilled guacamole is a relatively straightforward procedure. Grill three halved and pitted avocados on medium heat next to a couple of jalapeños for three to five minutes. Once they’ve got a nice char, take the avocados off the grill, scoop out their flesh and mash them with a fork. Dice the jalapeños and add them to the guacamole along with garlic, red onion, lemon and lime juices. Grilling your avocados and jalapeños is a terrific way to take your guacamole to the next level.  

Summer Grilling Ideas for Fun Barbecues

You can name any summertime dish, and it’s hard to find one that doesn’t taste better when grilled. Something about the smokiness adds a whole new level of flavor that everyone at your barbecue will love. Try these five summer grilling ideas for your next cookout.