Ah, there is nothing quite like summer, is there? The sun’s rays blazing down upon you as you enjoy the sand between your toes, the fresh lemonade in your hand, and the fresh aroma of grilled meat in your nose— nothing compares. Summer calls for trips to the beach and drinks in your hand, backyard barbecues, and late-night dinners under the sun. We know it can be tough when you have guests over and want to impress them with your grilling skills, but you are unsure how to do so.
With the number of recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to try to dig through hundreds of websites in search of the best ones out there. Luckily for you, we have compiled the best grill dinner ideas on the internet. While these are just our favourites, note that each recipe has many variations, and you have ultimate free reign over your meals: cook what you and your guests will like!
Read on to discover detailed descriptions of each recipe, including ingredients needed, cook time, and what to expect!
BBQ Grill Dinner Idea #1: Grilled ribeye
Nothing says summer grilling quite like a steak, huh? Select a high-quality ribeye steak, preferably with marbling, that promises a tender and juicy texture. Season the steak liberally with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and your preferred rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder blend.
Now it’s time to fire up the Napoleon BBQ grill and sear the ribeye steak to perfection. Preheat the grill to high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the steak on the grill and allow it to cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting the time according to your desired level of doneness.
Once your mouth is watering, slice the steak against the grain into thick, juicy cuts, and drizzle a sauce on top!
BBQ Grill Dinner Idea #2: Grilled lemon herb chicken skewers
Don’t worry, and we know red meat is not for everybody. Luckily, we have just the recipe for you: tangy, yellow, flavourful chicken skewers with a burst of joy! This dish combines tender and succulent chicken pieces with zesty citrus notes and aromatic herbs, creating a burst of freshness in every bite.
Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Prepare a marinade that will infuse the chicken with irresistible flavours. In a bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a medley of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano— season to your heart’s desire!
Coat the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, then place them on the grill on medium-high heat for approximately 10-12 minutes until fully cooked. The result? Grilled lemon herb chicken skewers that are tender, juicy, and bursting with bright and herbaceous flavours!
BBQ Grill Dinner Idea #3: Smoky BBQ Ribs
We all know no BBQ grill dinner list is complete without mentioning mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs! Combine a blend of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
Massage the dry rub onto both sides of the ribs, and coat them evenly. Let the ribs sit in the refrigerator for an hour, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat. Next, a unique way of grilling: indirect heat cooking! Set up your grill for indirect grilling by placing the charcoal on one side of the grill and leaving the other side empty.
This setup allows the ribs to cook slowly and evenly without direct heat, resulting in tender, succulent meat. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 2-3 hours. Once the ribs have reached the desired level of tenderness, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
The internal temperature should reach around 195°F (90°C), and the meat should easily pull away from the bones.
BBQ Grill Dinner Idea #4: Grilled vegetable medley
No barbecue is complete without vegetables! Whether you are simply looking to add some vegetables to your meal or are a vegan looking for an amazing grill option, this recipe will surely knock your socks off!
Choose an assortment of your favourite vegetables suitable for grilling to create a vibrant and colourful vegetable medley. Options include bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and asparagus.
Wash and slice the vegetables into even-sized pieces, ensuring they are large enough to hold their shape on the grill. In a bowl, prepare a marinade using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried herbs such as thyme and rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables in the marinade, and grill them for 8-10 minutes— bam!