Ultra-tasty Summer BBQ Recipes

July 10, 2019

It’s nice and hot outside, your backyard or patio is all set up, and you’re ready to fire up that grill. Here is our selection of seasonal recipes for taking full advantage of your BBQ and outdoor space, including meat, vegetarian dishes, and even dessert. Ready, set? Grill!

1. BBQ corn

Summer is almost synonymous with corn on the cob. Although the traditional way of eating it is boiled, with a bit of salt and butter, prepping it directly on the grill is also an extremely tasty proposition. 

Classic corn on the cob

Some like to leave the husks on and grill the corn on medium-high heat, preferably after letting it soak for 10 minutes in cold water. The result: a wonderfully roasted corn with a hint of smokiness, which you can season with coarse salt, butter, and herbs from the garden. 

Funky corn on the cob

Another preparation method is to remove the husks and then put the corn directly on the grill for five minutes at medium-high heat. Then comes the original part, where you season the corn based on different culinary themes. For Mexican food-inspired flavour: add chili powder and lime juice. Or go for an Italian taste with a touch of pesto and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Let your creativity run free!

2. Marinated tofu skewers

Tofu isn’t only for vegetarians. And it’s a great vegetable protein to grill on the BBQ this summer! First step: whip up a tasty marinade. We suggest sautéing scallions, onions, and finely grated ginger in a bit of oil. When everything is soft, add coarse salt, soya sauce, and sugar (or a bit of maple syrup). Reduce to desired consistency. 

Coat the pieces of tofu with the marinade and place them onto skewers. Before grilling, let them marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours. While cooking, add extra marinade to your liking. Crispy, tasty tofu skewers: yum!

3. Classic summer hamburgers

Burgers are a summer BBQ classic. Make your friends and family Ultra-happy with these suggestions:

The perfect patty

Start with fresh ground beef, and season it with garlic, steak spices (two tablespoons for a pound of ground meat), salt, and bread crumbs (store-bought, or made with dried bread). To avoid the patties falling apart, add a bit of milk or an egg to the mix. Assemble everything in a large bowl using your hands. Leave the patties on the grill for about 30 minutes. Adding BBQ sauce while they cook will make them even tastier. 

Assembling the burgers

Use a fresh, fluffy bun that nicely supports the patty, and then add your favourite condiments. Tip: switch up the textures and flavours. For example, combine a crunchy lettuce leaf with the acidic taste of a tomato slice, as well as mushrooms and onions sautéed in a pan with a bit of oil.

4. Grilled halloumi 

Originally from Cyprus, halloumi is a must-try on the BBQ. This summer, we suggest enjoying it well grilled and lightly seasoned. Perfect with a side of sautéed veggies and a bit of rice!

First, slice the halloumi, and coat the pieces with oil. Then, grill them on the BBQ for about 3 minutes on each side. 

Once they’re brown and crispy, remove them from the grill. Put them on a plate and garnish with fine herbs like basil or mint.

5. Caribbean-style fish

Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean on your plate! First, choose your fish: salmon, tilapia, etc. Then, create a dressing from diced tomatoes, thyme, sugar, ginger, shallots, garlic, and hot peppers (optional). Mix everything together in olive oil and lemon or lime juice for two to three minutes. Then, coat both sides of the fish after making a few incisions, and set it aside for about five minutes. Don’t let it marinate too long, as the lemon juice could start cooking the fish. Rather, put it on the grill with coriander leaves and lemon slices in a grilling basket. The cooking time depends on the size of the piece, varying from 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Dessert fruit skewer

Why not make use of your grill all the way through dessert? A simple, healthy idea! Select some beautiful summer fruit: mangoes, bananas, pineapple, etc. Coat them in olive or coconut oil, add a pinch of salt, and then grill them on the BBQ for a few minutes. Finish by adding some honey or maple syrup, and a bit of lime zest. Serve them on their own, or with a scoop of ice cream or sorbet. A recipe you’ll come back to all summer long!