Sizzling Summer BBQ Recipes

Image by jeff_golden on Flickr

Now that’s the sun’s out, surely everyone is in the mood for a barbecue (in the unlikely event that you’re not yet, have a look at our collection of the most scrumptious BBQ food we could find to get you in the mood!)

To celebrate the start of National BBQ Week, we thought it might be fun to have a look at some of the best recipes we know of, so put the drinks on ice and get ready for food and fun straight from the BBQ!

Hamburgers

You know what they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Hamburgers are perhaps the ultimate BBQ staple, and from simple recipes to elaborate meat masterpieces, when it comes to hamburgers, the options are endless.

Want to keep it simple? Focus your attention on high quality meats, fresh toppings, gourmet ketchups and artisan breads. Looking to mix it up a bit? Why not try incorporating unusual ingredients – spinach, avocado and bacon anyone? – or opting for chicken, venison or a meat free alternative to put a spin on a classic.

Best Hamburger Ever

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 egg

1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat a grill for high heat.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, cheese, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, egg, onion soup mix, garlic, garlic powder, parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.

3. Grill patties for 5 minutes per side on the hot grill, or until well done. Serve on buns with your favourite condiments.

BBQ Veggies

While meat tends to be the main attraction at any barbeque, grilled vegetables are an excellent accompaniment. Try slicing your favourite veggies – carrots, peppers, aubergine, potatoes, mushrooms and onions all taste great grilled – into large chunks and marinating to add extra flavour. You can cook them on a skewer or wrap in tinfoil for a fuss-free side.

BBQ sweetcorn with lime and chilli butter

Ingredients

2 sweetcorn cobs, husk and tassels removed

25g (1oz) unsalted butter

Zest of ½ lime

1tsp lime juice

1tbsp chopped fresh coriander

pinch of dried crushed chillies

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the barbecue

2. Soften the butter and stir in the other ingredients until well combined

3. Place each sweetcorn cob on 2 layers of foil and spread the cobs generously with the herb butter. Roll up ensuring the parcels are sealed.

4. Cook the foil parcels on a grill over the hot coals for 12-15 minutes turning occasionally, until the sweetcorn is tender.

A Sweet Finish

Can’t make dessert on a barbecue, you say? Well – think again. Sweet treats are the perfect end to your summer BBQ, and while more traditional dishes like homemade popsicles and fruit salad are popular post-grill delights, they’ve all been done before. Wow your family and friends with a quirky spin on a classic.

Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat grill to about 350F

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla. Then gradually add the flour mixture until blended. Stir in chocolate and nuts.

4. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place on an insulated baking pan. Press down into patties.

5. Place baking pan on grill grate and close the lid. Grill for 10 minutes. Cookies will not brown, but they will cook through.

The great thing about BBQs are that they don’t require a huge amount of culinary knowledge to get right (although if you’re holding your first one this week you might want to have a look at your house insurance policy, just in case!).

Hopefully these recipes will help give some inspiration though, whether you’re a grillmaster or a novice.

Did they help you out? Did we miss out one of your favourites? Do let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!

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