Oh Baby, Barbecue – Recipes for Summer 2019

Crank up the Mary J. Blige, fire up the Webber, and mix that pitcher of margaritas — Memorial Day is almost *here*!

We’re down with a traditional barbecue — gingham blanket, Ruffles potato chips, grandma’s potato salad, and your cousin’s tangy ribs, and maybe a rind of watermelon or four. But this summer, we’re also psyched about exploring options beyond the sea, to stretch the limits of your grill and tickle your palate.

We’ve got a deep google doc of ideas, our favorites below, spread into four categories: All American, Asian/Japanese, Mediterranean, and Southern. Here’s to a loooong summer of outdoor picnics, lounging by the boat basin, and chats with friends.

We’ll start with America, home of BBQ as we know it.

First up, grilled pork chops with plums, halloumi, and lemon. Halloumi is one of our favorite cheeses, delicious when salted and grilled, with a supple texture that lingers. This recipe is a vintage classic with a 2019 twist,. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grilled-pork-chops-with-plums-halloumi-and-lemon

Grilled brisket with scallion peanut salsa. Brisket is a crowd pleaser — it’s an act of love to marinate and makes for epic leftovers. We like this recipe because it’s rich but refreshing with the kick of that peanut salsa. Yas. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grilled-brisket-with-scallion-peanut-salsa

Rum spiked pineapple with coconut. Grilled pineapple is a summer classic – it looks beautiful and adds a punch to your menu. This recipe has the added zing of summer coconut, one of our fave flavors. https://www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/menus-for-entertaining/grilled-fruits-vegetables-recipes?slide=152365#152365

Veggie forward is always a plus, and so we introduce a grilled corn and bell pepper salad. Vegan and delicious, with a little crunch. https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/grilled-corn-bell-pepper-salad

You’re going to Japan, you’ve been to Japan, you’re obsessed with Japan – join the club. We’re dreaming of blossom trees and the miso grilled salmon awaiting us at our Airbnb. Till then, a few Asian BBQ recipes to tide us over.

Grilled corn with miso butter. Crunchy, charred and salty with that hint of miso we’ve been craving. https://www.justonecookbook.com/grilled-corn-with-miso-butter/

Bok choy is a new favorite — it’s got a little heft to undergo oils, salts, and heat temps, and is ultra nutritious with anti-cancerous and bone health properties. Grill it and slather it with blue cheese dressing. https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/grilled-bok-choy-wedge-blue-cheese-buttermilk-dressing

Falling off the bone, and finger licking good. Check out these spicy hoisin glazed ribs. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/spicy-hoisin-glazed-ribs-recipe-2103875

Take your DIY BBQ up a notch with a grilled scallop – these little beauties are oh-so-tender, and punctuated with the lightness of lemony salsa verde. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grilled-scallops-lemony-salsa-verde

Transport to another place (Portugal!) with chile lime clams with tomato and grilled bread. A perfect amuse bouche, and a sophisticated touch for your summer jam.  https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/chile-lime-clams-with-tomatoes-and-grilled-bread

Prosciutto has a place in our hearts, and when wrapped around grilled okra…well. We couldn’t ask for more. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/prosciutto-wrapped-grilled-okra

Make the most of your local farmer’s market with this grilled stone fruit antipasto. Grilled fruit is tasty as hell and highly Instagrammable (it’s okay to want the like). https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-stone-fruit-antipasto-plate

There’s America, and then there’s the South. A moment for Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, and their grilled chicken with banana peppers. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grilled-chicken-banana-peppers

Round out your night with hot sweet grilled watermelon. Refreshing, juicy and spicy — best followed by an ice cold beer. https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/hot-sweet-grilled-watermelon