Once the grill is hot, it helps to have more than one kind of meal in mind. You can pick skewers for a hands-on plate, burgers for a fuller dinner, or a foil packet when you want the grill involved from start to finish. Add a side dish or grilled main and eat outside while everything is still warm.
Charred Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Smoky edges and colorful vegetables make Charred Grilled Chicken Kabobs a strong centerpiece for a relaxed cookout. The 30-minute recipe serves four with chicken breast, bell peppers, red onion, portobello mushrooms, and a honey-paprika marinade. Everything cooks on skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, so the grill stays easy to manage. Serve them with rice, tzatziki, or warm flatbread when you want a complete plate.
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Grilled Pork Chops
Deep grill marks and a savory-sweet marinade give Grilled Pork Chops plenty of character without a long cooking window. Four bone-in chops serve four in 25 minutes, using soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil. The chops marinate before searing over high heat, then finish over medium heat and rest briefly. Pair them with grilled potatoes or pasta salad for a straightforward outdoor dinner.
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Grilled Cheese Burritos
Crisp cheese on the tortilla gives Grilled Cheese Burritos the browned finish that separates them from ordinary wraps. This 35-minute recipe makes six with seasoned ground beef, Mexican rice, Monterey Jack, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, and flour tortillas. The filled burritos finish on a cast-iron grill or griddle pan rather than open grates. Cut them in half for a cookout tray, or serve whole for a filling lunch.
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Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Fast-cooking seafood keeps Grilled Shrimp Kabobs practical when the rest of the cookout menu needs more time. The recipe serves four in 53 minutes, including a 30-minute marinade, with shrimp, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, honey, garlic, and paprika. Once assembled, the skewers need only about eight minutes on the grill. Add rice, a green salad, or grilled bread for a lighter main course.
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Grilled Lobster Tail
Split shells and herb butter give Grilled Lobster Tail a polished look with only 20 minutes of total work. Two lobster tails serve two, brushed with melted butter, garlic, lemon, smoked paprika, parsley, and basil before grilling. The meat cooks in about 10 minutes and gets another spoonful of butter at the end. Use it for a smaller outdoor dinner or add extra tails for a seafood-focused cookout.
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Lamb Kebabs
Fragrant herbs and warm spices make Lamb Kebabs a rich option among the chicken and beef choices. The 20-minute recipe serves six with ground lamb, onion, garlic, cilantro, mint, cumin, and a paprika-spiced Greek yogurt sauce. The kebabs cook on a grill or griddle pan for eight to 10 minutes. Set out flatbreads, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion so each person can build a wrap.
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Black Bean Burger
Firm patties with crisp edges help Black Bean Burger hold together under buns and toppings. The 22-minute recipe makes six patties from black beans, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, egg, and Panko breadcrumbs. These burgers cook in a skillet rather than on outdoor grates, which makes them useful when grill space is limited. Serve with pickles, slaw, sliced tomatoes, or a bold sauce.
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Juicy Grilled Hot Dogs
Quick turning over high heat gives Juicy Grilled Hot Dogs even browning in only a few minutes. Six hot dogs and buns serve six in 16 minutes, with ketchup, mustard, and fried onions listed as simple topping choices. The hot dogs grill for five to seven minutes and rest before going into the buns. Put out several condiments so guests can keep theirs classic or add extra crunch and heat.
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Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings
Dry seasoning and oven heat give Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings a crisp coating without deep frying. The 25-minute recipe serves four with 16 wings coated in smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These bake on a tray for 15 to 20 minutes, so they are a useful indoor companion to an outdoor grill menu. Serve with ranch or another cool dipping sauce.
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Flaky Grilled Salmon
Flaky centers and lightly crisp skin make Flaky Grilled Salmon a reliable seafood main for four. The 30-minute recipe uses four salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon zest, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley, oregano, or dill. The fillets cook on a gas grill, then get finished with lemon-herb butter. Add grilled vegetables, potatoes, or a simple salad when you want a plate that stays fresh and balanced.
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Chipotle Grilled Chicken
Chipotle smoke and lime give Chipotle Grilled Chicken a bold profile that works across several cookout plates. The 25-minute recipe serves four with boneless chicken thighs, chipotle in adobo, garlic, onion powder, lime juice, and olive oil. The chicken sears over medium-high heat, then finishes covered until cooked through. Slice it for tacos and burrito bowls, or serve whole beside grilled vegetables and rice.
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Grilled Tri Tip
Juicy slices beneath an herb-heavy sauce give Grilled Tri Tip the look of a main dish built for sharing. The 40-minute recipe serves four with a two-pound tri-tip and chimichurri made from parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Grill the roast about 10 minutes per side, rest it, then cut against the grain. Serve the extra chimichurri at the table.
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Charred Grilled Potatoes
Golden cut sides and tender centers make Charred Grilled Potatoes a sturdy side for steaks, burgers, and skewers. The 30-minute recipe serves four with baby yellow potatoes, garlic powder, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. A brief boil softens the potatoes before they hit the grill for about five minutes per side. Spoon the remaining herb marinade over the top just before serving.
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Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce
Colorful layers on skewers make Beef Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce easy to portion around a busy grill. The 35-minute recipe serves four with sirloin, red bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, curry powder, and a parsley-garlic chimichurri. The skewers cook for four to five minutes per side, then rest before serving. Drizzle the sauce over each portion or set it out for dipping beside rice or bread.
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Copycat Smash Burger
Pressed thin against a hot skillet, Copycat Smash Burger develops its signature browned crust in a short cooking window. The 25-minute recipe makes four burgers with ground beef, cheddar, brioche buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and spicy mayo. These patties cook indoors rather than on grill grates, so they can cover the burger slot while the outdoor grill handles skewers or steak. Serve immediately for the best crust.
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Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Broiler-charred vegetables and springy cavatappi give Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies enough substance to stand beside grilled meats. The 40-minute recipe serves four with zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and a balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette. The vegetables are charred under the broiler before joining the pasta. Serve the salad at room temperature or slightly chilled for an easy cookout side.
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Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers
Bold Thai aromatics give Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers a deeper flavor than a basic barbecue marinade. The 65-minute recipe serves four with chicken thighs, red curry paste, lemongrass, ginger, lime, sesame oil, fish sauce, and a spicy peanut sauce. After marinating, the skewers grill until browned on all sides. Finish them with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs, then serve with rice or a crisp cucumber side.
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Korean Burgers
Sweet heat and savory seasoning make Korean Burgers a strong change from standard cheeseburgers. The 20-minute recipe serves three with ground beef, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey barbecue sauce, chili-garlic mayonnaise, scallions, and sesame buns. The patties cook in a pan, then get brushed with sauce before assembly. Serve them when you need a burger option that does not compete for space on the outdoor grates.
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Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet
Sealed foil keeps Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet contained while the steak, potatoes, and onions cook together. The 45-minute recipe serves four with cubed sirloin, baby potatoes, pearl onions, butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parsley. Four packets grill for 10 to 12 minutes per side, with very little cleanup afterward. They work well for cookouts, camping meals, or dinners where each person gets a complete packet.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet