There’s nothing quite like a summertime cookout with friends and family, filled with laughter, good company, and of course, delicious barbecue. If you’re looking to up your grill game this season, look no further than these seven must-try BBQ recipes for your next cookout.
1. Classic BBQ Ribs
No barbecue is complete without a rack of perfectly cooked BBQ ribs. Start by marinating your ribs in a mixture of garlic, onion, paprika, brown sugar, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Let them sit in the marinade for at least a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor. Then, slow-cook the ribs on the grill until they are tender and falling off the bone. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob
There’s nothing quite like the taste of sweet corn fresh off the grill. Simply peel back the husks of the corn, remove the silk, and re-cover with the husks. Soak the corn in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Serve with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of salt for a simple and delicious side dish.
3. BBQ Chicken Skewers
For a lighter option, try BBQ chicken skewers at your next cookout. Marinate chunks of chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Thread the chicken onto skewers along with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with a side of rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser at any cookout. Start by slow-cooking a pork shoulder with a rub of your favorite spices and BBQ sauce. Once the pork is tender, shred it with two forks and mix in more BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Serve the pulled pork on a toasted bun with coleslaw for a classic sandwich that everyone will love.
5. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
For a gourmet touch to your cookout, try grilling shrimp skewers. Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Thread the shrimp onto skewers along with slices of lemon and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Serve the shrimp skewers with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a light and flavorful dish.
6. BBQ Brisket
For a hearty and flavorful main dish, try BBQ brisket at your next cookout. Rub the brisket with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Slow-cook the brisket on the grill for several hours until it is tender and juicy. Slice the brisket and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Pair the brisket with cornbread and coleslaw for a classic barbecue meal.
7. Grilled Pineapple Dessert
For a sweet ending to your cookout, try grilling pineapple for a light and refreshing dessert. Slice a fresh pineapple into rings and grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized. Serve the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey for a simple and delicious treat.
In conclusion, these seven must-try BBQ recipes are sure to impress your guests at your next cookout. From classic BBQ ribs to gourmet shrimp skewers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite BBQ sauce, and get ready for a delicious summer feast. Happy grilling!
