Summer cookouts are the perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends, enjoy the warm weather, and indulge in delicious grilled foods. From juicy steaks to smoky ribs, BBQ recipes are the heart of any great cookout. If you’re looking to impress your guests with mouthwatering dishes that are full of flavor, here are some irresistible BBQ recipes that will have everyone coming back for more.
1. Classic BBQ Ribs
Nothing says BBQ quite like tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. This recipe will ensure your ribs are perfectly smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, or set up a two-zone fire if using charcoal.
- Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs. Rub the ribs with olive oil and then season with the spice mixture, coating them evenly.
- Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down, over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 hours, occasionally turning the ribs and brushing with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once the ribs are tender and have reached an internal temperature of 190°F, remove them from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
These classic BBQ ribs will be the highlight of your cookout, with a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness in every bite.
2. BBQ Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are a great alternative to traditional BBQ chicken and are easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and marinades. These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, mustard, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to create the marinade.
- Thread the chicken, bell pepper, and zucchini onto skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables.
- Place the skewers in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the skewers with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
These BBQ chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a cookout. You can easily customize them with your favorite veggies or spices for a unique twist.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Grilled corn on the cob is a BBQ classic that’s simple to make but full of flavor. This version is topped with a delicious herb butter that elevates the sweetness of the corn and adds a savory kick.
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, parsley, basil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Grill the corn on the cob for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender.
- Remove the corn from the grill and immediately spread the herb butter over the hot corn.
- Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an added savory touch.
This grilled corn on the cob is a perfect side dish for any BBQ, offering a delightful combination of smoky flavor and fresh, herby butter.
4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork is a slow-cooked BBQ favorite that’s tender, smoky, and delicious. This recipe will show you how to make mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches that are perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pound pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F, or use your oven at the same temperature.
- Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil and season it generously with the spice mixture.
- Place the pork shoulder on the grill or in the oven, and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks.
- Mix the shredded pork with apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with extra BBQ sauce and your favorite coleslaw.
These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are the perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, making them a hit at any summer cookout.
5. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
If you’re looking for a lighter option at your cookout, grilled shrimp skewers are a flavorful and quick-to-make dish that will please seafood lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
These grilled shrimp skewers are light, zesty, and full of flavor. Serve them as an appetizer or as part of a main course for a delicious seafood option.