Last Updated on May 22, 2022 by Carne Diem
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, that means for a lot of us it is time to fire up the grill or smoker and start to do a lot more cooking outside. Everyone loves throwing some burgers and dogs on the grill, or slow smoking some perfect and juicy ribs, brisket and pulled pork, but you can use your grill to create so many more culinary masterpieces. There is a whole world of foods perfectly suited for cooking on the grill or in your smokers. From pasta to seafood we take a look at 20 great "outside the box" recipes that you need to try on your grill or smoker this summer.
1) Smoked Lasagna
Everyone loves lasagna but making this Italian dish on your smoker takes it to the next level. This smoked lasagna was generations in the making. It has transcended from a Christmas meal tradition to a spin on a classic prepared on the smoker. The mild smoke flavor from the cooking process and smoked cheese makes this an absolute keeper. It is a great introduction to cooking non-traditional dishes on your grill or smoker. One of our favorite Italian meals to make on our pellet smoker, due to the subtle smoke flavor it imparts.
2) Wood Fired Seafood Paella
Don't let this classic Spanish dish intimidate you. This Wood-Fired Seafood Paella is pretty easy to make, easily customizable to include your favorite seafood, and most importantly absolutely delicious. Though this recipe can be made on a standard stove, cooking it on a grill or smoker really makes this dish stand out. This is one of our favorite non-traditional recipes to make on our Breeo firepit, and turns our equally well when we have made it on our Big Green Egg.
3) Chargrilled Oysters
This is another grilled seafood favorite. There is nothing quite like a chargrilled oyster. A great gateway to this delicacy, the smoke and char adds to the delicate, briny flavor of the oyster. Add some cheese and you are on a trip to flavor town. This version was inspired by Drago's in New Orleans. This is truly the oyster dish for people who think they do not even like oysters.
4) Balkan Cevapi
These Balkan delights are sure to hit the spot, and have become a family favorite. A cousin to Turkish Kofte, these meatballs are easy to make and quickly grilled up to perfection on your grill. Serve them up with some classic Ajvar, a traditional Balkan condiment made from red peppers for an added treat. Eaten alone or stuffed into pitas this dish will surly be added to your grill rotation.
5) Smoked Pernil
Pernil is a special occasion dish that is popular in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean. Our smoked pernil has become one of our most popular recipes. This smoked version results in a perfectly juicy, smoky, and delicious pork roast that will be the centerpiece of your dinner menu. Leave the skin on the picnic roast for some crispy "Cuero".
6) Keshi Yena
Keshi Yena is the National dish of Dutch island of Aruba. While chicken versions are also popular this version uses seasoned ground beef that is encased in melty, gooey cheese. Easy to make and mild in flavor, this is a must try Caribbean dish. Smoked Edam or Gouda is traditional, but either way it is equally delicious. This can be made as a larger casserole or as individual portions.
7) Peruvian Roast Game Hens: Pollo a la Brasa
There are few things greater in life than a perfectly cooked roast chicken. In the world of roasted yardbirds, few do it better than the Peruvians. These Peruvian Roast Game Hens are juicy, succulent and packed with flavor. The will undoubtedly be a hit with the entire family. Finished with some Aji Verde they are poultry perfection.
8) Grilled Souvlaki: Greek Grilled Chicken Skewers
This staple Greek street food is a breeze to make and makes good use of your fresh garden herbs and cucumber. Mint, oregano, yogurt, and red wine vinegar come together to make this a grilled treat that even the kids will love. Serve it up with some homemade Tzatziki sauce for a a perfect summer meal.
9) South African Sosaties: Lamb and Apricot Kebabs
Here is another International skewered meat. A staple of any African Braai, South African Sosaties are skewers of tender meat, typically lamb, marinated with curry and apricot jam and grilled along with dried apricots. Cooked over an open flame these lamb and apricot kebabs are simple, yet delicious. This is another one of our favorite dishes to cook on our Breeo firepit.
10) Brazilian Picanha: Garlic Basted Rump Cap Steak
Picanha has quickly become one of our family's favorite cuts of beef. Sometimes referred to as rump cap or coulotte, this flavorful cut is cooked on a rotisserie or smoker and basted with garlic oil to take it to the next level of flavor. If it looks familiar, it is the most popular cut at most Brazilian steakhouses, but this time you do not have to wait for them to come back to your table to pile more meat on your plate.
11) Beer Braised Barbacoa: Beef Cheek Tacos
This tender and juicy Beer Braised Barbacoa is a result of slowly braising beef cheeks in a cast iron Dutch oven with beef broth, chiles, onion, garlic, Mexican spices and beer. It makes the perfect filling for your tacos, burritos, tortas, or just by itself.
12) Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip
Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip is a cut made famous along the central coast of California, but it is quickly gaining popularity across the United States. This recipe results in a juicy, flavorful steak that will certainly be a hit. A quick sear and then finishing to medium rare is all you need for steak perfection.
13. BBQ Char Siu
Char siu is a juicy, delectable BBQ Chinese pork that has been around for centuries. Char siu has become one of our favorite Asian inspired dishes to cook on our BBQ grill. For this Barbeque Char Siu the roast pork is cooked over an open flame, just like they did during ancient times.
14. Grilled Korean Beef Bulgogi: Korean BBQ at Home
Korean "fire meat," better known as bulgogi, is a Korean favorite consisting of marinated steak that is grilled over a hot fire or griddle. Our bulgogi marinade strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami and the tender, juicy, slightly charred beef cooked on our flat top griddle is pure heaven. The perfect recipe to cook up on your Cooking Steel griddle or Blackstone grill.
15. Al Pastor Tacos: Pork and Pineapple Tacos
If tacos are the perfect food and al pastor is the best taco, does that make al pastor tacos the world's most perfect culinary creation? You won't get any argument from us. Tender and juicy pork all wrapped up in a warm tortilla with slightly charred pineapple, onions, and hot sauce. Make this classic taqueria style taco at home on your grill or smoker.
16. Grilled Chicken Spiedini: Italian Breaded Grilled Chicken
Made popular by Italian restaurants in Kansas City, these Grilled Chicken skewers consist of tender all white meat chicken, marinated in a quick and easy amogio sauce consisting of oil, butter, lemon, herbs and spices. The chicken is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and grilled to juicy perfection.
17. Smoked Jalapeno Twice Baked Potatoes
These smoked jalapeno twice baked potatoes have become one of our favorite side dishes to make along with our BBQ meat dishes. They are easy to prep ahead of time and then finish on the grill of smoker. Add extra hot sauce to really kick up the heat.
18. Hawaiian Style Kalua Pork
You do not need to travel halfway across the Pacific Ocean to replicate this Hawaiian Kalua Pork recipe at home. Our Kalua Style Pork is cooked on your BBQ grill or smoker with minimal ingredients. This Hawaiian pork makes for a perfect centerpiece for a luau inspired BBQ at home.
19. Smoked Fried Chicken
Nothing screams down home cooking like fried chicken. Our Smoked Fried Chicken makes this classic Southern dish even better by adding a subtle smokiness to the chicken. After a trip to the smoker our chicken is tossed into the fryer briefly for a perfectly juicy and tender chicken with great crispy fried outside that you would expect with a great piece of fried chicken. Or you can complete the entire dish using just your grill.
20. Grilled Tiger Cry Beef
Tiger Cry Beef, Weeping Tiger Beef, Crying Tiger Beef: Call it what you want, call it delicious. This Grilled Tiger Cry Beef is basted and grilled over hot coals and served with a spicy Tiger Cry Sauce. It is one of our favorite grilled meats to cook on our PK Grill or Weber kettle.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. If you tried and enjoyed our recipe, please share with others and please leave us a comment and review. We also love to see your pics so don’t forget to tag us @Carne_Diem_Culinary or #CarneDiemBlog. To be notified of future recipes please follow us onFacebook, Instagram, orPinterest, or sign up for our e-mail notifications. Until next time, Carne Diem!
