Recipes
8 Spring Grilling Recipes for your BBQ Menu
Perhaps you’ve been grilling all winter—you likely have if you’re a reader of this blog—but April’s warmer weather spurs grillers and smokers into action. For inspiration, we’ve shared eight of our favorite spring recipes, from mouth-watering hamburgers and steaks to planked salmon. You’ll definitely want to add them to your repertoire. Here are some amazing spring grilling recipes.
8 spring grilling recipes
1. Grilled Sangria
Sangria comes from one of the world’s great grill cultures, Spain. While I’ve never seen anyone grill this refreshing wine cooler in the land of paella and chuletón, I think you’ll find the Project Fire version as spectacular to make and serve as it is to drink. In a nutshell, you crust the citrus fruits with sugar, then caramelize them over a hot fire before adding the wine. The resulting smoky burnt sugar flavor takes this sangria into the stratosphere.
2. Smoked Deviled Eggs
These may be the most flavorful deviled eggs you will ever experience—thanks to an invigorating blast of wood smoke. For even more flavor, top them with bacon, brisket, or smoked seafood.
3. Upscale Philly Cheesesteak
Here’s a sneak preview from Steven’s next book Project Griddle—due out on April 29. This Philly Cheesesteak Recipe goes uptown, using thinly sliced beef rib-eye instead of the usual cheap minute steak. Perfect for a spring lunch or casual supper.
4. The Great American Hamburger
As grilling season heats up, is your first craving for a hamburger? What makes a great hamburger? First there’s the meat. You want to use a flavorful cut, like sirloin (for uptown burgers), or chuck or round (if you’re feeling more democratic). And it shouldn’t be too lean: 15 to 20 percent fat is ideal. The condiments are up to you.
5. Barbecued Planked Salmon with a Brown Sugar and Butter Glaze
Sweet, smoky planked salmon, the way they barbecue it in Alaska—on a charred cedar plank with a delicious brown sugar butter glaze.
6. Shepherd’s Tacos with Chicken and Green Sauce
Shepherd’s Tacos with Chicken and Green Sauce bring together layers of marinated chicken, onions, and pineapple, slow-cooked on a Trompo spit or skewers for tender, smoky flavor. The chicken is seasoned with a zesty, tomatillo-based marinade that blends lime, poblano peppers, and a hint of spice for a fresh, bold taste. Served in warm tortillas with salsa, cilantro, and lime, these tacos are a vibrant take on a classic dish, perfect for a gathering or a special meal.
7. Smoked, Grilled Rib-Eyes with Horseradish Jalapeno Butter
Let the Carolinas have pork and Kentucky have mutton. When it comes to Texas, one meat is king: beef. Whether it’s Hill Country brisket or Tex-Mex barbacoa, beef is the meat that defines the Lone Star grill master. And nothing makes a Texan’s heartbeat faster than a perfectly grilled steak. What if you could combine the slow smoky succulence of barbecued beef with the sanguine sizzle of a rib-eye?
Get ready for steak that’s both smoked and grilled. With jalapeno horseradish butter and buttery smashed potatoes.
8. Grilled Strawberry Shortcake
Classic strawberry shortcake with a smoky twist in this delightful grilled version. Fresh, juicy strawberries are lightly macerated with sugar and a splash of orange liqueur, then nestled between warm, butter-grilled biscuits. Topped with a dollop of smoked whipped cream, this dessert perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors for a unique summer treat. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or as a special finish to your barbecue, this grilled strawberry shortcake is sure to impress your guests with its simple elegance and irresistible taste.
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