Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (2024)

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (1)

"Grilling" and "intimidating" don't have to be part of the same sentence. If you're a complete beginner, look no further than these easy grilling recipes anyone can master, from basic grilled shrimp to juicy grilled chicken and grilled vegetable kebabs perfect for your roommates and family. Throwing vegetables and meat on the grill gives your food that irreplaceable flavor that won't be achieved from roasting, and you'll convince yourself you're an actual pro after trying out these foolproof ideas. This summer, crank up the grill and discover a whole list of new recipes you'll want to make every season from here on out.

— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

01

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (2)

Smoky BBQ Veggie Burgers

These burgers are made with mashed chickpeas, quinoa, flavorful spices, and an easy-to-make vegan BBQ sauce. They taste as good as the real deal, minus the meat.

Get the recipe: smoky BBQ veggie burgers

02

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (3)

Yogurt-Marinated Flank Steak

Who doesn't like a juicy, tender meat? The key to this recipe is the Greek yogurt, which the steak marinates in overnight to get its delicious taste.

Get the recipe: yogurt-marinated flank steak

03

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (4)

Yogurt and Lemon Marinated Grilled Chicken

This juicy dish puts bland, dry chicken to shame. The recipe calls for thinner plain yogurt, instead of Greek yogurt — which contains less sugar — so check the label and choose a yogurt with as few carbs as possible.

Get the recipe: yogurt and lemon marinated grilled chicken

04

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (5)

Mobile-Style Oysters

Butter isn't exactly a healthy fat, but there's never been a yummier way to eat it than in these buttery, cheese-filled oysters.

Get the recipe: Mobile-style oysters

05

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (6)

Postgrill Marinated Skirt Steak

Hate when the herbs and seasoning get burnt onto your steak? Try this genius trick, marinating the beef after grilling to add bright and bold flavor.

Get the recipe: postgrill marinated skirt steak

06

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (7)

Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus is another low-carb side that's perfect for grilling season. Just buy thicker stalks, so they're less likely to slip between the grates.

Get the recipe: grilled asparagus

07

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (8)

Fajita Chicken Kebabs

You'll want to build your entire dinner menu around these pretty kebabs. (Guacamole, salsa, sour cream — yum!)

Get the recipe: fajita chicken kebabs

08

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (9)

Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Ground turkey is even cheaper than ground chicken, and this buffalo-blue-cheese topping ensures it's full of flavor, too.

Get the recipe: buffalo turkey burgers

09

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (10)

Queso Cheeseburger

This is as low fuss as it gets: form patties of ground beef, and top the grilled burgers with your favorite store-bought (or homemade) queso.

Get the recipe: queso cheeseburger

10

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (11)

Grilled Watermelon Pizza

Treat your roommates or family to an unexpected watermelon dish by throwing sliced watermelon on the grill and making a Mediterranean "pizza."

Get the recipe: grilled watermelon pizza

11

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (12)

Chipotle-Honey-Lime Chicken Kebabs

Take plain-old chicken skewers to the next level with a quick and easy chipotle yogurt sauce for dipping.

Get the recipe: chipotle-honey-lime chicken kebabs

12

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (13)

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

13

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (14)

Lemon-Basil Grilled Chicken Breasts

With a little help from lemon juice, olive oil, and basil, you can transform chicken breasts into one of the tastiest grilled entrees ever.

Get the recipe: lemon-basil grilled chicken breasts

14

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (15)

Grilled Vegetable Tacos

Skip the meat altogether and throw your favorite vegetables on the grill for an easy vegetarian taco. Top it with salsa, cotija cheese, cilantro, or guacamole.

Get the recipe: grilled vegetable tacos

15

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (16)

Grilled Corn Salad

The only way to eat fresh corn during the summer is with grill marks — it's truly the best.

Get the recipe: grilled corn salad

16

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (17)

Grilled Parmesan Polenta Chips

Offer a new type of "chip" at the dinner table with these ones made of polenta.

Get the recipe: grilled parmesan polenta chips

17

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (18)

Mexican Grilled Corn Avocado Toast

Why stop at grilled corn when you can top it on a generously slathered piece of avocado toast?

Get the recipe: Mexican grilled corn avocado toast

18

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (19)

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Nectarines

Pretty much anything wrapped in bacon will be a crowd-pleaser, and these bacon-wrapped shrimp and nectarines look and taste decadent, yet the recipe only contains those three ingredients!

Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped shrimp and nectarines

19

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (20)

Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap

The best part about this meal, succulent from the chicken and crispy from the lettuce, is that you can make the grilled chicken ahead of time and use the leftovers for wraps the next day.

Get the recipe: grilled chicken caesar wrap

20

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (21)

Green Goddess Sandwich With Grilled Halloumi

These healthy sandwiches will be a hit for the adventurous and veggie-forward family. Salty, milky halloumi gets perfectly charred when grilled and needs only a four-ingredient sauce to shine between bread.

Get the recipe: green goddess sandwich with grilled halloumi

21

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (22)

Burger Skewers

Leave the utensils inside! Food on a stick is way better, and these burger skewers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also super delicious.

Get the recipe: burger skewers

22

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (23)

Grilled Tomatoes and Basil Zucchini "Noodles"

The hardest part of this recipe is spiraling the zucchini, but if you have a spiralizer, it's a breeze and only takes 15 minutes to make!

Get the recipe: grilled tomatoes and basil zucchini "noodles"

23

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (24)

Grilled Veggie Sandwiches With Herbed Cream Cheese and Pesto

Hungry for lunch? These sandwiches are the perfect midday meal, and the grilled zucchini inside is what makes it!

Get the recipe: grilled veggie sandwiches with herbed cream cheese and pesto

24

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (25)

Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad

Help yourself to a whole heaping of this salad; it's healthy and refreshing!

Get the recipe: grilled watermelon caprese salad

25

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (26)

Grilled Balsamic Portobello Burgers

Portobello mushrooms are a hearty alternative to hamburgers that both meat-eaters and vegetarians will love.

Get the recipe: grilled balsamic portobello burgers

26

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (27)

Grilled Jalapeño Poppers

Stuff jalapeños with bacon, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, scallions, garlic, and lime, and grill them for the best-ever jalapenño popper.

Get the recipe: grilled jalapeño poppers

27

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (28)

Chili Lime Chicken Skewers With Mango Sauce

Skewers make grilling much more manageable, and this combination of chicken, peppers and onion is juicy and irresistible.

Get the recipe: chili lime chicken skewers with mango sauce

28

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (29)

Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilling hot dogs is as easy as it gets, but it's always important to get a tutorial before you fire up the grill. This is hands down the best way to do it.

Get the recipe: grilled hot dogs

29

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (30)

Vegetable Kabobs

Grilled vegetable kabobs are a must at any BBQ, and you can customize them to meet your family's preferences.

Get the recipe: vegetable kabobs

30

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (31)

Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers

A new take on surf and turf, these shrimp and chorizo skewers can be grilled in a matter of minutes.

Get the recipe: shrimp and chorizo skewers

31

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (32)

Asian Salmon Kabobs

Make your life easy by assembling easy-to-grill skewers with marinated salmon, pineapple, zucchini, and red onion.

Get the recipe: Asian salmon kabobs

32

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (33)

Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts

The key to keeping grilled chicken breasts completely juicy is to brine them for at least two hours and up to overnight.

Get the recipe: beer-brined grilled chicken breasts

33

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (34)

Grilled Shrimp With Gremolata

Spread a homemade gremolata, an herb sauce with garlic and lemon, all over the shrimp once they've been grilled for an easy boost of flavor.

Get the recipe: grilled shrimp with gremolata

34

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (35)

Grilled Brie With Cherries

Take the meaning of "grilled cheese" to a whole new level by throwing gooey brie and fresh cherries on the grill.

Get the recipe: grilled brie with cherries

35

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (36)

Grilled Corn With Parmesan and Basil

The combination of parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil is a much more exciting way to dress up corn than with just butter.

Get the recipe: grilled corn with parmesan and basil

36

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (37)

Buffalo Grilled Shrimp

Buffalo-lovers will devour these spicy grilled shrimp.

Get the recipe: buffalo grilled shrimp

37

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (38)

Grilled Flank Steak Tacos

Grilled flank steak tacos with guacamole and cotija cheese are perfect for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

Get the recipe: grilled flank steak tacos

38

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (39)

Juicy Lucy Burger

A homemade Juicy Lucy, aka a cheese-stuffed burger, will be the star of any backyard BBQ.

Get the recipe: Juicy Lucy burger

39

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (40)

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Wings With Barbecue Sauce

This BBQ rub is bursting with the flavors of orange peels, chili powder, and black pepper, and it's the ultimate match for grilled chicken.

Get the recipe: grilled chicken thighs and wings with barbecue sauce

40

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (41)

Lemony Grilled Shrimp

This is possibly the best (and easiest) grilled shrimp recipe you'll ever make. All you need is salt, lemon, and parsley.

Get the recipe: lemony grilled shrimp

41

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (42)

Grilled Fish Tacos

Choose a fish like halibut, sea bass, or striped bass, and marinate it for 15 minutes in lime juice and oil, and you're on your way to heavenly homemade fish tacos.

Get the recipe: grilled fish tacos

42

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (43)

Blue Cheese Burger

Take your standard grilled burger to new heights with a quick aioli and plenty of blue cheese crumbles for topping.

Get the recipe: blue cheese burger

43

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (44)

Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is the absolute best with butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.

Get the recipe: grilled lemon garlic zucchini

44

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (45)

Grilled Peach Salad With Goat Cheese

Juicy summer peaches are delicious enough as it is, and when you take them to the grill, the result is pure heaven.

Get the recipe: grilled peach salad with goat cheese

45

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (46)

Grilled Flatbreads Stuffed With Cheese and Herbs

These cheese- and herb-filled flatbreads can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for one to two days.

Get the recipe: grilled flatbreads stuffed with cheese and herbs

46

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (47)

Grilled Salmon With Garlic and Herbs

This foolproof grilling recipe for salmon is perfect for beginners.

Get the recipe: grilled salmon with garlic and herbs

47

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (48)

Basic Grilled Vegetables

Once you master the basics and learn the techniques for grilling different vegetables like broccolini, asparagus, and eggplant, you'll want to prepare veggies this way all the time.

Get the recipe: how to grill vegetables

48

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (49)

Steak Tacos

These restaurant copycat steak tacos might seem complicated, but each step is totally doable, from the carne asada to the salsa.

Get the recipe: steak tacos

49

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (50)

Grilled Corn With Cilantro Butter

Give grilled corn an upgrade with a zesty cilantro-lime butter.

Get the recipe: grilled corn with cilantro butter

50

Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (51)
Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners (2024)

FAQs

How to use a grill for the first time? ›

Apply a coat of oil to the entire surface, including all corners, using a spray bottle. Wipe the surface of the grates with a paper towel to ensure even distribution. Start your grill and let it burn for 15 minutes – or until the oil burns off and stops smoking. Your cooking grates are now ready to use.

How to get really good at grilling? ›

Top 10 tips
  1. Always make sure your grill is hot. ...
  2. Start with a clean grill. ...
  3. Oil the grill grates. ...
  4. Don't move food around and don't open the lid on the grill! ...
  5. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for a safe and desired temperature. ...
  6. Always let meat rest after removing it from the grill.
Jul 14, 2020

What are 4 grilling guidelines? ›

Six Rules Of Grilling
  • Preheat You wouldn't bake in a cold oven, and you can't sear on a cold grill. ...
  • Clean For good results, start with a clean cooking grate. ...
  • Seasoning Oiling the grate helps keep food from sticking. ...
  • Turning Know-How The proper way to turn food on the grill is with tongs or a spatula.

What is the easiest meat to grill for beginners? ›

Chicken is the go-to option and holy grail of any grill experience. If you are looking for the best and easiest meat to grill—chicken thighs are just the meat cuts you need. Talk to experienced grillers and they will tell you that this part of the chicken, especially with the skin left on, is superior to any other cut.

What are 3 rules for using the grill? ›

General Outdoor Grill Safety Tips:
  • Grills should only be used outside.
  • Keep your grill on an open, level surface away from your home, any other structure with an overhang and any outdoor decor such as furniture or umbrellas. ...
  • Regularly clean your grill and the tray below it to prevent fat and grease from building up.

When grilling do you leave the grill open or closed? ›

Lid off vs. lid on. Whether you've got a gas or charcoal grill, with the grill uncovered, you can get a crustier char on the exterior of meat without overcooking the center. A closed grill will cook meat all the way through to the center for a more uniform doneness.

Do you put anything on the grill before cooking? ›

Oil your grates right before placing food on them and after each use for best cooking results. There are several ways to oil your grates, depending on whether they're hot or cold. Wipe It On: When the grill is cool, coat all surfaces of your grates with a bunched up paper towel that is coated, but not saturated in oil.

Should you grill with the lid up or down? ›

It is usually best to leave the lid down as much as possible on your gas grill since grilling is best done fast and hot. Of course, there are always exceptions. Foods that just need to be warmed or that are thin and will cook very quickly anyway can be done with the lid up.

What makes grilled food taste better? ›

Once the surface is dry, the heat causes the proteins and sugars on the outside of the meat to undergo a reaction called the Maillard Reaction. This reaction produces a complex mixture of molecules that make food taste more savory or “meaty” and adds depth to scents and flavors.

How do you grill meat perfectly? ›

Place the steaks on the grill and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the steaks over and continue to grill 3 to 5 minutes for medium-rare (an internal temperature of 135 degrees F), 5 to 7 minutes for medium (140 degrees F) or 8 to 10 minutes for medium-well (150 degrees F).

What is the 4 hour BBQ rule? ›

A 2-4 Hour Rest Makes Brisket & Pork Butt Better

Because they contain connective tissue that is converted to gelatin after many hours of “low & slow” cooking, and it's this gelatin that rehydrates the meat during the resting period.

What is the rule of 3 for grilling steaks? ›

As a rule of thumb, when cooking steaks that are 1-1/2 inch thick, you want to go by the 3-4 rule. That is, three minutes per side on direct heat, then four minutes per side on indirect heat. That will get your steaks to a beautiful pink medium-rare.

What temperature should I start grilling? ›

Get It Hot. A pro tip is to preheat your grill 20 to 25 minutes before you start cooking. It will help you get the right temperature that can help you cook the food correctly. Your grill should be 300-350°F for medium, 350-400°F for medium-high, 400-450°F for high, and 250-300°F for low heat.

Is it hard to learn how to grill? ›

If you're new to grilling, charcoal grills do require a steeper learning curve than gas grills: "Managing a charcoal flame requires just a little bit of experience," says Larson. But once you learn how to do that, you're guaranteed to have that unique-to-grilling charred and smoky flavor you can't get any other way.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5999

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.