Meat Main Dishes
Meat is a BBQ classic for good reason – it tastes amazing when cooked over an open flame! Consider these flavorful meat main dish ideas:
BBQ Chicken
Chicken is a crowd-pleaser and so easy to grill. What to BBQ tonight:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or a store-bought seasoning blend
- Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes
Juicy Burgers
Burgers sizzling on the grill are simply irresistible. What to BBQ tonight:
- 80/20 ground beef formed into patties, seasoned with salt and pepper
- Grill over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness
- Serve on buns with favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and condiments
Tender Steak
A nicely marbled ribeye or strip steak is amazing when grilled to perfection. What to BBQ tonight:
- Ribeye, NY strip, filet mignon or other favorite cut
- Season well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Grill over high heat, 4-8 minutes per side depending on thickness, for medium rare
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain
Sausage and Peppers
Sausages cooked with colorful bell peppers is a fun and flavorful combo. What to BBQ tonight:
- Smoked sausage, kielbasa, bratwurst or hot Italian sausage
- Bell peppers, onions, tomatoes
- Grill sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through
- Grill veggies until tender and lightly charred
- Serve sausage on a hoagie roll topped with veggie mixture
Seafood Favorites
If you want a lighter BBQ dinner, try grilling up some fresh seafood. Here are appetizing recipes:
Grilled Salmon
Salmon fillets cook quickly on the grill for a healthy, delicious meal. What to BBQ tonight:
- Skin-on salmon fillets
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice or zest
- Grill over medium-high heat, skin-side down first, until opaque in center, about 4 minutes per side
- Flake gently with a fork and serve with rice and veggies
Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp on skewers lets you get perfect char on each piece. What to BBQ tonight:
- Large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
- Toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper
- Thread on skewers and grill over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
- Squeeze fresh lemon over shrimp when done
Grilled Scallops
Plump scallops develop an amazing sear on the grill. What to BBQ tonight:
- Sea scallops, patted dry
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Grill over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
- Serve with fresh herbs and lemon wedges
Cedar Plank Salmon
Cooking salmon on a cedar plank infuses incredible smoky flavor. What to BBQ tonight:
- Wild salmon fillet
- Soak cedar plank 30 minutes
- Place salmon skin-side down on plank and grill indirect heat for 12-18 minutes
- Top with maple syrup and lime juice when done
Veggie Sides
Round out your BBQ meal with grilled veggies – they’re healthy and flavorful! Ideas include:
- Corn on the cob – husk on, grill over direct medium heat, turning occasionally about 15 minutes
- Zucchini – toss 1/4″ slices with olive oil, salt and pepper, grill about 5 minutes per side
- Portobello mushrooms – brush with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, season with salt and pepper, grill caps about 5 minutes per side
- Eggplant – cut into 1/2″ slices, brush with olive oil, grill 5 minutes per side
- Asparagus – toss spears with olive oil, salt and pepper, grill over high heat until lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side
With so many wonderful options, you’re sure to find something delicious to grill for what to BBQ tonight! Fire up that barbecue and get ready for amazing flavors. Enjoy!
FAQs About What to BBQ Tonight
Still not sure what to make for your barbecue tonight? Here are some frequently asked questions to help with your planning:
What are some good basic BBQ dishes for beginners?
Some easy BBQ dishes for beginners include sausages, hamburgers, boneless chicken pieces, shrimp skewers, and vegetables like corn, zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant. These items cook quickly and easily.
What foods can be prepped ahead for BBQ?
Side dishes like potato salad, pasta salads, veggie skewers, cornbread, and desserts can all be made 1-2 days in advance. Meat and seafood marinades can also be made ahead.
How long should different meats be grilled for?
- Chicken breasts or thighs: 6-8 minutes per side
- Burgers: 4-5 minutes per side for medium
- Steaks: 4-8 minutes per side depending on thickness
- Sausages: Grill until browned/heated through, about 15-20 minutes
- Salmon: 4-6 minutes per side
- Shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side
What BBQ foods are best for a crowd?
Burgers, hot dogs, chicken pieces, ribs, sausage, skewers, ribs, and wings are all great for feeding a crowd. Sides like baked beans, coleslaw, pasta salad, and cornbread also serve well for large gatherings.
How do I prevent food from sticking to the grill?
Use a clean, well-oiled grill. Allow grill to preheat fully before adding food. Don’t move food too early – let it sear first. Brush or toss veggies and seafood with oil before grilling. Use tongs instead of spatulas to flip meat.
Conclusion
Grilling out is such a fun way to get creative with dinner! With delicious options like juicy steak, seasoned chicken, savory sausage, succulent shrimp and seafood, and hearty veggie sides, you’re sure to find the perfect what to BBQ tonight. Keep these recipes in mind and get ready to fire up the grill for your next great barbecue meal!