Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious BBQ. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just looking for a tasty meal, these 9 BBQ dishes will make everyone happy.
From classic pulled pork to smoky beef ribs, there’s something for every taste. Even if you follow a plant-based diet, you’ll find options like jackfruit tacos and vegetable kebabs. Let’s dive in!
A Quick Look at All Recipes
| Recipe | Description |
|---|---|
| BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders | Tender, slow-cooked pork in mini buns |
| Grilled Chicken Skewers | Juicy chicken with a zesty marinade |
| Smoky Beef Ribs | Fall-off-the-bone tender beef |
| BBQ Jackfruit Tacos | Plant-based, tangy, and flavorful |
| Spicy Grilled Shrimp | Zesty shrimp with a kick |
| Hickory-Smoked Brisket | Rich, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth |
| Grilled Corn on the Cob | Sweet, buttery, and charred |
| BBQ Chicken Wings | Sticky, sweet, and savory |
| Vegetable Kebabs | Colorful, grilled veggies |
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
These mini sliders are packed with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork and topped with a tangy BBQ sauce.
Why you’ll like it:
- Perfectly tender meat
- Easy to eat and serve
- Kids and adults love them
Main ingredients:
- Pork shoulder
- BBQ sauce
- Buns
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
Quick method:
- Slow cook the pork until tender.
- Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce.
- Toast the buns lightly.
- Add coleslaw and pickles to the buns.
- Top with the pulled pork and serve.
Tip: Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, these skewers are juicy and full of flavor.
Why you’ll like it:
- Flavorful and easy to make
- Great for a quick weeknight dinner
- Versatile with different marinades
Main ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Herbs
Quick method:
- Cut chicken into cubes.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill until fully cooked.
Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water before using to prevent burning.
Smoky Beef Ribs
These beef ribs are slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in a rich, deep flavor that melts in your mouth.
Why you’ll like it:
- Intense, smoky flavor
- Fall-off-the-bone tender
- Ideal for a special occasion
Main ingredients:
- Beef short ribs
- BBQ rub
- Wood chips
- BBQ sauce
- Brown sugar
Quick method:
- Apply the BBQ rub to the ribs.
- Let the ribs sit for an hour.
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F (110°C).
- Smoke the ribs for about 4-5 hours.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and serve.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
Jackfruit is a fantastic meat substitute, and when shredded and seasoned, it makes a delicious filling for tacos.
Why you’ll like it:
- Plant-based and flavorful
- Texturally similar to pulled pork
- Quick and easy to prepare
Main ingredients:
- Jackfruit
- BBQ sauce
- Taco shells
- Red onion
- Cilantro
Quick method:
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit.
- Shred the jackfruit and mix with BBQ sauce.
- Heat the mixture in a pan for 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the taco shells.
- Fill the shells and top with onions and cilantro.
Tip: Add a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
Spicy Grilled Shrimp
These shrimp are marinated in a spicy, zesty blend and grilled to perfection, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll like it:
- Zesty and spicy flavor
- Quick to cook
- Perfect for summer nights
Main ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Chili powder
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Quick method:
- Combine chili powder, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
- Marinate the shrimp for 15 minutes.
- Skewer the shrimp.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Tip: Serve with a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat.
Hickory-Smoked Brisket
This brisket is slow-smoked with hickory wood, giving it a rich, smoky flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why you’ll like it:
- Deep, smoky flavor
- Tender and juicy
- Great for large gatherings
Main ingredients:
- Beef brisket
- Hickory wood chips
- BBQ rub
- BBQ sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
Quick method:
- Apply the BBQ rub to the brisket.
- Let the brisket sit for an hour.
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F (110°C).
- Smoke the brisket for 6-8 hours.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and serve.
Tip: Use a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar to keep the brisket moist during smoking.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side dish, with a slightly charred, sweet, and buttery flavor.
Why you’ll like it:
- Sweet and smoky flavor
- Quick and easy to make
- Perfect for any BBQ
Main ingredients:
- Corn on the cob
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lime wedges
Quick method:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Brush the corn with melted butter.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning often.
- Remove from heat and serve with lime.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
BBQ Chicken Wings
These wings are sticky, sweet, and savory, glazed with a homemade BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection.
Why you’ll like it:
- Sticky and flavorful
- Great as an appetizer or main
- Kids and adults both love them
Main ingredients:
- Chicken wings
- BBQ sauce
- Brown sugar
- Hot sauce
- Butter
Quick method:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce, and butter.
- Coat the wings with the sauce.
- Grill for 20-25 minutes, turning often.
- Brush with more sauce and serve.
Tip: Serve with a blue cheese dip for a classic combo.
Vegetable Kebabs
These colorful kebabs feature a variety of fresh vegetables, grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and flavors.
Why you’ll like it:
- Healthy and flavorful
- Great for vegetarians
- Easy to customize
Main ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Olive oil
Quick method:
- Cut the vegetables into chunks.
- Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil and season.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning often.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Get Ready to Grill
With these 9 BBQ dishes, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of classic meats or prefer plant-based alternatives, there’s something for everyone. For more grilling inspiration, check out our BBQ and grilling recipes.
Common Questions
What is the best wood for smoking?
Hickory and mesquite are popular choices for a strong, smoky flavor. Fruit woods like apple and cherry offer a milder, sweeter smoke.
How long should I marinate chicken?
For best results, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Can I use a gas grill for smoking?
Yes, you can use a gas grill for smoking by adding wood chips in a smoker box or wrapped in foil. Keep the temperature low and steady.
How do I keep my grilled vegetables from sticking?
Brush the vegetables with olive oil and preheat the grill. Clean the grates before placing the vegetables on the grill.
What is the best way to store leftover BBQ?
Store leftover BBQ in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Happy grilling, and enjoy your delicious BBQ dishes! Your guests will be asking for seconds in no time.