There’s something special about cooking outdoors. It makes you feel like a pioneer, grilling outside in the wild and enjoying the sun on your face while sharing a meal with family and friends. While grilling burgers and hotdogs are great, wouldn’t it be nice to try other food items on the BBQ?
While almost anything can potentially be cooked on a grill, some things work well. Anyone can throw a steak and some corn on, and it would be a hit, but why don’t you try something different?
Here are some of the best foods to cook on grills:
1. Grilled Pizza
Pizza isn’t something you typically think about when grilling, but you are missing out. Your gas grill will work a lot like a pizza oven and pump out a pipping to pizza in minutes. If you have a pizza stone, you can get that heat up before putting on the pizza. Then, place it on the stone and close the lid. In 5-6 units, you will be good to go.
You should lightly grill the pizza dough first by oiling it and searing both sides without a stone. Then put your toppings on, cook them beforehand, and spread the cheese. Close the lid and rotate it every minute until done, so it doesn’t burn. Your pizza will taste delicious and have that distinct, smokey BBQ flavour.
2. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
If you love burgers but want to try something different, why not go meatless for a change? Portobello mushrooms are a delicious alternative to your standard beef burger. This food cooks incredibly well on the grill.
If there are any stems on them, cut them off and save them for another day. Brush with olive oil and your favourite spices and put them cap side down on the grill. Close the lid and let the cooking commence. Give them 5 minutes, and then flip them for another 5. Then, you can prep your buns and plop one mushroom on. You will love the taste and texture of this meaty vegetable.
3. Grilled Burgers
We all know how to cook a burger, and gas grills are the perfect vessel. The only thing to change is what goes into your burgers, then. Why not take your burger game up a notch with different ingredients?
You can mix your burgers by picking up standard ground beef and other proteins like pork, lamb or sausage. Get your hands dirty by mixing it up with some good spices, and you are on your way. You can add chopped onions, pickles, hot peppers and even small chunks of cheese.
While you are at it, buy some fancy buns for a change. There are many options, so find something that looks tasty and can house a patty. This is how you upgrade your burgers to a whole new level.
4. Grilled Watermelon
Watermelon is usually associated with a BBQ, but it’s usually cut up and eaten in its natural state. Yes, it’s delicious, but you should try grilling it for your next outdoor get-together.
Grilled watermelon takes on a smoky, caramelized flavour and can be eaten on its own or cut up into salad for a new twist. Cut the watermelon into pizza triangles with the rind and place them on the grill for searing. You can make up a spicy rub if you like or grill them as they are. Either way, they are very tasty and worth the effort.
5. Grilled Veggies
Grilled vegetables are amazing and if you haven’t done them, start doing them now. They are easy to prepare and cook pretty quickly.
Slice your veggies, so they fit onto your skewers and alternate several different types for variety. Zucchini, onions, peppers and tomatoes work well. Potatoes are a classic grilled item, and you can bake them or cut them up and cook them in tinfoil. While working with veg, try some lettuce straight on the grill. It will jazz up your salads for sure.
Cauliflower is also a great grilling vegetable. Cut it into steaks and brush with olive oil. Salt and pepper them before going on and BBQ them until you get those grill marks showing up.
6. Grilled Fruits
We already talked about watermelon, but you can build some fruit kebobs to add to your dessert. Pick a variety including pineapple, peaches, pears, apples, strawberries and even bananas. Turn down the gas, so you don’t scorch them. All you need is a little heat and some golden colour, and they are done.
Grilling is what we all love to do, and it’s a welcome change from your indoor oven-made meals. Start expanding your grilling chops with these six options and watch your guests enjoy your cooking. A grill extends your kitchen, and you can prepare amazing meals from that one gas-powered cooking device in the backyard.
