
Hosting a barbecue doesn't have to be stressful. There are plenty of quick and easy recipes that will allow you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your guests. From mains to sides, salads, and snacks, there's something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of food | Burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken, pork, shrimp, fish, shellfish, vegetables, beans, corn, salads, fruits, desserts |
Preparation | Marinate, brine, temper, season, rub, glaze, baste |
Cooking method | Grilling, barbecuing, smoking, boiling, baking, roasting |
Cooking time | 5-6 hours, 14+ hours, 30 minutes, 3 hours |
Equipment | Grill, smoker, barbecue, skewers, foil packs, grill pan, stovetop, charcoal, gas grill, indoor grill |
What You'll Learn
Quick and easy BBQ recipes
BBQ Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and go well with any family dinner. This classic recipe doesn't need hours to prep and is always a winner.
Grilled BBQ Chicken
This is a classic BBQ recipe with a twist. While almost any cut of meat works, drumsticks are recommended for a juicy and crispy experience.
Grilled Pork Chops with BBQ Rub
A dry rub consisting of brown sugar, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, mustard, and cayenne blends beautifully with grilled pork chops. Remember to move the chops over indirect heat once they're seared.
Barbecued Burgers
These barbecue burgers have a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. The secret ingredient is instant oatmeal!
Marinated Pork Ribs
The key to mouth-watering ribs is the marinade. The longer the pork sits in the marinade, the more flavour it absorbs.
Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs are packed with a sweet and tangy homemade sauce. For an extra kick, add some Sriracha!
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Speedy salads and sides
If you're looking for some quick and easy sides to go with your BBQ feast, look no further! Here are some speedy salads and sides that will complement any grilled meat or veggie dish:
- Marinated BBQ Grilled Vegetables: This dish is a perfect side for any BBQ and comes together in no time. Simply marinate your favourite veggies – zucchini, mushroom, eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, and red onion – and grill them to perfection. The key is to cook them quickly over direct heat to get those beautiful char marks.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer like grilled corn on the cob! Boil the corn for a minute, then finish it off on the grill for a smoky flavour. Serve it with butter and salt, or get creative with spices and extras like Tajin.
- Grilled Zucchini with Ricotta and Walnuts: Take your zucchini to the next level by threading them onto skewers and grilling until slightly charred. Then, top them with creamy ricotta and crunchy walnuts for a delicious contrast in textures.
- Coleslaw: A classic BBQ side, coleslaw is a must-have at any cookout. Make it traditional with a creamy dressing and green cabbage, or mix it up with red cabbage, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs.
- Potato Salad: Another BBQ staple, potato salad comes in many varieties. From classic American-style to loaded baked potato salad, Greek potato salad, or even a Chinese version, there's a potato salad to suit every taste.
- Seasonal Summer Salad: Take advantage of the fresh summer produce and make a tasty tomato salad, corn tomato basil salad, or a marinated green bean salad. You can also add a twist with a Polish cucumber salad, Spanish summer salad, or Thai cucumber salad.
- Grilled Green Tomatoes: A Southern staple, grilled green tomatoes are a delicious and healthy alternative to fried green tomatoes. Combine them with a whipped goat cheese schmear for a unique side dish.
- Grilled Shrimp Piccata Skewers: This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight BBQ, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. Thread juicy shrimp onto skewers with bright lemon zest, briny capers, and a white wine butter sauce that will impress your guests.
With these speedy salads and sides, you'll have a delicious and hassle-free BBQ spread that your guests will love!
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Grilled meat and fish
Steak
Steak is a crowd favourite at barbecues. To prepare, bring your steaks to room temperature and sprinkle salt on both sides. Place the steaks on a hot grill and, once done, let them rest for at least 10 minutes so the juices can settle.
Burgers
When grilling burgers, the golden rule is to leave them alone. Avoid flipping them over frequently and refrain from squashing them with a spatula as this presses out the juices.
Chicken
Chicken is a safe bet when feeding a crowd, but it can easily get overcooked. To prevent this, salt the chicken generously a day or two ahead of time as this helps the meat retain its juices as it cooks. Preheat the grill and sear the chicken to create a nice outer crust. Turn the chicken once and wait until the meat firms up before testing for doneness. Remove the chicken from the grill before it gets too hard and let it rest for 15-20 minutes so the juices can settle.
Fish
When choosing fish to grill, select firm, fleshy fish such as halibut, salmon, or trout. Oil the grill grates beforehand and keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking. A whole side of salmon is a visually stunning and easy option—simply place it skin-down on the grill, cover, and remove when cooked.
Shellfish
Grilling shellfish is ideal as their shells protect their insides from the heat, adding a smoky flavour without creating a mess. Mussels, clams, oysters, lobster, and shrimp grill up beautifully.
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Vegetarian and vegan options
There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for your barbecue, from mains to sides, that are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Mains
Veggie burgers are a great option for your barbecue, and there are many varieties to choose from. Black bean burgers are vegan-friendly and won't fall apart on the grill. You could also try a mushroom-based burger, like a portobello mushroom cheeseburger, or a veggie patty with a copycat Shake Shack sauce.
If you want to go beyond the burger, try grilling some halloumi. This cheese has a high melting point, so it's perfect for grilling and can be served in a wrap with some pita bread, tomatoes, and basil. You could also try a halloumi and quinoa salad, or some halloumi skewers with mushrooms.
For a more substantial meal, try grilling some tofu skewers with red peppers and onions, served with papaya salsa, or some tempeh sandwiches with a homemade BBQ sauce.
Sides
There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly sides to choose from, including potato salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. You could also try grilled avocado stuffed with quinoa, grilled carrots with avocado and mint, grilled zucchini with ricotta and walnuts, or grilled cabbage steaks.
If you're looking for something a little more substantial, try some grilled vegetable pasta salad, grilled nachos, or grilled flatbread stuffed with curried potatoes, spinach, and chickpeas.
Drinks
Most beers are vegan-friendly, but wine can be a little trickier. Barnivore.com has a database of vegan-friendly alcoholic drinks, so you can find something that suits everyone.
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Desserts
No-Churn Ice Cream
A delicious and budget-friendly option that is simple to make and can be customised with chocolate, nuts, cookie crumbs, or other toppings of your choice.
Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing option that is perfect for washing down a heavy barbecue meal. Simply chop up some kiwi, mango, pineapple, grapes, berries, and orange, and serve as is or with a side of ice cream.
Lemon Meringue Pie
A classic dessert with a tangy and sweet flavour that is perfect for summer. It requires several steps to prepare, but the result is a heavenly pie that your guests will love.
Grilled Fruit Skewers
A tasty and healthy option for the barbecue. Simply choose your favourite fruits, such as pineapple, peaches, or mixed berries, and grill them on skewers for a tangy and sweet dessert.
Blueberry Cookies
A sweet and oat-filled cookie that is a less messy option for a barbecue. This dessert works well with both fresh or frozen blueberries and is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Angel Food Cake
A classic barbecue cake that pairs well with summer fruits and is easy to make. It won't melt or create a mess, making it a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings.
Lemon Bars
A rich shortbread crust combined with a smooth and tart lemon filling creates a delicious dessert that is hard to resist. This dessert only requires seven ingredients and is a great option for those who want something sweet and tangy.
Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
These muffins offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, all in an easy-to-handle package. They are a great choice for outdoor meals and are loved by both kids and adults.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
A nostalgic dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a retro flair. It is easy to make and will transport your guests back to their childhood.
Mini Strawberry Tarts
These bite-sized treats are perfect for outdoor parties, especially for those with little ones. The addition of lemon zest gives them a sunny and refreshing flavour.
Raspberry Mini Tarts
If strawberries aren't your guests' fruit of choice, try making some raspberry mini tarts. Raspberries can withstand warmer weather and provide a refreshing flavour to your dessert.
Blueberry Galette
A fancy sibling to the pie, galettes are mostly made up of fruit and are a great option for outdoor desserts as they don't melt or drip. The blueberry galette is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Apple Pie
No barbecue is complete without a classic apple pie on the picnic table. This dessert is a crowd favourite and can be enjoyed at both backyard barbecues and tailgating parties.
Chocolate Cupcakes
Cupcakes are a mess-free and classic dessert option that can stand the test of time. They are easy to make and are always a hit with guests of all ages.
Candy Apples
A fun and delicious treat that turns a traditional "healthy" apple into a sweet and sticky delight. Candy apples are perfect for outdoor gatherings and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
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