If you’re looking to grill something other than a burger or a sausage, then here are some surprising and unusual foods for your barbecue this summer. There’s something here to fuel everyone’s tastes.
These recipes work on an outdoor grill or an indoor cookware alternative such as a cast-iron griddle or similar.
Romaine lettuce
By slicing a Romaine lettuce lengthwise and brushing it with oil, you can create smoky salads in no time. Mix your charred lettuce with grilled vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes, and serve with coleslaw or some guacamole.
Cabbage
Grilled cabbage is surprisingly tasty. Cut a whole cabbage into 8 wedges and place them on a sheet of heavy-duty foil. You want the foil to be big enough to wrap the cabbage inside. Spread the cabbage’s cut sides with herbed butter and sprinkle with your favorite spice mixture (try onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Close the foil around the cabbage to make a packet and grill for 20 minutes.
Note: Be careful when opening the foil packet, as steam will escape.
Shellfish (clams, oysters)
Grilling clams or oysters is easy: toss them on the grill, and when the shells pop open, they’re done. Lift them carefully to preserve the juices and serve them with garlic butter.
Note: Remember to throw away any shellfish whose shells haven’t opened.
Pizza
Grilled pizza is something most people don’t think of, and yet it gives the crust a smoky flavor that usually only comes from a traditional pizza oven.
Spread your dough on a greased sheet of foil, and then flip the dough onto a well-oiled grill rack. Peel off the foil and let the dough grill till lightly browned (1 to 2 minutes). Remove the dough from the grill and make your pizza by adding the sauce, cheese, and other toppings. Return to the grill and cook for about 3 minutes, or till the cheese has melted.
Note: If you want meat toppings on your pizza (cubes of chicken, for instance), grill the meat separately.
Hash browns
Grilled hash browns are so simple to do, and they taste amazing. You can use a packet of frozen hash brown potatoes (cubed). Make a foil packet and coat the potatoes with cooking spray. Sprinkle your favorite spice mixture on top (try onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) and drizzle with some butter. Seal the packet and grill for 10 to 15 minutes, turning once.
Italian subs
You can grill one large sub or several small ones. Cut the bread into slices while leaving them attached at the bottom. Butter every other piece. Fill the gaps with slices of cheese, salami, roasted peppers, ham, etc. Wrap the loaf in foil and then grill (over indirect medium heat) for about 10 minutes or till the cheese is melted.
Brie cheese
A grilled wheel of Brie is an easy appetizer. Place the wheel on your grill, flipping it once during grilling. Serve with your favorite crackers or bread and some excellent wine.
Potato skins
Cut each potato lengthwise in 4 wedges. Trim away the inside to leave 1/4 inch on the potato skins. Precook them in the microwave on high (uncovered) for 8 to 10 minutes or till tender. Brush them with herbed butter and grill them, skin side up, for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn them over and grill for 2 more minutes, then top with cheese. Cover and grill for 2 more minutes or till cheese is melted. Serve with bacon bits and sour cream.
Fruit
Try slices of any of these fruits for a tasty and light dessert, perhaps served with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice:
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Apples
You can also grill summer fruits like berry mixes by putting them in foil with a sprinkling of sugar. Seal the foil and grill for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll have a sweet fruity coulis that’s perfect either on its own or as a topping for ice cream or cheesecake.
If you want an extra-decadent fruit dessert, try a grilled banana split:
- Split the banana lengthwise and grill it, peel side up, for 2 minutes.
- Make a foil pocket by filling the banana with your favorite toppings (marshmallows, chocolate chips, etc.) and grill for 5 more minutes.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream.
Angel food cake
For an original dessert, grill your angel food cake on a greased rack for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Serve your cake with your favorite fruit mixture (e.g., strawberries and sugar) and top with ice cream, whipped cream, or tasty fruit syrup.
