Summer has finally arrived, and with it, the perfect excuse to fire up your backyard grill. There’s nothing like the smoky flavor that only a charcoal grill can provide to make your outdoor cooking experience truly unforgettable. In this collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes, we’re taking the classic charcoal grill to new heights by incorporating bold flavors and spices from around the world.
From juicy burgers to succulent ribs, savory shrimp to sweet pineapple, we’ve got you covered with a diverse range of dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just looking for some inspiration for your next backyard barbecue, these recipes are sure to become instant favorites.
Classic Charcoal-Grilled Burgers with Smoked Cheddar
Classic Charcoal-Grilled Burgers with Smoked Cheddar: A timeless summer staple that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef (80/20)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, olive oil, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Form 4 patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Place on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill.
5. Assemble burgers with smoked cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Spicy Honey-Glazed Charcoal Grilled Chicken Wings
Elevate your backyard gatherings with this sweet and spicy twist on classic chicken wings. The combination of sticky honey glaze and charcoal-grilled goodness will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
3. Add chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken wings for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and caramelized.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Ribeye Steak with Garlic Herb Butter
Elevate your grilling game with this rich and savory ribeye steak, perfectly charred on the outside and cooked to perfection. The addition of garlic herb butter takes it to a whole new level!
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) ribeye steak
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, parsley, and thyme.
3. Season the ribeye steak with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness.
5. During the last minute of grilling, spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the steak.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled BBQ Pork Ribs
Get ready for tender, flavorful ribs that will impress your family and friends! This recipe uses smoky charcoal to add a deep, rich flavor to the pork.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs; cut into individual portions if desired.
4. Brush both sides of ribs with mixture from step 2.
5. Place ribs on grill and cook for 20-25 minutes per side, or until tender and caramelized.
6. During last 10 minutes of cooking, brush with BBQ sauce.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon
This recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the earthy flavor of charcoal-grilled salmon, all tied together with a hint of fresh herbs. Perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down (if they have skin).
4. Brush the lemon-herb mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes total
Jerk-Spiced Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Skewers
Jerk-Spiced Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Discover the bold flavors of Jamaica with this mouth-watering recipe for jerk-spiced charcoal-grilled chicken skewers. With a blend of aromatic spices and sweet smokiness from the grill, these bite-sized treats are perfect for your next backyard barbecue or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, and olive oil.
3. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Thread 4-5 marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp
Experience the sweet and savory combination of garlic butter and grilled shrimp on a charcoal grill!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Place the shrimp on a piece of aluminum foil or a grill mat, leaving some space between each shrimp.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the shrimp.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and squeeze a sliver of lemon juice over each shrimp.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Corn on the Cob
Experience the rich flavor of smoked charcoal with this simple recipe for grilled corn on the cob. Perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lime juice, and smoked paprika.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
4. Place corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until slightly charred.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. If using cotija cheese, sprinkle on top of grilled corn.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Elevate your burger game with this flavorful and savory recipe that features meaty portobello mushrooms grilled to perfection. With a hint of earthiness and smokiness from the charcoal, these burgers are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 4 large Portobello mushrooms
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder.
3. Brush both sides of the mushroom caps with the marinade mixture.
4. Grill mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Assemble burgers by placing grilled mushrooms on hamburger buns and topping with desired ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Korean BBQ Charcoal-Grilled Short Ribs (Galbi)
Savor the bold flavors of Korea’s national dish with this classic charcoal-grilled galbi recipe. Tender short ribs, marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce, are grilled to perfection for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef short ribs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, chili flakes, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Add short ribs and let marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove ribs from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill ribs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until caramelized and cooked through.
6. Serve with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of salt.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
Elevate your summer gatherings with this sweet and savory twist on traditional grilled pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon.
3. Brush both sides of pineapple wedges with melted butter.
4. Place pineapple wedges on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the pineapple wedges.
6. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Whole Trout
Experience the thrill of outdoor cooking with this simple yet impressive recipe for Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Whole Trout. With minimal prep and a focus on letting the natural flavors shine, this dish is perfect for a backyard gathering or a relaxing dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole trout (about 1-2 pounds)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the trout under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Brush the trout with olive oil on both sides.
4. Place the trout on the grill, skin side down (if it has skin). Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
5. Flip the trout over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from heat, squeeze a lemon wedge over the fish, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-14 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with these easy-to-make skewers, perfect for a backyard BBQ or dinner party. Tender beef strips are marinated in a rich teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection on charcoal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add beef strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Thread marinated beef onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Spicy Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Chops
Elevate your outdoor cooking with this bold and flavorful recipe, perfect for a summer evening gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops (about 4-6 chops)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup spicy chili flakes (such as Korean chili flakes or chipotle powder)
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
3. Brush the lamb chops with the spice mixture on both sides.
4. Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. Let the lamb rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Charcoal-Grilled Vegetable Medley with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with this flavorful and vibrant vegetable medley, perfectly grilled on charcoal and finished with a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 zucchinis, sliced
– 2 yellow squash, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the vegetables in batches for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and a pinch of salt.
5. Once the vegetables are cooked, brush them with the balsamic glaze and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Pork Belly Slices
Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Pork Belly Slices: A Twist on Traditional BBQ
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this smoky, char-grilled pork belly recipe that combines tender slices of pork with a sweet and savory glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup charcoal pellets (smoky flavor)
– 10-12 charcoal briquettes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork belly slices.
4. Place the pork belly slices on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Repeat step 4 with charcoal pellets (smoky flavor).
6. Serve warm with your favorite BBQ sides.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Cajun Sausage and Peppers
Get ready to spice up your outdoor cooking with this flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun sausage with the sweetness of grilled peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 Cajun sausages (such as Andouille or boudin)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the sausages and peppers.
4. Place the sausages and peppers on the grill, away from direct heat.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the peppers are tender.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or cornbread.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Charcoal-Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Flatbread
Elevate your flatbread game with this unique combination of smoky charcoal-grilled peaches, crispy prosciutto, and creamy burrata cheese. Perfect for a summer evening or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe peach, sliced into wedges
– 6 slices of prosciutto, torn into strips
– 1 flatbread (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 ball of burrata cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
3. Meanwhile, cook the prosciutto strips on the grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until crispy.
4. Brush the flatbread with olive oil and toast on the grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Assemble by spreading burrata cheese on the flatbread, topping with grilled peach and prosciutto, and finishing with chopped basil (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your charcoal grill this summer with these 18 mouth-watering recipes! From classic burgers to spicy chicken wings, and from succulent ribs to flavorful fish and seafood dishes, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at smoky charcoal-grilled pork belly slices or juicy lamb chops, or opt for lighter options like char-grilled corn on the cob or vegetable medley with balsamic glaze. Whatever you choose, these recipes are sure to elevate your outdoor cooking game and provide plenty of delicious moments for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
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