Grilled Recipes Perfect for Weekend BBQs

🔥 Grilled Recipes Perfect for Weekend BBQs

Whether you're cooking for a crowd or firing up the barbecue just for fun, grilling is the ultimate weekend ritual. The sizzle of meat hitting hot grates, the aroma of smoky marinades, and the joy of eating under the open sky make BBQs more than just a meal — they’re a lifestyle.

This ultimate guide to grilled recipes is packed with mouth-watering classics, unique flavour combos, and easy-prep ideas. You’ll find recipes for meats, veggies, sides, marinades, sauces, and even desserts, all geared toward your next backyard BBQ.

🍗 CHAPTER 1: Grilled Meats – The Heart of Every BBQ

1.1 Grilled Chicken Thighs with Smoky Paprika Rub

Ingredients:

• 1 kg bone-in chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Combine all spices and rub with olive oil over chicken.

2. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight preferred).

3. Grill skin side down over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, then flip.

4. Grill another 6 minutes until internal temp hits 75°C.

5. Serve with fresh lemon.

Why it works: Smoky paprika adds charred depth and pairs well with juicy dark meat.

1.2 Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• 10 drumsticks

• 3 tbsp honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• Chilli flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix marinade and let chicken soak 3–4 hours.

• Grill on medium heat, basting with extra marinade.

• Cook until caramelised and golden (internal temp 75°C).

Tip: Use indirect heat to avoid burning the honey.

1.3 Spicy Grilled Lamb Chops

Ingredients:

• 8 lamb chops

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• 1 tsp chilli powder

• Salt, pepper

• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

• Mix marinade and coat chops well.

• Let rest 30 mins at room temp.

• Grill over high heat 3–4 mins per side.

1.4 Beef Skewers with Chimichurri

Ingredients:

• 500g sirloin, cubed

• 1 red capsicum

• 1 zucchini

• Salt, pepper, olive oil

Chimichurri:

• Parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, oregano

Instructions:

• Skewer beef and veg. Season and grill.

• Brush chimichurri just before serving.

1.5 Grilled Sausages with Mustard Slaw

A BBQ classic! Choose gourmet sausages (beef, pork or chicken), grill them until charred and juicy, then serve with homemade mustard coleslaw and buns.

🥗 CHAPTER 2: Grilled Vegetables & Meatless Mains

2.1 Charred Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 6 corn cobs

• 2 tbsp butter

• Fresh parsley, thyme, chives

Instructions:

• Grill corn with husk on for smoky flavour.

• Peel and brush with herb butter to serve.

2.2 Grilled Paneer Tikka

Ingredients:

• 250g paneer, cubed

• ½ cup yoghurt

• Turmeric, garam masala, ginger garlic paste

• Capsicum, onion

Instructions:

• Marinate paneer and veggies.

• Skewer and grill till slightly charred.

• Serve with mint chutney.

2.3 Grilled Portobello Burgers

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms

• Balsamic vinegar

• Olive oil

• Burger buns, toppings of choice

Instructions:

• Marinate mushrooms 15 mins.

• Grill until soft and juicy.

• Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, and aioli.

2.4 BBQ Veggie Platter (Zucchini, Capsicum, Eggplant)

• Slice and brush veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Grill on medium-high for 2–3 minutes per side.

• Serve with tzatziki or hummus.

🧂 CHAPTER 3: Marinades & Rubs to Elevate Flavour

3.1 Classic BBQ Marinade

• Ketchup

• Brown sugar

• Worcestershire sauce

• Apple cider vinegar

• Garlic, smoked paprika

Perfect for chicken, pork, or beef.

3.2 Yogurt Herb Marinade (For Lamb or Chicken)

• Greek yogurt

• Mint

• Coriander

• Garlic

• Lemon juice

3.3 Indian Tandoori Marinade

• Yogurt

• Kashmiri red chilli

• Ginger garlic paste

• Garam masala

• Mustard oil

Gives a fiery, red hue perfect for tikkas or kebabs.

🥖 CHAPTER 4: Grilled Sides & Salads

4.1 Grilled Garlic Bread

• Slice crusty bread

• Brush with garlic butter

• Grill until crispy

Serve hot with any meat or veggie main.

4.2 Watermelon & Feta Salad (Fresh BBQ Contrast)

• Cubed watermelon

• Crumbled feta

• Mint leaves

• Balsamic glaze

Serve cold with hot grilled foods.

4.3 Grilled Pineapple with Chilli & Lime

• Slice pineapple rings

• Sprinkle chilli powder & lime juice

• Grill 2 mins per side

• Serve warm or cold

4.4 Charred Sweet Potato Wedges

• Parboil wedges

• Grill and sprinkle with smoked paprika + sea salt

• Serve with aioli or garlic mayo

🍨 CHAPTER 5: Surprising BBQ Desserts

5.1 Grilled Bananas with Chocolate

• Slice bananas lengthwise

• Grill cut-side down

• Drizzle with melted chocolate and crushed nuts

5.2 BBQ Peach Halves with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Halve peaches and grill

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and crushed nuts

5.3 Grilled Pound Cake with Berries

• Slice cake and grill lightly

• Top with whipped cream, grilled strawberries or blueberries

🍹 CHAPTER 6: Drinks & Dips to Pair with Grilled Feasts

6.1 Minty Lemon Spritz

• Soda water

• Lemon juice

• Crushed mint

• Ice

6.2 Smoky Tomato Salsa

• Grilled tomatoes

• Onion

• Jalapeños

• Lime

• Salt

Perfect with grilled meats or nachos.

6.3 Yogurt Raita with Cucumber

• Grated cucumber

• Yogurt

• Roasted cumin

• Salt & pepper

Cool pairing for spicy BBQ foods.

⏱️ CHAPTER 7: Time-Saving Tips for Weekend BBQ Prep

• Marinate a day ahead – allows better flavour absorption.

• Pre-chop veggies and skewer meats in advance.

• Use two zones on the grill – one for direct sear, another for gentle cooking.

• Keep sauces and dips chilled in a cooler until serving time.

• Grill fruits last while the grill cools slightly.

🌿 CHAPTER 8: Vegetarian & Vegan BBQ Tips

• Use sturdy veggies like mushrooms, sweet potato, eggplant

• Add protein with tofu or tempeh – marinate well

• Glaze with BBQ sauce for smoky, sweet finish

• Use foil wraps or grill baskets to avoid sticking

🌎 CHAPTER 9: Global Grilling Styles to Explore

9.1 Indian BBQ

• Tandoori chicken

• Seekh kebabs

• Paneer tikka

9.2 American Style BBQ

• Sticky ribs

• Burgers

• Classic hotdogs with toppings bar

9.3 Middle Eastern

• Chicken shawarma skewers

• Grilled halloumi

• Garlic yoghurt dip

9.4 Mexican Grill

• Chipotle chicken

• Grilled corn (Elote)

• Spicy salsa & tortillas

🧑‍🍳 Final Thoughts

Grilling is more than just a method — it’s an experience. Whether you’re sizzling spicy kebabs, flipping burgers, or charring up sweet fruit, BBQs bring people together. These weekend-friendly recipes are easy, exciting, and bursting with bold, charred flavour.

Make your next backyard gathering delicious and memorable with this treasure trove of grilled recipes. Don’t forget the cold drink in one hand and a pair of tongs in the other. Happy grilling! 🔥