May 25, 2021

Spice Up Your Grill! A Collection of Great American Barbeque Dishes

As the days get longer and the temperatures start rising, many of us are itching to kick off the barbeque season. Firing up the grill is so much more than just making food - it’s about community, tradition, and comfort. The following recipes were crafted in different parts of the United States and are suitable for all sorts of occasions, whether it’s a family reunion or a chill barbeque to kickback with friends. Get the grill going and enjoy!

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Finally, the time has come: the winter days are behind us and the sun is coming out to play. What better way to celebrate than to fire up the grill? And why not serve something other than Bratwurst? Here are a variety of barbeque options that taste good and will make you look like the ultimate grillmaster. 

© Alaska Seafood

Grilling with Seafood

There are a lot of grill classics that can easily be reimagined with fish. Whether served whole – such as Alaska Salmon or Sea Bass – or as a delicate fillet, fish is always a much appreciated alternative to meat and just as tasty. One valuable piece of advice: Cut the whole fish crosswise before placing it on the grill to help prevent the skin from sticking to the grate.

Don’t know where to start? The Grilled Alaska Cod Fillet with oven-baked Root Vegetables is a delight which is prepared in no time. 

If you prefer fillets, it is recommended to wrap the fish in a closed piece of aluminum foil to keep the fish from falling apart. Fresh herbs and vegetables can be added to the foil to keep the fish particularly juicy. 

© Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

Full of flavor and an absolute showstopper, the grilled Wild Salmon with homemade BBQ-rub is a dish that only impresses.

The Rub keeps up to 2 months and is not only suitable for fish, but also for  Vegetables, such as peppers, courgettes, mushrooms and tomatoes. Simply double or triple the amount of ingredients and use for several barbecue events.

© Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

Fire Up the Veggies

Grilling vegetables is not just a vegetarian alternative, but a tasty opportunity for everyone. Bringing vegetables to the barbeque is anything but boring! Roasted bell peppers, corn on the cob, grilled cheese, vegetable skewers, and much more! The beauty of it all? You can mix and match your favorite foods while getting in your daily dose of veggies. 

An all-time favorite: Sweet potato stir-fry with chicken breast filets. This vibrant dish consists of sliced sweet potato, zucchini, eggplant, and red onion stacked together on a skewer.

Instead of frying the vegetables you can skip the oil and put them straight on the grill. 

© American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute

Grilled Chicken – A Lean Meat with Great Roasted Flavors

Did you know that the U.S. is one of the largest producers of food products in the world? According to the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, of all meat products available, chicken is the most popular amongst consumers. A popular reason may be that chicken is low in calories and high in protein. It is lower in both saturated fat and cholesterol compared to other meats, and is rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. *Source USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

Cooking chicken isn’t too difficult, but there are some things that should be considered when grilling a chicken. For one, chicken meat is very lean, which can cause it to quickly become too dry when cooked. When it comes to chicken thighs or wings, their shape can prevent the meat from lying flat on the grill, causing it to burn quickly on the outside, while staying undercooked on the inside. A common trick: marinate the meat. Whether you prefer a spicy sauce, such as Texas Pete Sultry Grilled Chicken from the Lone Star State, or a sweeter taste, marinating the chicken provides a great texture and tastes delicious! 

A beloved specialty in the U.S. is the Cornish hen. This type of chicken was originally brought over to the States from the Cornwall region of England and is crossbred with the Plymouth Rock hen. They are smaller in size and seem to always turn out just right. This recipe of a Roasted Cornish Hen is a hearty, yet somewhat fancy dinner that can be enjoyed with friends. Instead of the cooking in a pan, a closed BBQ seals the deal. 

T-Bone Steak, Brisket and Ribs – The Great BBQ Classics

Grilling beef is a bit of a science in and of itself. Different cuts require special treatment on the grill. When grilling beef, you want meat that is of good quality. Nicely grilled beef is not too lean and has a fine marbling. The fillet, rump steak, and entrecote cuts are good options for grilling. 

The grilled T-bone steak is such a delicacy that it is great for special occasions. This noble cut combines strong roast beef with a tender filet on a T-shaped bone. With a simple rub made of chili powder, garlic, and brown sugar, this Grilled T-Bone Steaks with BBQ Rub recipe is quite the treat. 

© National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

Bun, patty, sauce. When a 16-year-old American put a slice of cheese on his hamburger in his father’s restaurant, the cheeseburger, along with a worldwide food trend, was born. There is no right or wrong way to create your ideal cheeseburger. However, the classic American-style burger patty is made with ground beef. The beef should be fatty in order to ensure juicy burgers and prevent the patty from getting too dry or crumbling apart. Get inspired by this Classic Beef Cheeseburgers recipe and enjoy a barbeque favorite. Have a look and see how to make the perfect cheeseburger in a few steps.

© National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

Video
Video provided by The Marbled Meat Club

Of course, beef can also be enjoyed with a fresh green salad. This Beef Steak Salad with Dried Cherries nicely brings together tender sliced Sirloin Steak on a bed of fresh lettuce, topped with dried cherries, blue cheese, and California Walnuts

The Finishing Touches:  BBQ Rub & Marinades  

A great rub or marinade brings out the best in the meat.  If you are looking for a rub for your steaks and burgers then try out this Ranch Rub & Seasoning Mix made with sweet paprika and dried thyme. Want your steak to taste like you’re on the open range? Then the Cowboy Steak & Roast Rub may become your new favorite! 

© National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

Now to the marinade and sauces! A simple, yet game-changing recipe is the Cowboy Barbecue Marinade & Sauce.  Consisting of six simple pantry items, this sauce is a crowd pleaser that is so easy to make.

Bon Appetit!

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© National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)