With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to dust off the grill and indulge in the delicious flavours of barbecue season. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, a family picnic, or a casual get-together with friends, these three mouthwatering BBQ recipes are sure to impress and delight your guests.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 lemons, juiced and zested
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
  4. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.

2. Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, dividing them evenly among the skewers.
  3. Place the shrimp skewers in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the shrimp skewers from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
  5. Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque.
  6. Once cooked, remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.

3. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

Ingredients:

  • Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and red onions), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the assorted vegetables with olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Thread the seasoned vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between different types of vegetables.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the vegetable skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
  4. Once cooked, remove the vegetable skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy as a flavorful and colourful side dish to complement your BBQ feast.

With these tantalizing BBQ recipes in your repertoire, you’re ready to kick off the spring and summer season with a sizzle. Whether you’re a grill master or a novice chef, these dishes are sure to elevate your outdoor gatherings and leave your guests craving more. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and indulge in the irresistible flavours of barbecue bliss. Happy grilling!