7 Delicious Outdoor Meal Ideas

Outdoors is the only place to be when the good weather sets in for the warmest months of the year. It’s too hot to fire up the oven or stay inside a stuffy kitchen. There’s no better time to become a grill master. You don’t have to limit yourself to burgers and dogs. Enjoy the fresh air as you discover new favorites that can be prepared outside.

Make it Simple with Shrimp on the Barbie

Get a taste of an Australian favorite when you slip fresh shrimp on skewers on your grill. You’ll have a pound of shrimp ready to eat in about fifteen minutes. Peel them and leave the tail on. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper before grilling them at medium heat. Flip them a few times. You’ll only need five to ten minutes. To spice things up, whip up a sauce that is a blend of garlic, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and soy sauce. Coat your shrimp with sauce, switch them to a pan, and add more sauce. Give them no more than five minutes on the grill in a pan while still on medium heat. Serve with a tossed salad for a light, tasty meal.

Break Out the Chops

There’s more than one way to cook a pork chop. Skip the oven by switching to the grill. The first step is to get bone-in chops. Plan on preparing them the night before or early in the day. Blend cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and brown sugar for a dry rub. Thoroughly coat all of your chops before placing them in the fridge for at least three hours. You’ll place them on your grill after pre-heating it to medium-high. Flip your chops frequently. They’ll be ready in about ten minutes. Season green beans or carrots to your tastes and wrap them in aluminum foil for a healthy side.

Bring Pizza Night to the Backyard

Pizza is a favorite all year round. You don’t have to be stuck inside when you want to make a mouthwatering pie. You’ll feel like you have moved the pizzeria to your patio when you have the right outdoor cooking equipment. Once you get the hang of cooking with an outdoor pizza oven, you’ll skip your local delivery service. Begin by warming your oven to approximately 800 degrees. You can either make your dough or purchase ready-made dough at the grocery store. Watch the size of your pie. It should be at least two inches smaller in diameter than the size of your ovens. Use your favorite toppings. Watch your pizza carefully because it will cook between a minute and a half and four minutes. Break out some fresh veggies and you’re set.

Experiment with a Variety of Kababs

Kababs are a top pick for many households for a light summer meal. Purchase metal skewers that can be reused time and again as you sample different variations. Sweet potatoes and chicken is one way to go. You can also have your sausage, peppers, and onions on a stick instead of in the crockpot. Tofu with slices of zucchini and chunks of tomato is a great vegetarian option. Serve on a bed or rice that has been prepared in a pot on the grill to keep the burners turned off on the stove.

Toss Your Corn On the Grill

Most people boil corn on the cob. Grilling it will give you a taste sensation. You can dress it up with garlic and butter, basil and pesto, or chili powder, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve it with a variety of cold salads when you feel like skipping the meat.

Sample Your Broccoli and Beef Stir Fry Outside

You’ll need a skillet you can use on your grill. You’ll need to heat oil in the pan ahead of time. Toss in your sliced flank steak on high for a few minutes. Add your broccoli next on medium heat for a couple of minutes. The last step is to add a sauce of your choosing. Garlic, honey, and soy sauce are a good blend to pump up the flavor.

Enjoy a Cobb Salad

Cobb salad is a popular choice in restaurants. You can enjoy it at home. Prepare hard-boiled eggs earlier in the day. You can boil them in a pot outside or inside. Grill your chicken breast, cut it into thin slices, and chill in the fridge. Fry four to six slices of bacon on the grill in a skillet. Let it cool when done. Prepare an assortment of vegetables for your salad and top with bits of bacon, chicken, and sliced egg. Top off with your favorite dressing. It’s a filling and healthy alternative for dinner or lunch.

Outdoor cooking doesn’t have to be boring. It will make your life easier when you don’t want to be tied to a hot stove. Pick recipes that are fast and simple so you can relax.