10 GRILLING IDEAS & RECIPES: VEGGIES, MEAT & MORE
Seared meat, crispy vegetables and caramelized fruits are just some grilling ideas that bring out delicious flavors and textures. While grilling outdoors is always a popular option, you can also create mouthwatering recipes while grilling in your oven, especially if you have a KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ Grill Attachment. If you’re ready to learn more about what foods work best for grilling, get some inspiration with these grilling ideas that cover the basics and beyond.
GRILLED VEGGIES
While meat gets all the glory, grilling a vegetable truly transforms it. An open flame or high heat can quickly crisp up or carmelize vegetables, making them a delicious side or an essential element in their own dish.
1. ASPARAGUS, BROCCOLI, BROCCOLINI AND CAULIFLOWER
Asparagus tops, as well as broccoli and cauliflower florets, caramelize nicely on the grill, bringing out a nutty sweetness that pairs well with similar flavors.
HOW TO GRILL VEGETABLES
Trim the tough stems off the bottom to create crisp but tender results. Cut broccoli and cauliflower into florets or the cauliflower into slices. Cook asparagus and broccoli on direct heat, and cauliflower more slowly with indirect heat. Blanch these veggies briefly if you’re worried about burning them. You may want to use a grill basket on an outdoor grill to help prevent broccoli or cauliflower florets from falling through the grates. Asparagus and broccolini can be placed perpendicular to the grates. Adding a light spray or coating of oil can help prevent vegetables from sticking to the grill or grill basket.
GRILLED VEGETABLE RECIPES
A simple preparation of olive oil and salt is enough to make these vegetables shine. Spritz some lemon juice over the veggies after they are cooked to help bring their flavors to life. Parmesan, breadcrumbs and red pepper, which are best added after vegetables have been grilled, also work well with their natural nutty flavor, like in this Grilled Cauliflower with Lemony Breadcrumbs recipe. These vegetables also pair well with a mustard sauce, like the Mustard Infused Broccoli made with the KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ Grill Attachment. You can even make a sauce out of your grilled vegetables, like in this Pasta with Grilled Asparagus Pesto.
2. LEAFY GREENS
Grilling greens helps give them a crisp, caramelized, charred taste and texture that can add surprising flavor and depth to your next salad or side dish.
HOW TO GRILL GREENS
Choose greens with a solid core like romaine, cabbage, radicchio, endive, escarole or bok choy. Cut the heads of the lighter greens in half, making sure to conserve the core to hold the leaves together. The heavier greens like cabbage and radicchio can be cut in quarters. Brush the cut sides with some olive oil and cook them cut side down on very high heat for just a minute or two. You want to get a nice char but not overcook or completely wilt the greens.
LEAFY GREEN RECIPES
Grilled greens can be drizzled with a vinaigrette or compound butter, like this Grilled Romaine with Miso Butter recipe. A Caesar dressing with plenty of anchovy and lemon also pairs well with grilled romaine. Top any salad greens with cheese, tomatoes, croutons, or anything you would normally put on a salad, like Grilled Wedge Minis. Bok choy goes well with Asian-style sauces while radicchio can be drizzled with balsamic vinegar or mustard. Try brushing cabbage with a sweeter sauce like maple syrup for added caramelization.
3. SUMMER VEGETABLES
These vegetables are tastiest in the heart of summer, so they are a natural fit for the grill. Zucchini, tomatoes, peppers and corn are among the best veggies of the season for your table.
HOW TO GRILL SUMMER VEGETABLES
Kebabs are a classic for many summer vegetables. If you go this route, try to keep similar vegetables on the same skewer to help them cook evenly. For instance, zucchini and tomatoes cook slightly quicker than peppers. Grill baskets are another, potentially easier method than skewering individual veggies. When it comes to corn, grill with the husk on or off, but be sure to soak the cobs for at least 30 seconds if you’re grilling them with the husk on.
SUMMER VEGETABLE RECIPES
You may decide to grill a few batches of different summer vegetables to take full advantage of seasonal produce. Simply toss veggies in olive oil and salt or top them with a summery pesto. Compound butters are another way to experiment with summer vegetables and herbs, like this Char Grilled Corn with Three Butters. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are ideal for the grill.
GRILLED seafood
Elevate your cookout by grilling a whole lobster or Branzino. Replace your weeknight chicken with shrimp grilled on your grill pan or KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ Grill Attachment. Whatever your dinner plans, experimenting with seafood can seriously enhance your grilling skills.
4. FISH
The grill is a master at making the flavors of fish shine, but it can be intimidating. Fish can quickly overcook and sometimes stick to grill grates. Read on to help avoid these common mistakes and find some recipe inspiration.
HOW TO GRILL FISH
Whole fish or fatty steak fish like tuna, salmon and swordfish are easiest to grill directly on the grates without sticking. If you’re grilling thinner, lighter fish filets, you may want to try a grill basket or grill indoors on a grill pan. Another way to help avoid foods sticking to the grill is to thoroughly clean and lubricate the grill grates with oil.
Make sure not to put the fish on the grill until it is sufficiently hot. Putting it on prematurely could cause it to stick because it’s not searing fast enough. If you’re grilling whole fish, make parallel cuts an inch apart across the thickest part of the fish to help promote even cooking.
GRILLED FISH RECIPES
The delicate flavors of fish often benefit from a simple brush of olive oil and some salt before going on the grill. You can then add other sauces, salsas and purees like the Red Snapper with Green Harissa Sauce, Branzino with Lemon Salsa Verde, Red Snapper with White Bean Puree or Rainbow Trout and Rainbow Chard with Citrus Caper Relish. You can also grill fish filets to use in other dishes like salads, grain bowls or tacos like Fish Tacos with Watermelon Slaw.
5. Shellfish
Grilling shellfish helps lend a smoky flavor to the otherwise sweet, succulent meat. It’s a delicious option when cooking for a crowd while also being light, summery and ideal for dining al fresco.
HOW TO GRILL SHELLFISH
High heat is best for these delicate fish. Keeping the shells on can help keep them tender and seal in tasty juices, but removing the shell allows you to season shellfish directly. If you’re grilling without the shell on, make sure you’re watching closely and your grill is clean to avoid overcooking and sticking. If you’re cooking with the shell on, keep the grill lid on, so the whole piece of fish is surrounded with heat, especially if you’re grilling oysters or other mollusks.
GRILLED SHELLFISH RECIPES
If you’re grilling whole shellfish with the shell on, there’s no need to season the shell. Shellfish meat is delicious on its own or you can pair it with a sauce. Ingredients like lemon, butter, capers, white wine, garlic, red pepper and tomato all pair well with shellfish. Or you could spice things up with chilis like in the Whole Grilled Angry Lobster. Shrimp is an extremely versatile shellfish that can take on a variety of flavors or be added to other dishes like the Santa Fe Grilled Shrimp Salad and Creamy Zuccotash with Grilled Shrimp. If you don’t feel like firing up the outdoor grill, shrimp and scallops are quick and delicious on a grill pan or attachment like in this Citrus Marinated Scallops recipe.
GRILLED MEAT
Grilled meat is a perennial favorite that offers a spectrum of flavors and variations. From chicken, beef and pork, grilled meat recipes can be both innovative and satisfying.
HOW TO GRILL MEAT
Before grilling any kind of meat, brush it with a thin layer of oil before placing it on the grate. Another good practice is to grill under a lid, to help retain juices while shortening cooking times. And, as always, let the meat rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill to allow juices to redistribute inside the meat.
6. CHICKEN
Grilling chicken infuses it with a delightful smokiness, enhancing the natural flavor of the meat. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a casual meal outdoors, grilled chicken is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Its juicy tenderness and charred exterior make it perfect for summertime dining, offering a satisfying and light meal option.
GRILLED CHICKEN RECIPES
The lean meat of chicken is a popular grilling option, especially after it has been marinated. To start making these Thai Chicken Skewers, preheat your KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ Grill Attachment in GRILL mode and turn the skewers halfway through cooking. Serve the skewers by drizzling them with a marinade made from coconut milk, ginger, cilantro and lemongrass. For a spicier option, try the Grilled Wings with Charred Pepper Salsa, which can serve as a creative alternative to standard game day fare. This Tandoori Chicken with Cucumber Raita features a whole chicken that’s been marinated overnight and served alongside a cool, refreshing cucumber and yogurt sauce.
7. BEEF
Grilling beef elevates its rich flavor profile, creating a blend of savory and charred notes. Perfect for gatherings or intimate meals alike, grilled beef offers a hearty and satisfying option. Whether you prefer tender cuts like ribeye or leaner options like sirloin, the grill imparts a smoky essence that enhances every bite.
GRILLED BEEF RECIPES
Take a classic ribeye recipe to the next level in this Grilled Ribeye with Chimichurri, or elevate a hamburger recipe with the addition of flavorful chorizo to create Sirloin Chorizo Burgers that can pair well with toasted buns, lettuce and pepperjack cheese. A flavorful butter combination makes these T-Bone Steaks with Blue Cheese Butter an instant grilling favorite.
8. PORK
Grilling pork brings out its deliciously smoky essence, complementing its natural sweetness with a savory char. Whether it's a laid-back barbecue or a festive gathering, grilled pork serves as a versatile and universally appealing choice. From juicy pork chops to tender tenderloin, the grill adds depth and complexity to every cut. Light and flavorful, grilled pork is an excellent choice for al fresco dining, capturing the essence of summer with each succulent bite.
GRILLED PORK RECIPES
After 25 minutes in the Smart Oven+ Grill Attachment, this Spicy Pork Tenderloin with Avocado and Lime is a satisfying, lean dish that can augment your grilling repertoire. Add a kick of flavor to your basic pork chop recipe with this Cuban Grilled Pork Chop that features a lime, cilantro and cumin marinade.
Vegan Grilling
Grilling isn’t just for traditional meat; with the increased availability of plant-based proteins, meat substitutes are also popular grilling options. Many grilling recipes can be adapted to include foods like tofu, black bean burgers or seitan for a vegan-friendly meal.
9. VEGAN BURGERS
When grilling freshly made (not frozen) vegan burgers, follow the same rule for meat: avoid pressing down on the burger as it’s cooking to preserve the juiciness. Another great option for vegan burgers is using a large portobello mushroom, which replicates the thickness and savory flavor of a burger made with meat. When grilling tofu, stick with firmer tofu and be sure that you’ve drained the water from it before cooking.
VEGAN BURGER RECIPES
Vegan burger recipes offer a delicious and satisfying grilled option. Crafted from ingredients like vegetables, chickpeas, beans or even grains like quinoa, these burgers are packed with flavor. With endless possibilities for seasonings and toppings, vegan burgers cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you're a committed vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes provide a tasty alternative to traditional burgers.
Grilled Fruits and Desserts
Bring out a new dimension of sweet flavors by grilling fruits. Stone fruits like peaches and pears are a popular option, as they can hold their own when placed on a grill.
10. GRILLED FRUIT
Grilling fruit is a delightful way to enhance its natural sweetness and add a unique flavor to your favorite fruits. Before grilling, choose ripe but firm fruits that can withstand the heat without becoming mushy. Grilled fruits can be served as a healthy dessert, added to salads or paired with savory dishes for a delicious contrast of flavors. Explore a variety of fruits like pineapple, peaches, watermelon and even bananas for a refreshing and flavorful twist on your grilling menu.
HOW TO GRILL FRUIT
For best results when grilling fruit, make sure the pieces of fruit are large enough to fit over the grill bars and use high heat on the grill. Citrus fruits can benefit from a dusting of sugar before being placed on the grill, which can help them not to stick and often results in nice caramelization. Similar to grilling meats, avoid pressing down on fruits or moving them too much on the grill to help prevent juices from escaping.
GRILLED FRUIT RECIPES
Try out this Grilled Peaches with Tart Greek Yogurt recipe as a dessert to complete a meal of grilled meats and veggies. For a decadent grilled dessert option that still includes a fruit element, try the Grilled Pound Cake with Caramelized Banana, which features notes of dark rum, coconut and cinnamon for multi-faceted sweetness. These Grilled Apples with Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle contrast the tartness of apple flavors with the smokiness from the grill.
CAN YOU GRILL IN AN OVEN?
If you don’t have a grill outside, you can still create satisfying and innovative recipes by grilling inside your oven or by using other indoor grilling methods. You can start by rearranging your oven racks, placing a grill pan inside and then preheating your oven to 500°F. Once the oven has preheated, place the food items on the pan and flip halfway through cooking.
When using the KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ Grill Attachment, follow these steps for best results:
1. Insert the roll-out rack into the lowest rack position, then fully extend out the rack.
2. Put the Base Pan and Heating Element on the roll out rack and push the pan in until it fully locks into place.
3. Put the Grill on the Heating Element.
4. Finally, push the roll out rack fully into the oven. You will hear a tone and see an icon light up on your oven’s display when it’s fully in place.
GRILLING TIPS
Boneless chicken breast: start with the flatter side down
Boneless chicken breast: start with the flatter side down
Hamburger patties: use 80% lean or leaner for best results
Pizza: avoid too many toppings to prevent sogginess. Stick with pre-cooked or raw toppings that only need to be warmed.
Fruit: grill until both sides have char marks and the fruit is warm in the center. Avoid overcooking because this can make the fruit mushy.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® WALL OVENS TO FUEL YOUR CULINARY ADVENTURES
With the help of a KitchenAid® wall oven, you can multitask baking and grilling. With the new KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ 30” Single Oven with Powered Attachments you can grill, bake and steam with connected cooking that gives you the flexibility to tap your full culinary potential. Take your recipes to the next level with versatile features and innovations that inspire.
