Backyard Cooking: Outdoor Summer Recipe Roundup

On a summer evening in Houston, few things are more satisfying than sitting down to a freshly grilled backyard dinner. And why restrict yourself to just grilling steaks? A versatile grill like the Big Green Egg can cook everything from meat to vegetables and even pizza! Try something new for dinner tonight.

Have you experimented with recipes perfect for your backyard grill? Why not get started tonight? Check out these mouthwatering summer recipes! #Creekstone #backyardlife #recipes Share on X

Easy Summer Weeknight Dinners

Some of these recipes require a little prep ahead of time, but every single one is remarkably easy and quick to prepare. Whip up some smoky, tasty treats with one of these delicious recipes:

  1. Grilled oysters
  2. Beer glazed beef ribs
  3. Smoked chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo
  4. Grilled pizza
  5. Grilled tilapia with pineapple salsa
  6. Stuffed burgers
  7. Tequila lime grilled chicken
  8. Kabobs
  9. Honey soy grilled pork chops
  10. Grilled veggies

1) Grilled Oysters

These savory, buttery oysters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for a big event or a casual home dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 12 fresh oysters
  • 6 tbsp butter mixed with roasted garlic, basil, and parsley
  • 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Directions:

Your Big Green Egg will need to cook the oysters at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Shuck the oysters and discard the flat top of the shell, keeping the bowl-shaped bottom half. Place the bowl-shaped shells on a perforated cooking grid. Add half a tablespoon of softened butter to each oyster. Place the grid inside your heated Big Green Egg grill and close the lid, letting the oysters cook for about 4 minutes or until bubbly. Serve the oysters garnished with lemon slices and chives.

2) Beer Glazed Beef Ribs

These ribs need a long time to cook, but all the waiting will be worth it at dinnertime!

Ingredients:

  • 1 5-6 lb rack of short ribs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 6 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bottle dark beer of your choice

Directions:

Preheat the Big Green Egg to 265 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the membrane from the ribs and brush them in olive oil. Season them with the garlic, salt, and pepper. Place in the Egg with the meat facing up for 2 hours, then flip and cook for 1 more hour. Pour the beer into a shallow heat-proof pan, place the ribs in the beer, and cover with foil. Place the pan back into the Egg for 3 more hours. Serve whole garnished with your favorite barbecue sauce.

3) Smoked Chicken Sandwiches with Chipotle Mayo

This recipe is provided courtesy of Chef Billy Parisi in partnership with Creekstone. You can find more details about this recipe on his website.

Ingredients:

  • For the chicken
    • 6 fresh chicken breasts
    • 3 tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
    • 1 ½ tsp onion powder
    • 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
    • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
    • 1 tsp ground mustard
    • ¼ tsp ground ginger
    • ¼ tsp chili powder
    • ¼ tsp chipotle powder
    • ¼ tsp paprika

Mix the herbs and spices together and rub over all sides of each chicken breast. Cover the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 48 hours. Smoke on your Big Green Egg for about 2 hours or until cooked all the way through. Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil and set aside for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

  • For the chipotle mayo
    • 2 cups mayonnaise
    • 3 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
    • 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients together until well-combined. Store in the fridge until it’s time to make the sandwiches.

  • Sandwich garnishes
    • 3 sliced heirloom tomatoes
    • 1 head butter leaf lettuce
    • 2 thinly sliced avocados
    • 2 cups packed shredded kale
    • 24 strips bacon, cooked to taste
    • 1 lb thinly sliced ham
    • 12 fried eggs, cooked to taste
    • 12 slices mozzarella cheese
    • 12 slices pepper jack cheese
    • 12 toasted sesame seed buns

Spread a thin layer of mayo on the inside half of each top bun. Add however much ham, chicken, and cheese you wish to the bottom buns and melt under a broiler. Stack the vegetables on the top bun. Once the cheese has melted, combine both halves for a completed sandwich. This recipe makes about 12 sandwiches.

4) Grilled Pizza

The smoky flavor of a grilled pizza is the perfect end to a Friday night!

Ingredients:

  • Enough pizza dough for a large pizza (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • However many toppings you like: sauce, cheese, meat, veggies, etc.

Directions:

Roll out the pizza dough and drizzle with olive oil and salt. Grill the dough for 2 minutes. Add your toppings and cook another 2-5 minutes or until done.

5) Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa

Combine sweet and savory flavors with tilapia hot off the grill!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tilapia fillet per person
  • 2 cups fresh cubed pineapple
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped green pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 4 tsp lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

Mix the pineapple, onions, green pepper, cilantro, salt, and lime juice and refrigerate. Grill tilapia over medium heat until done. Serve spread with salsa.

6) Stuffed Burgers

Stuff a burger patty with cheese, bacon, veggies, or other fillings for a savory surprise.

Ingredients:

  • 1 raw burger patty per person (or enough raw ground beef to make the patties yourself)
  • 1 oz filling per patty: bacon bits, cheese, onions, peppers, etc.

Directions:

If using ground beef, shape the beef into patties. Press the center of each patty down and work the meat into a bowl-like shape. Fill each hollow with about 1 oz of filling. Make a “cap” with the remaining meat and press it onto the top of each patty to seal it shut. Grill burgers until well-done.

7) Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken

This chicken may require some preparation in advance, but the result is well worth it.

Backyard Cooking: Outdoor Summer Recipe Roundup, Creekstone Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

Ingredients:

  • 8 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup tequila
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 4 limes
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 4 tbsp agave nectar
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Mix tequila, olive oil, lime juice, salt, onion powder, agave nectar, and cilantro to make a marinade. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they’re completely covered, and let them marinate in the fridge for 2-8 hours. Grill the chicken on medium heat until its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Marinating meat or veggies overnight before grilling brings an extra dimension of flavor to your dish. Experiment to find your favorite marinade!

8) Kabobs

Kabobs are an ideal dinner for picky eaters. With a huge list of potential ingredients and seasonings, everyone can build a kabob they’ll love!

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 oz meat per person (chicken, beef, or fish are all excellent choices)
  • Enough of your favorite marinades to treat all the meat
  • 2 lbs chopped veggies (tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, baby potatoes, corn, etc.)

Directions:

If using meat, marinate it overnight ahead of time. Choose your ingredients and slide them securely onto the skewer. Grill over direct heat for 10-15 minutes or until done.

9) Honey Soy Grilled Pork Chops

Another recipe that requires marinating, this one promises sweet, juicy results.

Ingredients:

  • 8 pork chops
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper flakes to make a marinade. Submerge the pork chops in the marinade and allow to sit overnight in the fridge. Grill 8 minutes per side, remove from heat, and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

10) Grilled Veggies

There’s no shortage of grilling recipes for meat-eaters, but what about vegetarians? Fortunately, your grill can cook up some smoky, delicious veggies for anyone who wants them!

Ingredients:

  • 1-1.5 cups veggies per person (corn, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, asparagus, potatoes, etc.)
  • Enough of your favorite marinade to cover all the veggies (if marinating)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Enough olive oil to coat all the veggies (if not marinating)

Directions:

If you choose to marinate the vegetables ahead of time, wash and chop them to the desired size. Prepare your marinade, submerge the veggies, and leave them in the fridge overnight. Grill until tender-crisp and serve hot.

If you’d rather not marinate the vegetables, you don’t need to do as much preparation ahead of time. Wash and chop your vegetables to the desired size. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper until completely coated. Grill until tender-crisp and serve hot.

Summer Dinners for the Win!

Professional and amateur chefs alike will love the chance to grill something amazing on a warm summer evening. Experiment with different ingredients and proportions to find your favorite go-to recipe. Meanwhile, enjoy impressing your family with your newfound skills!

Join the conversation for more recipe ideas and outdoor cooking tips.

8 Delicious Outdoor Grill Recipes

As social distancing measures continue and people are stuck at home, homeowners are coming up with more creative ways to pass the extra time they now have. Some are learning a new language or taking up a new hobby. Others are reviving old hobbies or trying to get better at them. If you’re looking for ways to pass the time, why not practice your outdoor cooking skills? Fire up the grill and give these flavorful recipes a try!

An outdoor grilling session is the perfect way to pass time and get better at your cooking skills! Try out these recipes for a delicious dinner. #Creekstone Share on X

What’s on the Menu?

The most commonly grilled dishes involve meat, especially beef, but your grill is far more versatile than that. You can serve up everything from standard beef dishes to seafood and even grilled desserts! Find your new favorite grilled dish here:

  1. Lemon grilled shrimp kabobs
  2. Chili rubbed ribs
  3. Salsa steak
  4. Java pepper steak
  5. Grilled pizza
  6. Cheesy potatoes
  7. Campfire cobbler
  8. Grilled fruit

1) Lemon Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ lemon zest
  • 1 lb shrimp
  • Cherry tomatoes (as many as you’d like)
  • Sliced onions (as many as you’d like)

Mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest into a marinade, and let your shrimp and vegetables marinate for several hours or overnight. Thread everything onto barbecue skewers, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill on each side for approximately 3 minutes.

2) Chili Rubbed Ribs

  • 6 lbs ribs
  • 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 3 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Dry rub the ribs with all these seasonings and refrigerate covered for half an hour. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and grill over indirect heat for an hour and a half. Finally, mix together your glaze over medium heat for 6-8 minutes:

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2-3 cup ketchup
  • 1-3 cup lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tsp fresh grated ginger

Unwrap the ribs, rub them with the glaze, and cook over direct heat for 30 minutes or until nicely browned.

3) Salsa Steak

  • 4 portions of steak (size can vary)
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 small cucumber, chopped
  • Half yellow capsicum, diced
  • 4 tbsp coriander, chopped
  • 1 tbsp seeded mustard
  • Olive oil to brush steak

Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil and sear each side, 2-3 minutes for boneless cuts and 3-4 minutes for cuts with bones. For a medium or well done steak, lower the heat to medium and leave for an extra 1-2 minutes. Once the steak is cooked to your preferences, remove from heat and cover for about 2 minutes to settle. While you’re waiting on the steak, mix up your salsa ingredients. Serve on the side.

4) Java Pepper Steak

  • 1.5 lb tenderloin steak
  • 4 tsp finely ground coffee
  • 4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • Salt to taste

Preheat your grill and while you wait for it to heat up, place all ingredients in a freezer bag and seal it shut. Shake the bag until the steak is evenly coated in the seasonings. Grill the steak to your preferred level.

Pro Tip: For an especially flavorful steak, rub it with spices and let it sit in the fridge overnight before grilling.

5) Grilled Pizza

  • Naan bread or pitas, one for each serving
  • Olive oil to brush crusts
  • Pizza toppings of choice

Brush both sides of the naan or pitas with olive oil and grill for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, add your pizza toppings, and return them to the grill until the cheese has completely melted.

6) Cheesy Potatoes

  • 2 ½ lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium onion
  • 5 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 6 slices American cheese

Mix all ingredients except the cheese together and spread over a large piece of foil. Fold the foil tightly around the potatoes and grill for 15 minutes on each side. Open the foil and lay the cheese slices over the potatoes. Cover again and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

7) Campfire Cobbler

  • 2 cans of fruit pie filling
  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • ½ cup canola oil

Line a Dutch oven with aluminum foil and pour in both cans of fruit pie filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the cake mix, water, and oil. Spread the mix over the pie filling. Cook on the grill for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is browned.

8) Grilled Fruit

8 Delicious Outdoor Grill Recipes, Creekstone Outdoor Living, Spring, TX

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ tbsp vanilla
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 6 tbsp honey
  • Handful of lavender flowers
  • 6 figs, halved
  • 3 large fruits: peaches, plums, apricots, etc., halved
  • Olive oil to brush fruit

Brush your halved fruits with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Grill the fruit until nice grill marks form. Meanwhile, combine yogurt, lemon zest, and vanilla into a tangy sauce. Serve fruit with a dollop of yogurt, drizzled honey, flower garnish, and sliced figs.

Brush Up on Your Grill Skills

Few things are more comforting than a hot home-cooked meal prepared on your own grill. And what better way is there to stay fresh on your cooking skills? Give these recipes a try and serve up a great dinner tonight!

Connect with us for more recipes and cooking tricks for your grill.