Grill Baby, Grill

Grilling is a versatile and delightful way to prepare a wide variety of foods, infusing them with smoky flavors that can only be achieved over an open flame. For a classic and crowd-pleasing option, start with traditional barbecue staples like burgers, hot dogs, and sausages. These meats cook quickly and develop a beautiful charred exterior while remaining juicy inside. Season your burgers with salt, pepper, and perhaps a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and top them with cheese slices during the last minute of grilling. Serve with fresh buns and a variety of condiments to please all palates.

Vegetables also shine when grilled, making them a perfect accompaniment or even a main dish. Popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus. To prepare, simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them on the grill. The high heat will caramelize their natural sugars, creating a delightful contrast of smoky and sweet flavors. For an added touch, sprinkle grilled veggies with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.

Seafood lovers will find grilling to be an excellent method for cooking fish and shellfish. Salmon, shrimp, and scallops are particularly well-suited to the grill. For fish, a marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and dill enhances its natural flavors. Shrimp and scallops benefit from a brief marination in olive oil, lemon zest, and a touch of chili flakes. Cook these delicate proteins over medium heat to avoid overcooking, and use a grill basket or skewers to keep them from falling through the grates.

Lastly, don’t forget to grill fruits for a sweet and smoky dessert. Pineapple, peaches, and watermelon develop an intensified sweetness when exposed to the grill’s heat. Simply slice the fruits and grill for a few minutes on each side until grill marks appear. For an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey. Grilled fruit can also be incorporated into savory dishes, like grilled peach and burrata salad, adding a unique and flavorful twist.