Summer is made for grilling (and smoking)—and this year, it’s time to bring your BBQ game to the next level!
Here you’ll find 10 of my go-to recipes for the summer grilling season. From juicy steaks and tender ribs to smoky seafood and bold international flavors, these dishes are simple to prepare and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor!
1. Candied Smoked Salmon Bites
These Candied Smoked Salmon Bites are sweet, smoky, and completely irresistible!
They’re made by coating chunks of salmon in a maple-brown sugar glaze, then slowly smoking them until tender, glossy, and caramelized at the edges. The result is bite-sized BBQ gold—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a smoked seafood platter.
Because they’re smoked low and slow, they absorb tons of flavor while staying moist and buttery on the inside. Serve them as-is, or pair with cream cheese and crackers for an elevated bite that’ll impress any guest.
These bites are proof that great BBQ doesn’t always have to mean ribs or brisket—sometimes, the best things come in small, smoky packages!
2. Bavette Steak with Chimichurri
If you’re looking to grill steak this summer, Bavette Steak should be at the top of your list!
Sometimes called flap steak, bavette is a flavorful, tender cut that soaks up marinades beautifully and cooks quickly over high heat—making it ideal for fast, satisfying grilling.
This recipe brings out the best in the cut with a simple marinade and just the right amount of char. Slice it thin against the grain, and you’ll be rewarded with juicy, beefy flavor that rivals any ribeye—for a fraction of the price.
3. Chinese Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ready to switch things up? This Chinese Grilled Pork Tenderloin is lean, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Marinated in a savory-sweet mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and hoisin, the pork gets infused with bold umami and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Pork tenderloin is quick to cook and incredibly versatile. Slice it and serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a healthy summer meal with serious flavor payoff.
It’s one of those no-fuss, big-reward recipes that will quickly earn a spot in your weekly grilling rotation.
4. Foil-Wrapped Ribs on a Gas Grill
No smoker? No problem. These Foil-Wrapped Ribs prove you can get tender, flavorful, fall-off-the-bone results right on a gas grill!
Using foil locks in moisture while slow-cooking the ribs, making them incredibly juicy without the need for constant babysitting.
A dry rub brings deep, smoky flavor, and a final baste of BBQ sauce gives that irresistible sticky finish. It’s a foolproof method that’s perfect for weekend cookouts when you want big BBQ energy without the long smoke times.
Pair them with grilled corn and slaw, and you’ve got a backyard feast that’ll rival any BBQ joint!
5. Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor, these Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks are a BBQ classic done right. The drumsticks are seasoned with a bold dry rub, then smoked low and slow until perfectly tender with a bite-through skin and rich smoky flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just craving some backyard comfort food, these drumsticks are a hit with both kids and adults—and they’re super easy to make on any pellet grill.
Serve them with grilled veggies or classic BBQ sides like baked beans and coleslaw for a no-fail summer meal.
6. Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Bring the island heat to your grill with Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken!
This recipe uses a bold marinade packed with spices, chili, garlic, lime, and herbs to infuse the chicken with deep, spicy-sweet Caribbean flavor. Grill it until slightly charred and juicy, and you’ve got a dish that’s both fiery and unforgettable.
Jerk chicken is perfect for cookouts and pairs beautifully with grilled pineapple, coconut rice, or a cooling yogurt dip.
It’s bold, it’s vibrant, and it brings major flavor to your summer BBQ lineup—don’t be surprised if it steals the show!
7. Grilled Pork Skewers
Simple, juicy, and bursting with flavor, these Grilled Pork Skewers are a backyard BBQ essential.
The pork is marinated in a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, and spices, then grilled until lightly charred and perfectly tender. It’s an easy recipe that’s big on flavor and great for feeding a crowd.
Skewers are perfect for casual cookouts, and this recipe works just as well with pork shoulder or tenderloin. Serve them on their own, or alongside grilled vegetables and dipping sauces for a build-your-own platter vibe.
These skewers bring that perfect balance of smoky, salty, and satisfying—ideal for laid-back summer meals.
8. Chinese Chicken on a Stick (Grilled Skewers)
Easy, flavorful, and always a hit—Chinese Chicken on a Stick brings takeout-inspired flavor straight to your grill.
These skewers are marinated in a sweet-and-savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, hoisin, and five-spice powder, then grilled until slightly charred and juicy.
They cook fast, making them perfect for feeding a crowd or throwing together on a busy weeknight. Plus, they look great on a platter and taste even better straight off the skewer.
Serve them with rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or as part of an Asian-inspired BBQ spread—they’re simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
9. Traeger Smoked Trout
Looking for something light yet deeply flavorful?
Traeger Smoked Trout is a fresh, flaky, and healthy option that delivers rich smokiness without the heaviness of traditional BBQ cuts. The trout is seasoned simply, then smoked to perfection over low heat until it flakes apart beautifully.
It’s ideal for warm-weather grilling and works great served chilled with lemon or flaked over a summer salad.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just want to add variety to your grilling lineup, this smoked trout is elegant, easy, and full of summery flavor.
10. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa
Light, quick, and bursting with coastal flavor, these Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a must for summer grilling!
Marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, the shrimp grill in just a few minutes—developing a slight char while staying tender and juicy inside.
They’re perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to surf-and-turf BBQ spreads. Serve them over rice, with grilled veggies, or as an appetizer with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Master Summer BBQ with Ease!
From smoky seafood and bold Caribbean chicken to tender pork skewers and sweet candied salmon bites, this summer BBQ lineup offers something for everyone.
These recipes are proof that great grilling doesn’t have to be complicated—just high-quality ingredients, solid technique, and a bit of creativity.
So let’s get the BBQ started, invite some friends over, and let the good food (and smoky aromas) roll!
-Joonas
