Grilling season is just around the corner, bringing with it the promise of mouthwatering barbecued delights. Here we bring you a collection of budget-friendly BBQ recipes that won’t break the bank, but will satisfy your palate.
1. Savory Grilled Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs make for a budget-friendly and incredibly flavorful dish. Coupled with the smoky flavor of the grill, it’s a recipe for success.
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs with this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 7 minutes, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Grilled Veggie Kebabs
A colorful and healthy side, these veggie kebabs are a must-try. Choose your favorite veggies or follow our suggestions for a delightful combo.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut the vegetables into chunks and thread them onto skewers.
- Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, then brush this mixture onto the skewers.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and slightly charred.
3. BBQ Pulled Jackfruit
A perfect choice for vegans and those wanting to cut down on meat, pulled jackfruit is a surprisingly good substitute for pulled pork and works wonderfully on the grill. It’s a unique, budget-friendly BBQ dish that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of green jackfruit in water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Remove any seeds and cut the chunks into thinner pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft.
- Add the jackfruit, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes, until the jackfruit is tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the shredded jackfruit for about 5 minutes on each side, until it’s slightly charred.
- Serve it on buns with coleslaw for a fantastic BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich.
4. Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob, and grilling them adds a whole new level of flavor. This recipe adds a tangy and spicy twist with chili lime butter.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- Zest of one lime
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until cooked and slightly charred, about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, lime zest, chili powder, and salt.
- Slather the grilled corn with the chili lime butter and serve.
5. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Mushrooms are an excellent meat substitute, offering a hearty texture and deep flavor. Grilled Portobello mushrooms are versatile, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
Ingredients:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Use a spoon to scrape out the gills.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Brush the mushroom caps with the balsamic mixture. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the mushrooms for about 5 minutes on each side, until they are tender.
- Serve the grilled Portobello mushrooms as a side dish or as a meatless burger option.
6. Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Lime
Sweet, juicy, and slightly caramelized grilled pineapple is a perfect dessert for your BBQ party. The honey and lime glaze adds a delightful zing to this tropical fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple, cut into rings
- 1/4 cup honey
- Zest and juice of one lime
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the pineapple rings for about 3 minutes on each side, until they have grill marks.
- During the last minute of grilling, brush the pineapple rings with the honey and lime glaze.
- Serve the grilled pineapple as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet ending to your BBQ party.
Whether you’re an experienced griller or a beginner, these budget-friendly recipes are a surefire way to please a crowd without breaking the bank. Remember, BBQing is all about having fun and enjoying good food with your loved ones. Happy grilling!
