It’s May, and you know what that means? Time to dust off the grill, fire up the coals, and gather your loved ones for some delicious barbecuing. National BBQ Month is upon us, a glorious celebration of smoky flavours, perfectly grilled meats, and the joy of outdoor gatherings.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a grill newbie, this National BBQ month May is the perfect opportunity to expand your barbecue repertoire. We’ve compiled a list of must-try recipes that are guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds and impress your guests. From classic fall-off-the-bone ribs to unexpected grilled delights, we have something for everyone. So, grab your tongs, get ready to fire up the grill, and let’s make this National BBQ Month one to remember.
Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Blueberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
This recipe takes classic ribs to a new level with a sweet and smoky blueberry chipotle BBQ sauce. The chipotle peppers add a touch of heat that is balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the blueberries.
Preparation Time:
40 min
Ingredients:
- Smoked Baby Back Ribs
- Blueberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Grill the smoked baby back ribs for 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Brush the blueberry chipotle BBQ sauce over the ribs, coating them completely.
- Continue grilling for another 5-10 minutes until the ribs are caramelised and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the barbecue and let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving.
Macros:
- Total Calories: Calories: 670 kcal
- Carbs: Carbs: 66g
- Proteins: Proteins: 28g
- Fats: Fats: 34g
Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi of National BBQ month
Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made with thin slices of marinated beef. It’s perfect for grilling and can be served with rice, lettuce wraps, or in a bun.
Preparation Time:
40 min
Ingredients:
- 500g of Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of sesame seeds
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat the barbecue over medium-high heat.
- Add vegetable oil to the barbecue and heat it up.
- Add the Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi to the barbecue and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Add the onion, red bell pepper, spring onions, and garlic to the barbecue with the beef and stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle the stir-fry with sesame seeds and stir to combine.
- Serve the Bulgogi Beef stir-fry over cooked rice.
- Garnish with additional sliced spring onions if desired.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbs: 15g
- Proteins: 40g
- Fats: 20g
Grilled Jerk Chicken of National BBQ month
Jerk chicken is a Jamaican dish that is marinated in a spicy jerk sauce. It’s a great option for those who like their food with a kick.
Preparation Time:
60 min
Ingredients:
- Grilled Jerk Chicken
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Season the grilled jerk chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil to make the marinade.
- Brush the marinade over the seasoned jerk chicken.
- Place the jerk chicken on the barbecue and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favourite side dishes.
BBQ Jackfruit Nachos
This vegetarian option is perfect for those who are looking for a plant-based BBQ dish. Jackfruit is a great meat substitute that has a similar texture to pulled pork.
Preparation Time
40 min
Ingredients:
- 400g of BBQ jackfruit
- 200g of tortilla chips
- 150g of grated cheese
- 1 cup of black beans
- 1 diced tomato
- 1 finely chopped red onion
- 1 sliced jalapeno
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the barbecue to medium heat.
- Spread the tortilla chips on a large sheet of aluminium foil.
- Top the tortilla chips with BBQ jackfruit, black beans, grated cheese, diced tomato, red onion, and sliced jalapeno.
- Carefully transfer the foil with the prepared nachos onto the barbecue grill and cover with the lid.
- Allow the nachos to cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the foil from the barbecue and transfer the nachos to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with sour cream and serve immediately.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 320kcal
- Carbs: 40g
- Proteins: 10g
- Fats: 15g
Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon and Mint Salad
Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese that is perfect for grilling. It has a high melting point so it won’t fall apart on the grill. This recipe pairs grilled halloumi with a refreshing watermelon and mint salad.
Preparation Time:
45 min
Ingredients:
- Grilled Halloumi
- Watermelon
- Mint
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Cut the watermelon into cubes and finely chop the mint leaves.
- Thread the halloumi onto skewers and brush with olive oil.
- Grill the halloumi on the barbecue for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, chopped mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the salad ingredients well.
- Serve the grilled halloumi with the watermelon and mint salad on the side.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 275 kcal
- Carbs: 8g
- Proteins: 15g
- Fats: 20g
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With so many amazing BBQ recipes out there, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy this National BBQ Month.
Planning Your National BBQ Month Celebration
- Variety is Key: When planning your menu, choose a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes. Include a mix of proteins, vegetables, and side dishes to ensure there’s something for everyone at the party. BBQ classics like pulled pork, burgers, and hot dogs are always a hit, but don’t be afraid to experiment with some of the trending recipes mentioned above or other unique options like jerk chicken or glazed pork belly.
- Don’t Forget the Sides: No BBQ is complete without delicious sides! Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese are all classic BBQ sides that are always a hit. You can also add some variety with options like grilled vegetables, potato wedges, or fresh summer salads.
- Drinks for Everyone: Have plenty of drinks on hand to keep your guests hydrated and refreshed. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are always popular choices. You can also offer iced tea, lemonade, or flavoured water for a non-alcoholic option.
- Ambiance is Important: Create a relaxing atmosphere with music and comfortable seating. String lights, outdoor games, and cosy seating areas can all help create a fun and inviting space for your guests to enjoy the festivities.
- Most Importantly, Have Fun This is a time to celebrate good food, good company, and the joys of summer. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of your friends and family! National BBQ Month is all about creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Fire up the grill and get ready to sizzle! With this range of recipes, from classic favourites to unexpected delights, National BBQ Month in 2024 is sure to be a delicious adventure. So grab your favourite grill tools, invite your loved ones over, and get ready to create memories (and mouthwatering meals) that will last all year long.
