Summer Grilling Recipes

I think we can consider it Summer, even though our morning temperatures are still dipping a bit here in Michigan. We've already grilled a lot with charcoal and gas this year, and I love meals that are cooked on the grill. Below I have some recipes for fish, beef and chicken plus vegetables. The grilled onions are good with just about anything, but especially the burgers. Brew a jar of iced tea, and enjoy!


Grilled Herb Chicken


Ingredients:
2 1/2 - 3 lb. chicken pieces
3/4 c. vegetable oil
3/4 c. lemon juice
2 tsp. seasoned salt
2 tsp. ground paprika
2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

 Place chicken in a container with a lid. Combine remaining ingredients, whisking together, and pour over the chicken. Cover the container and marinate in the refrigerator several hours or overnight. Grill the chicken over prepared coals, or gas grill medium heat until the chicken tests done.  Probably about ten minutes per side if using boneless chicken pieces, longer if the bone is in. Baste with marinade, and turn often.

Lemon Dill Grilled Fish


Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb. firm fish fillets (perch, tilapia, cod etc.)
1/2 c. butter
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 tbsp. minced, fresh dill
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. salt
ground black pepper to taste


Cover the grill grate with aluminum foil. Place fillets on the foil over moderate heat. Combine the rest of the ingredients and brush on the fish. Continue to brush it as it cooks. Cook the fish about 4-5 inches from heat for 8-10 minutes, turning and cooking for the same amount of time or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.


Greek Style Burgers


Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, lamb or pork *see note
1/4 c. minced onion
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 to 6 pita breads, split
1 c. shredded lettuce
1 tomato, chopped
2 green onions, chopped


Cucumber Sauce:
1/2 cup Greek style yogurt, plain
1/4 cup cucumber, chopped
1/4 tsp. dried dill, or 1 tsp. minced fresh dill


Mix together the items for sauce and set aside. Combine the ground meat, onion, oregano, salt and pepper. Form into patties.  Grill until meat is no longer pink inside.  Serve on the pita bread with lettuce, tomato, green onion and the cucumber sauce.  


Notes: Lamb is the traditional meat used in Greek dishes, but any combination of ground meat works well. 


Grilled Vidalia Onion


Ingredients:
Large Vidalia onion
3 tablespoons Italian dressing
1 tsp. butter
ground black pepper


Peel onion and slice fairly thin. Place in the center of a piece of foil big enough to wrap the onion. Drizzle with the Italian dressing, add the butter in the center. Sprinkle with pepper and wrap tightly. Place on a hot grill and cook for approximately 20-30 minutes over medium heat.  Remove from heat, cool slightly and open foil. Serve with meat.


Marinated Grilled Chuck Steak


Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. rosemary
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
2 1/2 lbs. chuck steak, 1/2 inch thick


Combine all ingredients except steak. Place the meat in a plastic or glass container, and pour over the marinade. Cover and chill for 3 hours in refrigerator, turning several times. Drain. Broil steak on grill over hot coals or medium heat. Cook about 15 minutes on each side, or less, depending on how done you like it. Makes about 4 servings.


Grilled Parmesan Potatoes


Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled, cut into thick strips
1 medium onion, sliced very thinly
4 tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese


Season the potatoes with garlic, salt and pepper. Add the minced onions, stirring. Place the potatoes on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Dot with butter. Seal the foil around potatoes, adding more if necessary. Place on the grill over medium heat. Cook 35 minutes, turning several times.


On OFL we have tips for backyard grilling:
http://oldfashionedliving.com/holidays/grilling.html