Introduction
Let's face it—weeknights can be hectic. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, finding time to cook a delicious dinner can feel like an impossible task. But what if I told you that you could make quick, easy, and mouth-watering meals using your grill?
That's right, grilling isn't just for weekends anymore. With some creativity and a few helpful tips, you can turn your weeknight dinners into flavorful BBQ feasts. Whether you’re a busy parent, grill enthusiast, or someone who just loves outdoor cooking, this blog will guide you through various grilled meal ideas that are sure to become family favorites. From foil packet meals to grilled pizzas, we’ve got you covered.
Why Weeknight Grilling with a Charcoal Grill is a Gamechanger
Time-Saving
Grilling is one of the quickest cooking methods around. The high heat cooks food fast, which is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table pronto. Plus, the cleanup is usually a breeze—no pots and pans to scrub!
Health Benefits
Grilling allows excess fat to drip off meats, making it a healthier cooking option. You can also grill a variety of vegetables, adding more nutrients to your meals. A balanced, nutritious dinner is easier than you think with a grill.
Flavor Explosion
Let’s not forget the most compelling reason—flavor. Grilling imparts a smoky, charred taste that you simply can’t get from other cooking methods. It makes even the simplest ingredients taste spectacular. Adding fresh herbs can further enhance the flavor, making your grilled dishes juicy and bursting with flavor.
Appetizers that Sizzle
Starting your meal off with tasty appetizers can set the tone for the entire dining experience. Here are a few ideas to get those taste buds tingling:
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers are fast and flavorful. Marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. Thread them onto skewers and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. These make a wonderful, light appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Serve the grilled shrimp skewers with crusty bread to complement the flavors.
Grilled Avocado
Yes, you read that right—grilled avocado! Halve and pit the avocados, brush them with a little oil, and place them face-down on the grill for about 2-3 minutes. Top with pico de gallo or salsa for a tasty start to your meal.
Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
Mini bell peppers stuffed with cream cheese, herbs, and spices are a fabulous appetizer. Just stuff the peppers and grill until they have nice char marks. Simple, yet delightful.
Entrees to Impress
The grill isn't just for burgers and hot dogs. Here are some entree ideas that will make your weeknight dinner special:
Grilled Meat Salads
Salads aren't just side dishes anymore—they can be the star of your meal, especially when you add grilled meats. These hearty salad options are perfect as main courses, providing a balanced and satisfying dinner. Here are some ideas:
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Transform your classic Caesar salad by adding grilled chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Grill until cooked through, slice, and serve atop crisp romaine with Parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
Steak and Arugula Salad
Grill a juicy steak or a grilled flank steak to your preferred doneness, then slice thinly. Toss arugula with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette. Top with the sliced steak and a sprinkle of blue cheese for an elegant yet easy meal.
BBQ Shrimp Salad
Marinate shrimp in your favorite BBQ sauce, grill until pink and slightly charred, and serve on a bed of mixed greens with corn, black beans, and avocado. Drizzle with ranch dressing for a satisfying salad with a kick.
Foil Packet Meals
Foil packets are a great way to cook a complete meal on the grill with minimal cleanup. Here are some combinations to try:
Chicken and Veggies
Place chicken breasts, sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes on a piece of foil. This meal can be cooked on either a gas grill or a charcoal grill; make sure to preheat and clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent food from sticking. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, and fold the foil into a packet. Grill for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Shrimp Boil
For a Cajun-inspired meal, combine shrimp, corn on the cob pieces, sliced sausage, and baby potatoes on a piece of foil. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning and a bit of butter. Fold into a packet and grill for about 20 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Veggie Delight
Create a vegetarian option with a medley of your favorite vegetables. Think onion, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and garlic. Season with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Italian herbs.
Kebabs
Kebabs are the ultimate grilling food - versatile, quick to cook, and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer meat, veggies, or a mix of both, kebabs make for an excellent weeknight grilling meal. Consider trying these delicious combinations:
Hawaiian Kebabs
For a tropical twist, try grilled hawaiian kebabs. Thread chunks of chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onions onto skewers. Brush with a barbecue sauce or Teriyaki Sauce for a yummy glaze.
For a refreshing side, serve the Hawaiian kebabs with a crunchy cucumber salad.
Veggie Kebabs
Vegetarian? No problem. Load up your skewers with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with your favorite herbs before grilling to perfection.
Potato Kebabs as a Side
Don’t forget the sides! Chop potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and rosemary, and grill until crispy. They make the perfect accompaniment to any dish.
Grilled Pizza
When you think of pizza, your grill might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, grilled pizza is a game-changer. You can get creative with toppings and enjoy a crispy, smoky crust. To grill pizza, you’ll need some essential supplies. Check out DDR BBQ Supply’s blog titled “Pizza Night Supplies” for a detailed list.
Additionally, consider trying grilled bread as a side or base for your pizza toppings.
Why Grill Pizza?
Grilled pizzas cook quickly, making them perfect for weeknight meals. Plus, they’re fun to make! Gather your family around and let everyone customize their own pizzas with their favorite toppings.
Topping Ideas
The possibilities are endless when it comes to pizza toppings, here are some ideas:
Classic Margherita
Top your pizza dough with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Grill until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
BBQ Chicken with Barbecue Sauce
Spread BBQ sauce over the pizza dough, then add grilled chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Grill until bubbly.
For a seafood twist, consider using grilled cod as an alternative topping.
Veggie
Top your pizza dough with a variety of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zuchinni, squash, onion, tomatoes, spinach, olives, and mushrooms. Add some goat cheese for extra flavor.
For a meatier option, consider adding grilled pork chops as a topping.
Grilled Fajitas
Fajitas are a family favorite for a reason—they’re delicious, customizable, and super easy to make on the grill.
Perfecting the Marinade
A good marinade is key to flavorful fajitas. Combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Marinate your choice of meat—beef, chicken, or shrimp—for at least 30 minutes.
Choosing the Right Meat
While skirt steak is traditional, it can be expensive. Consider flank steak, flap steak, or sirloin tips as budget-friendly alternatives. Chicken is also a great option, and marinated chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and focus on a hearty mix of vegetables.
Veggie Options
Classic fajita vegetables include bell peppers and onions, which caramelize and sweeten beautifully on the grill. For added flavor and texture, try incorporating garlic, mushrooms, and zucchini into your mix.
Seasoning for Success
For the perfect fajita flavor, try Meat Church Dia De La Fajita Seasoning. Just sprinkle it over your meat or veggies before grilling.
Grilling and Assembling
Grill your marinated meat or veggies to your desired doneness and let it rest before slicing into thin strips. Grill your vegetables until tender and slightly charred. Serve your grilled fajitas with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
For more fajita tips, visit DDR BBQ Supply's blog titled "Ever been stumped on how to make the best fajitas?".
Desserts That Delight
No meal is complete without dessert, and the grill can help with that too. Here are some grilled dessert ideas:
Skillet Cookies
Bake your favorite cookie mix in a cast-iron skillet on the grill. Try out the cookie mixes available on DDR BBQ Supply like chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, molasses, and sugar cookie mixes. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Grilled Peaches
Halve and pit peaches, then grill face-down for about 3 minutes. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a simple yet delicious dessert.
Apple Pie Foil Packets
Combine sliced apples with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of lemon juice. Place in a foil packet and grill for about 15-20 minutes. Serve with ice cream for a deconstructed apple pie.
S'mores Cone
Fill ice cream cones with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. Wrap in foil and grill for about 5-7 minutes until everything is melted and gooey. A fun twist on the classic s'mores!
Conclusion
There you have it - weeknight grilling meal ideas that will rekindle your love for grilling. These grilled recipes are quick, easy to prepare, and brimming with flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, these dishes are sure to impress. For even more fantastic grilling tips and techniques, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram.