8 BBQ & Grilling Trends for Summer

1. Grilled Pizza– This is becoming more and more of a trendy option. You may not have an outdoor pizza oven, but you can still achieve a good char with appliances you already have. The most versatile way to achieve this is with a grilled flatbread. This allows you to deliver that smoky flavor without taking up your entire cook space with a large pie.

2. Breakfast on the Grill – Whether you smoke an egg or try French toast on the grill, it’s easy to incorporate elements of smoke into your breakfast menu. How about a grilled fruit salad? Or a grilled steak and eggs? There are so many ways to get that grill burning first thing in the morning!

3. Smoked Cocktails– Who says the grill is just for the main attractions? Try incorporating smoked elements into your bar menu as well this summer. Whether it’s a smoky beer option (which you can also incorporate into recipes) or a smokehouse cocktail, your customers will love this taste of summer.  For a smoky sangria recipe, view this video and start at 10:30.

4. Grilling Caveman Style– You may be wondering, what the heck is caveman style? In essence, it’s a primitive form of cooking. This is not an option for every operation, as you need a direct heat source with hot coals such as a chimney. You place the meat as close as possible to the flames and hot coals. Many will leave their steaks right in the coals, but we suggest placing it atop the chimney on a wire rack instead to avoid ash residue. This method is best for thick cut steaks such as the ribeye and porterhouse. It will impart a deep, rich flavor to your meat. To see how this process works, take a look at this video.

5. Sweet & Spicy on the Grill – Hawaiian influences have fueled this trend. Mixing marinated spicy light proteins like shrimp or fish with grilled tropical fruits like pineapple, or pickled vegetables will produce a truly memorable menu item. For a unique recipe, try McCormick’s Grilled Sesame Garlic “Poke” with pickled radish and Rice.

6. Korean BBQ – Korean BBQ is taking off! One of the easiest ways to incorporate this trend into your menu is through a burger. Mix your meat with condiments such as soy, sesame, honey, and ginger. Top with Korean BBQ sauce and other Korean inspired elements such as kimchi.

7. Cast Iron Cooking– Everyone stops to watch a sizzling skillet make its way toward the table. This year, try getting that cast iron skillet on the grill for everything from a breakfast hash, to veggies, to grilled smashed potatoes. It will add flare to any menu.

8. White BBQ Sauce – BBQers predict a sweet and tangy staple of the south will gain more and more popularity. This sauce is mayonnaise based and incorporates horseradish, vinegar, spicy mustard, and other seasonings to make a creamy sauce. This item is best paired with a smoky chicken, but can also work as a tangy salad dressing!