No matter where you look or listen—in summer, people are grilling everywhere! Whether with gas, charcoal, or electric grills, and whether it’s meat, fish, or vegetables, the average German household fires up the grill about 13 times a year. And of course, summer not only brings good weather but also long evenings that are perfect for barbecuing.
A great BBQ party requires proper planning. In addition to a suitable grill and a nice place to cook and relax, creative recipes are a must. Here are some ideas you should definitely try this summer:
Delicious from the Grill!
Have you ever tried plank-grilled salmon? If not, you should definitely add it to your next BBQ. Using special cedar wood planks—available in BBQ stores or online—allows the fish to cook gently while absorbing a subtle smoky, woody flavor. Once you’ve tried it, you may never want traditionally grilled fish again.
The trend of preparing pulled pork on the grill is still going strong. Whether on gas or charcoal, this slow-cooked, juicy pork is a highlight at any BBQ. Have you ever tried injecting your pulled pork with a fruity mixture of apple juice, cider, and water? This adds a delicate fruity note and makes the meat even juicier.
Anyone who has tasted the Portuguese meat skewer Espetada will never forget its flavor. Why not bring a taste of Portugal to your grill? All you need is beef rump, bay leaves, garlic, onions, oil, and a good port or Madeira wine. Marinate the meat cubes overnight in oil, onions, garlic, and port wine. Then skewer them onto bay branches and grill until juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The bay aroma infuses the meat beautifully—guaranteed to impress your guests.
Alternative BBQ Ideas!
Grilled pizza is a quick and delicious alternative to a traditional BBQ. Preparation is simple: all you need is pizza dough and sauce. Toppings can be easily bought, allowing everyone to customize their pizza. A good pizza stone and, ideally, a pizza paddle will help you place the pizza safely on the grill.
Craving a Mediterranean-style grilled bread? Slice a rustic baguette in half and toast it cut-side down on the grill. Then rub it with a halved tomato—the pulp will soak into the bread and add flavor. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of coarse sea salt. This bread pairs perfectly with meat, fish, or salads.
Sweet Treats from the Grill!
Grilled pineapple and bananas are yesterday’s news—now even ice cream and mini desserts are making their way onto the grill.
Marshmallows aren’t just for kids—they also make a great dessert. Skewer strawberries and marshmallows, place them on the grill over moderate heat, and let the marshmallows caramelize. Garnish with a bit of mint for a quick and tasty treat.
Fruit parcels are another great option. Layer your favorite fruits with chocolate and nuts (or even pretzels) on baking paper, wrap them into small packets, and place them on the grill. After a few minutes, everything melts into a delicious dessert.
Have you ever grilled ice cream? If not, give it a try! Scoop your favorite ice cream into balls and refreeze them for a few hours. Then wrap them completely in puff pastry, sponge cake, or meringue. Place them on baking paper on the indirect heat zone of your grill and close the lid. After 3–4 minutes, your grilled ice cream is ready—crispy on the outside, cold on the inside!
We wish you lots of fun grilling—and of course, enjoy your meal!