26. Grilled Beer Can Chicken
Beer can chicken is half recipe, half backyard spectacle. A whole chicken gets rubbed with seasoning, set upright on an open can and roasted on the grill. The can keeps the bird standing so the heat circulates all around it, and the skin turns golden and crisp. It’s the kind of thing guests wander over to look at. Have a sturdy pair of tongs and a helper ready for the moment it comes off.
27. Carne Asada
Carne asada is proof that a good marinade does most of the work. Skirt or flank steak soaks in orange juice, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno and a splash of beer, layered with red onion, for at least two hours. Then it goes on a hot grill for about 5 minutes a side. Let it rest 10 minutes and slice it against the grain, which is the difference between tender and chewy. Pile it into tacos, scatter it over nachos or just eat it straight off the cutting board (no judgment).
28. Perfect Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Tenderloin is the cut for a celebration, and this recipe keeps it simple. Black peppercorns go into a spice grinder with beef bouillon, oregano, paprika, cornstarch, garlic powder and onion powder for a coarse peppery crust. Rub it all over the trimmed tenderloin and grill. The result is a crusty, flavorful outside with a buttery pink middle. It’s about 30 minutes of work for a meal that feels like a holiday.
29. Grilled Turkey Burger with Ginger Avocado Pineapple Salsa
Turkey burgers get a bad rap for being dry, but not these. Ground turkey gets mixed with an egg, Worcestershire, salt and pepper, then grilled at 375 to 400°F for 6 to 7 minutes a side. The star is the salsa: diced avocado, pineapple, a splash of lemon juice and ginger paste. It’s sweet, creamy and bright, and it makes the burger taste like a little vacation.
30. Grilled Mexican Street Corn
Elote is the reason corn on the cob was invented, or at least it feels that way. Grill the ears until they’re charred in spots, then slather them in a creamy sauce and roll them in crumbled cheese. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili. It’s messy in the best way. Grab extra napkins and expect everyone to ask how you made it.
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