Grill Like a Pro! 49 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners

"Grilling" and "intimidating" don't have to be part of the same sentence. If you're a complete beginner, look no further than these easy grilling recipes anyone can master, from basic grilled shrimp to juicy grilled chicken and grilled vegetable kebabs perfect for your roommates and family. Throwing vegetables and meat on the grill gives your food that irreplaceable flavor that won't be achieved from roasting, and you'll convince yourself you're an actual pro after trying out these foolproof ideas. This summer, crank up the grill and discover a whole list of new recipes you'll want to make every season from here on out.

ā€” Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

01
Smoky BBQ Veggie Burgers
Girl Versus Dough

Smoky BBQ Veggie Burgers

These burgers are made with mashed chickpeas, quinoa, flavorful spices, and an easy-to-make vegan BBQ sauce. They taste as good as the real deal, minus the meat.

Get the recipe: smoky BBQ veggie burgers

02
Yogurt-Marinated Flank Steak
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Yogurt-Marinated Flank Steak

Who doesn't like a juicy, tender meat? The key to this recipe is the Greek yogurt, which the steak marinates in overnight to get its delicious taste.

Get the recipe: yogurt-marinated flank steak

03
Yogurt and Lemon Marinated Grilled Chicken
How Sweet Eats

Yogurt and Lemon Marinated Grilled Chicken

This juicy dish puts bland, dry chicken to shame. The recipe calls for thinner plain yogurt, instead of Greek yogurt ā€” which contains less sugar ā€” so check the label and choose a yogurt with as few carbs as possible.

Get the recipe: yogurt and lemon marinated grilled chicken

04
Mobile-Style Oysters
POPSUGAR Photography | Katie Sweeney

Mobile-Style Oysters

Butter isn't exactly a healthy fat, but there's never been a yummier way to eat it than in these buttery, cheese-filled oysters.

Get the recipe: Mobile-style oysters

05
Postgrill Marinated Skirt Steak
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Postgrill Marinated Skirt Steak

Hate when the herbs and seasoning get burnt onto your steak? Try this genius trick, marinating the beef after grilling to add bright and bold flavor.

Get the recipe: postgrill marinated skirt steak

06
Grilled Asparagus
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus is another low-carb side that's perfect for grilling season. Just buy thicker stalks, so they're less likely to slip between the grates.

Get the recipe: grilled asparagus

07
Fajita Chicken Kebabs
Well Plated By Erin

Fajita Chicken Kebabs

You'll want to build your entire dinner menu around these pretty kebabs. (Guacamole, salsa, sour cream ā€” yum!)

Get the recipe: fajita chicken kebabs

08
Buffalo Turkey Burgers
POPSUGAR Studios

Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Ground turkey is even cheaper than ground chicken, and this buffalo-blue-cheese topping ensures it's full of flavor, too.

Get the recipe: buffalo turkey burgers

09
Queso Cheeseburger
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Queso Cheeseburger

This is as low fuss as it gets: form patties of ground beef, and top the grilled burgers with your favorite store-bought (or homemade) queso.

Get the recipe: queso cheeseburger

10
Grilled Watermelon Pizza
POPSUGAR Studios

Grilled Watermelon Pizza

Treat your roommates or family to an unexpected watermelon dish by throwing sliced watermelon on the grill and making a Mediterranean "pizza."

Get the recipe: grilled watermelon pizza

11
Chipotle-Honey-Lime Chicken Kebabs
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Chipotle-Honey-Lime Chicken Kebabs

Take plain-old chicken skewers to the next level with a quick and easy chipotle yogurt sauce for dipping.

Get the recipe: chipotle-honey-lime chicken kebabs

12
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Not a single person will be mad about having these bacon-wrapped hot dogs for dinner.

Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped hot dogs

13
Lemon-Basil Grilled Chicken Breasts
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Lemon-Basil Grilled Chicken Breasts

With a little help from lemon juice, olive oil, and basil, you can transform chicken breasts into one of the tastiest grilled entrees ever.

Get the recipe: lemon-basil grilled chicken breasts

14
Grilled Vegetable Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Grilled Vegetable Tacos

Skip the meat altogether and throw your favorite vegetables on the grill for an easy vegetarian taco. Top it with salsa, cotija cheese, cilantro, or guacamole.

Get the recipe: grilled vegetable tacos

15
Grilled Corn Salad
Well Plated

Grilled Corn Salad

The only way to eat fresh corn during the summer is with grill marks ā€” it's truly the best.

Get the recipe: grilled corn salad

16
Grilled Parmesan Polenta Chips
Half Baked Harvest

Grilled Parmesan Polenta Chips

Offer a new type of "chip" at the dinner table with these ones made of polenta.

Get the recipe: grilled parmesan polenta chips

17
Mexican Grilled Corn Avocado Toast
How Sweet Eats

Mexican Grilled Corn Avocado Toast

Why stop at grilled corn when you can top it on a generously slathered piece of avocado toast?

Get the recipe: Mexican grilled corn avocado toast

18
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Nectarines
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Nectarines

Pretty much anything wrapped in bacon will be a crowd-pleaser, and these bacon-wrapped shrimp and nectarines look and taste decadent, yet the recipe only contains those three ingredients!

Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped shrimp and nectarines

19
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap
Culinary Hill

Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap

The best part about this meal, succulent from the chicken and crispy from the lettuce, is that you can make the grilled chicken ahead of time and use the leftovers for wraps the next day.

Get the recipe: grilled chicken caesar wrap

20
Green Goddess Sandwich With Grilled Halloumi
Simply Delicious

Green Goddess Sandwich With Grilled Halloumi

These healthy sandwiches will be a hit for the adventurous and veggie-forward family. Salty, milky halloumi gets perfectly charred when grilled and needs only a four-ingredient sauce to shine between bread.

Get the recipe: green goddess sandwich with grilled halloumi

21
Burger Skewers
POPSUGAR Studios

Burger Skewers

Leave the utensils inside! Food on a stick is way better, and these burger skewers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also super delicious.

Get the recipe: burger skewers

22
Grilled Tomatoes and Basil Zucchini "Noodles"
Inspiralized

Grilled Tomatoes and Basil Zucchini "Noodles"

The hardest part of this recipe is spiraling the zucchini, but if you have a spiralizer, it's a breeze and only takes 15 minutes to make!

Get the recipe: grilled tomatoes and basil zucchini "noodles"

23
Grilled Veggie Sandwiches With Herbed Cream Cheese and Pesto
Cooking For Keeps

Grilled Veggie Sandwiches With Herbed Cream Cheese and Pesto

Hungry for lunch? These sandwiches are the perfect midday meal, and the grilled zucchini inside is what makes it!

Get the recipe: grilled veggie sandwiches with herbed cream cheese and pesto

24
Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad
How Sweet It Is

Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad

Help yourself to a whole heaping of this salad; it's healthy and refreshing!

Get the recipe: grilled watermelon caprese salad

25
Grilled Balsamic Portobello Burgers
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Grilled Balsamic Portobello Burgers

Portobello mushrooms are a hearty alternative to hamburgers that both meat-eaters and vegetarians will love.

Get the recipe: grilled balsamic portobello burgers

26
Grilled JalapeƱo Poppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Grilled JalapeƱo Poppers

Stuff jalapeƱos with bacon, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, scallions, garlic, and lime, and grill them for the best-ever jalapenƱo popper.

Get the recipe: grilled jalapeƱo poppers

27
Chili Lime Chicken Skewers With Mango Sauce
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Chili Lime Chicken Skewers With Mango Sauce

Skewers make grilling much more manageable, and this combination of chicken, peppers and onion is juicy and irresistible.

Get the recipe: chili lime chicken skewers with mango sauce

28
Grilled Hot Dogs
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilling hot dogs is as easy as it gets, but it's always important to get a tutorial before you fire up the grill. This is hands down the best way to do it.

Get the recipe: grilled hot dogs

29
Vegetable Kabobs
Damn Delicious

Vegetable Kabobs

Grilled vegetable kabobs are a must at any BBQ, and you can customize them to meet your family's preferences.

Get the recipe: vegetable kabobs

30
Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers

A new take on surf and turf, these shrimp and chorizo skewers can be grilled in a matter of minutes.

Get the recipe: shrimp and chorizo skewers

31
Asian Salmon Kabobs
Damn Delicious

Asian Salmon Kabobs

Make your life easy by assembling easy-to-grill skewers with marinated salmon, pineapple, zucchini, and red onion.

Get the recipe: Asian salmon kabobs

32
Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken Breasts

The key to keeping grilled chicken breasts completely juicy is to brine them for at least two hours and up to overnight.

Get the recipe: beer-brined grilled chicken breasts

33
Grilled Shrimp With Gremolata
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Grilled Shrimp With Gremolata

Spread a homemade gremolata, an herb sauce with garlic and lemon, all over the shrimp once they've been grilled for an easy boost of flavor.

Get the recipe: grilled shrimp with gremolata

34
Grilled Brie With Cherries
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Brie With Cherries

Take the meaning of "grilled cheese" to a whole new level by throwing gooey brie and fresh cherries on the grill.

Get the recipe: grilled brie with cherries

35
Grilled Corn With Parmesan and Basil
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Grilled Corn With Parmesan and Basil

The combination of parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil is a much more exciting way to dress up corn than with just butter.

Get the recipe: grilled corn with parmesan and basil

36
Buffalo Grilled Shrimp
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Buffalo Grilled Shrimp

Buffalo-lovers will devour these spicy grilled shrimp.

Get the recipe: buffalo grilled shrimp

37
Grilled Flank Steak Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Flank Steak Tacos

Grilled flank steak tacos with guacamole and cotija cheese are perfect for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

Get the recipe: grilled flank steak tacos

38
Juicy Lucy Burger
POPSUGAR Photography

Juicy Lucy Burger

A homemade Juicy Lucy, aka a cheese-stuffed burger, will be the star of any backyard BBQ.

Get the recipe: Juicy Lucy burger

39
Grilled Chicken Thighs and Wings With Barbecue Sauce
POPSUGAR Photography

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Wings With Barbecue Sauce

This BBQ rub is bursting with the flavors of orange peels, chili powder, and black pepper, and it's the ultimate match for grilled chicken.

Get the recipe: grilled chicken thighs and wings with barbecue sauce

40
Lemony Grilled Shrimp
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Lemony Grilled Shrimp

This is possibly the best (and easiest) grilled shrimp recipe you'll ever make. All you need is salt, lemon, and parsley.

Get the recipe: lemony grilled shrimp

41
Grilled Fish Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Fish Tacos

Choose a fish like halibut, sea bass, or striped bass, and marinate it for 15 minutes in lime juice and oil, and you're on your way to heavenly homemade fish tacos.

Get the recipe: grilled fish tacos

42
Blue Cheese Burger
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Blue Cheese Burger

Take your standard grilled burger to new heights with a quick aioli and plenty of blue cheese crumbles for topping.

Get the recipe: blue cheese burger

43
Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini
Damn Delicious

Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is the absolute best with butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.

Get the recipe: grilled lemon garlic zucchini

44
Grilled Peach Salad With Goat Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Grilled Peach Salad With Goat Cheese

Juicy summer peaches are delicious enough as it is, and when you take them to the grill, the result is pure heaven.

Get the recipe: grilled peach salad with goat cheese

45
Grilled Flatbreads Stuffed With Cheese and Herbs
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Grilled Flatbreads Stuffed With Cheese and Herbs

These cheese- and herb-filled flatbreads can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for one to two days.

Get the recipe: grilled flatbreads stuffed with cheese and herbs

46
Grilled Salmon With Garlic and Herbs
Dinner at the Zoo

Grilled Salmon With Garlic and Herbs

This foolproof grilling recipe for salmon is perfect for beginners.

Get the recipe: grilled salmon with garlic and herbs

47
Basic Grilled Vegetables
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Basic Grilled Vegetables

Once you master the basics and learn the techniques for grilling different vegetables like broccolini, asparagus, and eggplant, you'll want to prepare veggies this way all the time.

Get the recipe: how to grill vegetables

48
Steak Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography

Steak Tacos

These restaurant copycat steak tacos might seem complicated, but each step is totally doable, from the carne asada to the salsa.

Get the recipe: steak tacos

49
Grilled Corn With Cilantro Butter
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Grilled Corn With Cilantro Butter

Give grilled corn an upgrade with a zesty cilantro-lime butter.

Get the recipe: grilled corn with cilantro butter

50