Unexpected Proteins That Sizzle on the Grill

As summer approaches, it’s time to whip out the grill! However, you don’t have to serve the same typical proteins as everyone else.

Instead, you can take your barbecuing game to the next level by adding unique dishes, such as leg of lamb or vegan skewers.

So, keep reading to learn the art of grilling different proteins to dazzle your guests or surprise your family with fun dinners. Let’s dive in!

1 – Kabobs

Whether you call them kabobs, kebabs, or chicken skewers, there’s no denying that chicken on a stick is one of the most delicious proteins to grill. It’s light, tasty, and easy to grill, even if it’s your first attempt at barbecuing.

The key to getting the perfect kabobs every time is to marinate the chicken overnight. I love yogurt marinade as it tenderizes the chicken, resulting in juicy, well-cooked skewers.

Assembling the kabobs is incredibly fun for the whole family. You can add any vegetables you have on hand and experiment with different flavor combinations.

2 – Brisket

Briskets get their tender texture and mouth-watering flavor through slow cooking in the oven. However, you can shake things up and incorporate a unique taste into your brisket by letting it grill for about five hours.

You read that right! Similar to how you’d prepare a regular brisket, cover your brisket in barbecue rub and grill it on each side until it develops a crust. Then, add smoke and cook at low heat for no less than five hours.

It’s crucial to understand that slow grilling requires indirect heat. This means you’ll only turn on the burners of your gas grill on both sides, but not directly under the brisket. This way, the grill acts as a makeshift oven, imparting a smokier flavor to the meat.

3 – Bacon

Regardless of how you prepare it, bacon is one of the tastiest proteins. It’s the perfect addition to any barbecue, as it pairs with other grilled meat, and can be enjoyed on its own.

There’s no wrong way to grill bacon. In fact, it’s difficult to mess up this appetizing dish. All it takes is 10 minutes on a greased grill, and you’ll have the best bacon.

4 – Leg of Lamb

If you have a large number of guests, look no further than grilling a leg of lamb. Start by preparing a simple yet flavorful marinade with minced garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and black pepper.

Then, it’s time to get grilling! You should achieve a char by searing the leg on each side for 15 minutes. Next, finish grilling on indirect heat for about two hours.

To check the doneness of the meat, the internal temperature is the way to go. Aim for 160 °F for medium-well and 145 °F for medium.

5 – Ribs

Grilled ribs are a meal you must make at least once. However, once you try it, ribs will be your go-to protein to grill. There are a couple of tricks to get the tastiest grilled ribs, though.

For starters, make sure to remove the membrane from your choice of ribs, allowing the marinade to seep into the meat. Additionally, you should slow cook the ribs, brushing them with barbecue glaze occasionally and frequently rotating them for even cooking.

After the ribs are grilled to perfection, you must let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This way, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat.

6 – Sausages

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a quick and appetizing meal, charred sausages are a versatile protein option that the entire family will love.

The best part is that sausages come in plenty of flavors and textures. So, if one family member loves sweeter protein and another prefers spicier varieties, you won’t have to prepare different dishes!

I particularly love making sausages as it allows me to experiment with different condiments and toppings. This unassuming dinner can turn into a fun activity if you set up a build-your-own sausage station.

7 – Tofu Skewers

Who said vegans can’t enjoy a nice day of barbecuing? Tofu skewers are incredibly tasty, even your non-vegan friends will go for seconds!

The right type of tofu can make or break this dish. Firm and extra-firm tofu are ideal, as they won’t break apart while grilling. Cut the tofu into cubes and marinate as you would with chicken skewers.

That said, Tofu skewers are significantly easier to grill. They won’t take longer than five minutes on direct heat. Then, you can enjoy the tofu with some teriyaki dipping sauce or spicy mayo.