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Music theory, instruments and musicians

Mets Minor League Blog

Music theory, instruments and musicians

BBQ Recipes That Don’t Need Sides: Quick and Delicious Ideas

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are a quick and tasty BBQ option that requires minimal prep time. These skewers are perfect for a light meal and can be seasoned in various ways to suit your taste buds.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh lemon juice
    • Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss until well-coated.
  • Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
  • Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the skewers before serving. Enjoy your delicious shrimp skewers!

BBQ Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a juicy and flavorful cut of meat that shines when grilled. They also retain moisture better than chicken breasts, making them a fantastic option for BBQ.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken and brush BBQ sauce on the skin side. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
  • Continue grilling, flipping and basting with BBQ sauce until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Easy BBQ Meatballs

Meatballs are not just for spaghetti! These BBQ meatballs can be made in a flash and are perfect for snacking or as a main dish. You can use ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound ground meat of your choice
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  • In a bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and thread them onto skewers for easy grilling.
  • Grill the meatballs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through.
  • Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky, caramelized finish.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Stuffed Bell Peppers on the Grill

These stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic way to enjoy BBQ flavors while keeping it simple. You can customize the stuffing with your favorite meats, grains, or even cheese.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 bell peppers (any color)
    • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
    • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
    • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
    • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or your favorite spice mix)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Set aside.
  • In a skillet, brown the ground meat and drain excess fat. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • If using, mix in cheese until melted and combined.
  • Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and place them directly on the grill.
  • Grill the peppers for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
  • Serve hot, and feel free to top with additional cheese or fresh herbs!

BBQ Pizza on the Grill

Grilling pizza is a fun and interactive way to enjoy BBQ without the need for traditional sides. You can customize your toppings to suit everyone’s taste, making it a great option for gatherings.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pre-made pizza dough (or store-bought)
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • Your choice of toppings (e.g., grilled chicken, red onions, cilantro, jalapeños)

Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.
  • Lightly oil the grill grates and place the rolled-out dough on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and grill marks appear.
  • Flip the dough and spread BBQ sauce over the top. Add cheese and your desired toppings.
  • Close the lid and grill for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the grill, slice, and serve hot!

Spicy BBQ Ribs

There’s nothing quite like a plate of tender, juicy BBQ ribs! While they may seem like a challenging dish, they can be made surprisingly easy without any sides, allowing the ribs to shine as the star of your meal.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 racks of baby back ribs
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

  • Preheat your grill to low heat (about 225°F).
  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  • Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.
  • Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down, and cook for 3-4 hours, maintaining low heat. Add more charcoal or wood chips as necessary for smoke.
  • In the last 30 minutes, brush BBQ sauce over the ribs, allowing it to caramelize.
  • Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Enjoy the tender, flavorful meat!

Conclusion

These BBQ recipes that don’t need sides offer a variety of quick and delicious options for any grilling occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, these dishes allow the main event to be the star of the show. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy tasty meals that are sure to impress without the hassle of elaborate side dishes. Fire up the grill and enjoy the simplicity and flavor of these BBQ delights!

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Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken

This honey garlic grilled chicken is both sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something quick yet flavorful, without the fuss of side dishes.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1/2 cup honey
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Add chicken breasts to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
  • Let rest for a few minutes before serving. The chicken is delicious on its own, or you can slice it for sandwiches!

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These grilled shrimp skewers are perfect for those who love seafood. They are quick to prepare and provide a delightful burst of flavor, making them an ideal choice for a BBQ without any side dishes.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
  • Grill skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Remove from the grill and serve immediately, enjoying the juicy and flavorful shrimp!

BBQ Meatballs

These BBQ meatballs are a fantastic main dish that can be made in advance and simply warmed up on the grill. They’re packed with flavor and can easily be served as a hearty meal on their own.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for basting)
    • 1 egg
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, BBQ sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place meatballs on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with additional BBQ sauce.
  • Once cooked through, remove from the grill and serve hot. These meatballs are delicious on their own or can be served in a bun for a unique twist!

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BBQ Recipes That Don’t Need Sides: Quick and Delicious Ideas
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