Summer is officially here. School’s out, gardens are in full bloom and the oh-so-missed sunny days’ warmth is finally felt again. Who doesn’t love that?
It is the time of the year when outdoor grills are dusted off so we can host social grilling gatherings. Whether a quick family lunch on the deck or an outdoor backyard dinner with lots of friends, it’s just something most (if not all) of us look forward to every summer.
To make this year even more memorable, why not put a twist on the usual, somehow-too-familiar barbecue and grilling recipes? I have a roundup of must-try Asian grilling and barbecue recipes to help you out.
There’s sure to be something here for everyone, but why not try all of these out? We’ve got all summer. ENJOY!
Grilling and BBQ recipes
Xinjiang Lamb Skewers (新疆烤串, chuar)
These tender, juicy, and very flavourful meat skewers are beautifully charred and seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Definitely one of my top summer party food recommendations, perfect with cold beer and non-stop chit chat with friends!
Chinese BBQ Ribs
Delicious, fall-off-the-bone tender, and finger-licking good Chinese BBQ ribs are the way to shake things up for the holidays and other special occasions.
The original recipe is an oven recipe, but you can cook it over the grill by cooking it with indirect heat for 2 to 3 hours and finishing it with direct heat.
Chinese Dry Rub Ribs
This is my favorite dry rub blend. These super-simple dry rub ribs come out with a texture that melts in your mouth and a sweet yet spicy taste that makes them impossible to resist!
Macanese Pork Chop Bun (猪扒包)
A very simple sandwich that consists of just a Portuguese bread roll and a bone-in thin-cut pork chop. The bun is tender, crispy, and moist with butter. The pork chop is fresh and juicy, and either fried or grilled.
Honey Soy Chicken Wings (蜂蜜烤翅)
An easy snack that is perfect for your summer grilling party or weekend movie night!
Grilled Chicken Breast with Black Bean Sauce
Perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy and flavorful crust, juicy and tender meat, and heavenly smoky aroma. Yum!
Cha Siu Kebab 叉烧肉 (Chinese BBQ)
Chinese BBQ + smokiness from charcoal = perfection.
Hoisin Roasted Asparagus
Requires only two ingredients; the asparagus is perfectly charred, flavorful, and tender. You can either grill it or bake it in the oven.
Chinese Grilled Potato
Cook the best grilled potato by slicing it finely, then grilling it until blistered on the surface and creamy in texture. Add cumin and chili powder to spice it up. Definitely a must-try side dish for your party!
Fire Roasted Eggplant with Garlic Vinegar Sauce
Roast the eggplant over direct fire to create a buttery texture and smoky flavor, then serve it with a sauce that melds savory, sweet, sour, and garlicky flavors.
Appetizer and side dishes for your BBQ party
Spicy Cucumber Salad
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty and refreshing salad with crunchy cucumbers in a rich savory dressing that will add some heat to any meal.
Real Deal Sesame Noodles
The nutty savory noodles that have a hint of sweetness and spiciness, they’re always a crowd pleaser. Make them ahead of time and serve them alongside the grilled meat for a filling meal.
Chinese-Style Quick Pickled Shallots
If you have 5 minutes, you can make quick pickled shallots with a sweet, sour, and tangy taste to bring more flavor and spice to your grilled meat and burgers.
Chinese Pickled Cabbage (A Quick Pickle Recipe)
Make crunchy Chinese pickled cabbage with this quick pickle recipe to accompany your BBQ main dish.
Soy Sauce Fried Rice (酱油炒饭)
Only takes ten minutes to prepare, and it’s robust enough to serve as a main with some cut up grilled meat in it.
Sweets and dessert for your BBQ party
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is a healthy and satisfying dessert featuring sweet gooey sticky rice served with a luscious coconut sauce and sliced mango.
4-Ingredient No-Churn Black Sesame Ice Cream
Nutty and creamy, this super addictive black sesame ice cream only requires 4 ingredients and 5 hours ‘til it’s ready. No ice cream machine needed!
Black Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk
Gooey rice soaked in sweetened coconut milk and paired with fresh summer fruit is a tantalizing treat that will refresh you on the hottest days!
