Category: Grill & Smoker

Grilled Potato Skins

I am kind of addicted to these grilled potato skins. I’ve always loved potato skins, but I admit, I don’t think about them enough to really make them that often. Until now, when I decided to start making them on the grill (a Weber grill, in this case!). They’re one of the easiest appetizers (or side dishes) you can make, and they’re super tasty. I finish mine off with traditional toppings: cheese, sour cream, green onion and crumbled bacon.

Grilled Potato Skins

Its The Chipotle Butter…

But there’s a bit of a twist. The potatoes are brushed with a great chipotle butter that gives them a bit more smokiness and just a little heat. It’s what makes them stand above the normal crowd of potato skins.

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making potato skins. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

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Roasted jalapenos are also great on these grilled potato skins. For a great smoky potato skin try my chipotle pulled pork version. My cedar-planked potato skins are also crazy-good.

Grilled Potato Skins
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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Potato Skins

I am kind of addicted to these grilled potato skins. I’ve always loved potato skins, but I admit, I don’t think about them enough to really make them that often. Until now, when I decided to start making them on the grill.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potato skins
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 336kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3 strips bacon cooked, crumbled
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • Sour cream for serving

Instructions

  • Cut each potato lengthwise into four wedges. Don’t make the wedges too thick. If you are using very large potatoes you might have a center portion leftover for other uses.
  • Using a spoon or melon baller, scrape out the potato insides, leaving 1/4″ or so left.
  • Place on a microwave safe plate and microwave on high for 6-10 minutes or until tender.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Combine the butter and chipotle powder and brush on all sides of the potatoes.
  • Grill the potatoes, cut side down, over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until they start to char.
  • Turn potatoes over and top with cheese.
  • Grill another 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve topped with the bacon, green onions, and sour cream as desired.

Notes

Try to make your potato wedges all the same size so they cook at the same rate.

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 866mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 511IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms

These roasted vegetable stuffed mushrooms may be one of my favorite summertime grilling ideas. It doesn’t really matter what vegetables you use, either. Just grab whatever vegetables are in season at the store, roast them on the grill, then spoon them into large mushroom caps. Add a bit of seasoning, a little cheese, place onto a cedar plank over a hot fire, and in no time at all you’ll have a great side dish.

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms

That Great Cedar Aroma

Grilling (I usually use my Weber grill) on cedar planks can be a sensitive subject. Some folks really don’t care for it, others, like me, love it. I like the light flavor the planks can add. Specially to dishes like these roasted vegetable stuffed mushrooms. And it looks cool. And it makes the deck area smell great.

I have to admit that I’m cheap, so I re-use planks as much as I can. As long as you don’t burn them too much on one side, you can get a few uses from them. Don’t buy any el cheapo cedar planks for this or any other dish. Get the good stuff and you won’t ever look back. Cheap planks split, warm and have splinters. Good planks are thicker, stay flat and have smoother edges.

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Also try my roasted beet and dill cucumber salad.

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms

These roasted vegetable stuffed mushrooms may be one of my favorite summertime grilling ideas. It doesn’t really matter what vegetables you use, either. Just grab whatever vegetables are in season.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword mushroom, roasted, stuffed, vegetable
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 40kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Soak the cedar plank in water, if using.
  • Fire up your grill for high-heat cooking.
  • Lightly brush the peppers (I used whole peppers and saved the rest for later use) and corn with oil.
  • Place over high heat and roast, turning often, until lightly charred and just tender.
  • Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then chop the peppers and cut kernels from the ear of corn.
  • Place vegetables into a bowl and season with oregano (if desired) and salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Add the cedar plank and let it get hot and smoky, about 20 minutes.
  • Reduce grill heat to medium.
  • Using a spoon, gently scrape out the gills from the mushrooms.
  • Lightly brush both sides of the mushrooms with oil.
  • Place mushrooms on grill cap side up and grill 3 minutes. The mushrooms will start to sweat, but do not overcook them.
  • Remove from heat and place onto the cedar plank.
  • Spoon the vegetable mix into the mushrooms and place onto the grill.
  • Grill for 20 minutes or until the mushroom is almost tender, watching to make sure the plank doesn’t catch on fire. If it does, spray it with water from a spray bottle.
  • Add cheese and cook another 3-4 minutes until melted.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve.

Notes

Use pepper jack cheese instead for a little spiciness.

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 990IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Grilled Rib Roast with Gravy

This grilled rib roast with gravy is exactly why you’re not supposed to say “This is the best thing I ever ate.” Not long ago I made a fire-eater reverse-sear prime rib on my grill, and “best thing I ever ate” is exactly what I was thinking. Then I made this grilled rib roast with gravy. The verdict? Both versions are crazy good. This rib roast has a great garlicky flavor. I loved cooking it in a cast iron skillet over charcoal. Not only did the meat take on the great charcoal flavor, I was able to make a crazy good gravy out of the drippings.

Grilled Rib Roast with Gravy

Crazy Good. A Total Win.

I could eat this grilled rib roast all day long. I had a few leftover slices. They were screaming ‘make me into a prime rib sandwich’. I will and boy, will it ever be good too!

Cooking in cast iron over charcoal is a wonderful thing. But it comes with its dangers, too. That last thing you want to do is to burn yourself grabbing a hot skillet handle. I turn it away from me so I don’t accidentally put my hand on it.

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For a spicier rib roast, try my fire-eater reverse seared prime rib.

Grilled Rib Roast with Gravy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Rib Roast with Gravy

This rib roast has a great garlicky flavor. I loved cooking it in a cast iron skillet over charcoal. Not only did the meat take on the great charcoal flavor, I was able to make a crazy good gravy out of the drippings.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, gravy, grilled
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 930kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the BBQ Pit Boys

Equipment

Ingredients

For the rib roast

For the gravy

Instructions

For the rib roast

  • Fire up your charcoal grill. You’ll want it to be between 400-450 F to start out with.
  • Take a long thin sharp knife and cut holes into the roast ever inch or so.
  • Shove the garlic slivers down into the holes.
  • Rub the softened butter all over the roast.
  • Combine the salt, garlic and onion powders and pepper.
  • Rub the mixture over all sides of the roast.
  • Transfer the roast to a cast iron skillet.
  • Add 1 cup of beef broth or enough to be 1″ deep in the skillet.
  • Place skillet on the grill. Cover and grill for 15 minutes.
  • Reduce the grill to cook at 325 F (just partially close the air vents) and cook until the roast reaches 130 F internally. You will want to check it every 20-30 minutes to see if more beef broth needs to be added.
  • Remove the roast and cover it in foil and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the gravy with the drippings in the pan.
  • Serve roast sliced topped with gravy.

For the gravy

  • Add the butter to the skillet and melt.
  • Add 1 1/2 cups of broth.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Dissolve the flour in a cup with 1 tablespoon of water.
  • Whisk into the gravy mixture.
  • Continue stirring until gravy is desired thickness.
  • If it's too thick add more broth.

Notes

You’ll need a cast iron skillet that is large enough to hold the rib roast. Throughout the cooking process make sure that you NEVER grab the skillet with your bare hands.

Nutrition

Calories: 930kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 129g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 382mg | Sodium: 6335mg | Potassium: 2103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 356IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Chili Crunch Burger

I’ve been jonesin’ really bad for a really good burger. A loaded burger, with lots of spicy kick to it. So I fired up my grill and proceeded to make a big ole chili crunch burger. Spicy chili. Crunchy chips. Sweet onions. Hot jalapenos. All topped with fiery habanero cheese. Yeah, baby, spicy messy burger time!

Chili Crunch Burger

Grab Some Paper Towels, You’ll Need Them

There is nothing but goodness in every bite of this chili crunch burger. Chili and yummy burger juices will run down your arm. That goes with my ‘messier is better’ motto. Melted cheese will drip onto your plate. That’s why you want to keep a few extra Fritos around so you can scoop up the fallen chili and cheese. It’s like having bonus dip on your plate.

Fresh Is Best, But Canned Is Ok Too

Although I prefer fresh jalapenos, sometimes they aren’t available. That’s when I substitute canned (not pickled) chopped jalapenos. My favorite are fire-roasted. The roasting adds a great sweet charred flavor to any dish.

I like to use a burger press when I make burgers. It, in combination with some patty papers, enables me to crank out a whole bunch of equally-sized burger patties in no time at all with little cleanup.

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Also try my creamy mushroom burger.

Chili Crunch Burger
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Chili Crunch Burger

 I fired up my grill and proceeded to make a big ole chili crunch burger. Spicy chili. Crunchy chips. Sweet onions. Hot jalapenos. All topped with fiery habanero cheese. Yeah, baby, spicy messy burger time!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, chili, corn chips
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 496kcal
Author Based on a recipe from King’s Hawaiian

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place beef in a large bowl.
  • Season with salt, pepper and cayenne and mix well. Form into 8 1/4 pound patties.
  • Grill burgers as desired.
  • Place cooked patties on bun bottoms.
  • Top with cheese, a few tablespoons of the chili, the onion, and jalapeno.
  • Add a few corn chips and the bun top and serve (with paper towels!).

Notes

Too spicy? Use Monterey jack cheese instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 496kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 406mg | Potassium: 421mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Bistro Burgers

I was jonesin’ for a big, great burger. Hot off the grill. Juicy. Packed with flavor. These Bistro burgers were so good that my wife said “You’re making these again, and soon” after only one bite. Of course, there’s bacon. And a fried egg (burgers and fried eggs were meant for each other). But the kicker? Frisee lettuce tossed with Dijon, shallots and a bit of the drippings from the bacon. My goodness they were great!

Bistro Burgers

Don’t Mess With Perfection

There is nothing I can think of that could possibly make these Bistro burgers any better other than to have made more of them. The Dijon wasn’t too strong (sometimes, too much mustard can be a bad thing), and in fact it was outstanding. Every bite was packed with the perfect tastes.

I like to use a burger press when I make burgers. It, in combination with some patty papers, enables me to crank out a whole bunch of equally-sized burger patties in no time at all with little cleanup.

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Also try my deluxe Bistro Burger. It has the added kick of horseradish!

Bistro Burgers
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Bistro Burgers

There is nothing I can think of that could possibly make these Bistro burgers any better other than to have made more of them. The Dijon wasn’t too strong (sometimes, too much mustard can be a bad thing), and in fact it was outstanding. Every bite was packed with the perfect tastes.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 722kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Food Network

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef divided into 4 patties
  • Kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard plus more for spreading
  • 1 shallot sliced thin
  • 1 bunch frisee lettuce torn

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill.
  • Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Reserve all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
  • Season the burger patties and place on the grill.
  • While the burgers are cooking fry the egg in the skillet. Remove.
  • Cook burgers until they reach the desired doneness.
  • Toast buns as desired.
  • Whisk 1 tablespoon of the Dijon and 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon drippings. Stir in the shallots then toss the frisee into the mixture, coating
  • Slather buns with a bit more of the Dijon.
  • Add the cooked patties, bacon, egg, frisee and bun tops. Enjoy!

Notes

Good buns make for good burgers!

Nutrition

Calories: 722kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 321mg | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 653mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 139mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Grilled Sweet BBQ Bacon

This grilled sweet BBQ bacon takes candied bacon to a whole new fantastic place. The bacon gets ‘happy’ overnight in an off-the-shelf marinade, getting infused with slightly sweet BBQ flavors. Skewered and onto the grill over indirect heat until just starting to get golden brown. Any more and the marinade will caramelize.

Grilled Sweet BBQ Bacon

Bacon Appetizers. Yes. Bacon Appetizers.

After cooling (and I have to admit, some didn’t cool much before I devoured them) you have wondrous appetizer bacon-on-a-stick. Grilled Sweet BBQ bacon is the stuff dreams are made of. You won’t find yourself eating just one, that’s for sure. You can serve them as appetizers. You can serve them as desserts.

Great On Burgers, Too

I also took some of the bacon off the skewers and saved it for topping burgers later in the day. The bacon adds tremendous flavor to a burger. Way, way beyond your usual bacon. No plain ole bacon here. People will take that first bite and their faces will light up knowing they just had something truly special.

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Breakfast on the grill is great. Trying grilling up some biscuits to go with your bacon!

Grilled Sweet BBQ Bacon
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Sweet BBQ Bacon

Great eaten right off the skewers, or remove and use as the best burger topping ever!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, grilled
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1891kcal
Author Based on a recipe from My Man’s Belly

Equipment

  • Skewers soaked at least 4 hours before grilling

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Separate bacon strips and place into a large resealable container or baggie.
  • Add the marinade. Seal and toss gently to coat.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • Turn the bacon over every few hours to get the marinade well-distributed.
  • Thread the bacon onto the skewers. I found it easiest to first fold the bacon like an accordion, then I fed the skewer through the middle.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Place the skewers onto the grill.
  • Grill for 10 minutes then flip and continue grilling another 5-10 minutes or until the bacon is done. NOTE: The bacon will not be crispy. Do not let it cook until it gets dark.
  • If you are serving the bacon on skewers as meat snacks, let them cool before serving.
  • If you are using the bacon on burgers or sandwiches, immediately remove the bacon from the skewers before cooling. Once the bacon cools it will be very difficult to remove the skewers.

Notes

Try this recipe using your favorite store-bought or homemade marinade!

Nutrition

Calories: 1891kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 180g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 299mg | Sodium: 3003mg | Potassium: 898mg | Vitamin A: 168IU | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Traditional Smoked Pork Chops

It has been years and years since I’ve had a smoked pork chop. I guess I’d forgotten about them. I’ve smoked my share of pork butt and shoulder, and even homemade bacon, but for some reason, chops just never made it onto the menu. Until now. All I can say is I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’ve waited this long because these traditional smoked pork chops are off-the-chart good. A very simple overnight salt brine followed by a quick smoke over apple wood and lastly, a fruity glaze. The end result is smoky, slightly sweet, tender and juicy. It’s also a bit peppery, which I love. Pepper and pork go great together in my opinion.

Traditional Smoked Pork Chops

Glazed Two Ways

I tried two different fruit glazes on these traditional smoked pork chops. I microwaved a bit of apricot and a bit of peach preserves to warm and thin them, then brushed them over the chops while they were smoking. Fantastic!!!

Don’t Overcook Your Chops

Be mindful of the cook times when you make these chops. The thinner the chops, the quicker they will cook, obviously, and you definitely don’t want them to over-smoke. So test them early and often, and don’t let them go beyond 150 F.

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Also try my cured smoked pork chops.

Traditional Smoked Pork Chops
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Traditional Smoked Pork Chops

I’m sorry I’ve waited this long because these traditional smoked pork chops are off-the-chart good. A very simple overnight salt brine followed by a quick smoke over apple wood and lastly, a fruity glaze. The end result is smoky, slightly sweet, tender and juicy (and peppery… I like a lot of pepper on my pork chops).
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pork chops, smoked
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 208kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Weber Grill Cover

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Salt both sides of the chops and refrigerate overnight.
  • The next day, fire up your smoker for cooking at 250 F. Use a nice mellow wood such as apple or peach.
  • Rinse the pork chops and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Season both sides of the chops with salt and pepper.
  • Smoke until the chops reach 130 F.
  • Microwave the preserves or honey for a few seconds, until thinned slightly, and brush over the tops of the chops.
  • Continue smoking until the chops reach 145-150 F, brushing with the preserves or honey every 10-15 minutes.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Note that cook times will vary depending on the thickness of the chops. Mine were about 1″ thick and took less time than stated below. If you use thin chops you’ll want to start checking them after 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcal | Protein: 29g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 500mg | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Grilled Avocados

I cannot stop making these grilled avocados. I’ve fired up the grill a few times lately for dinner, making sure that I also throw a few avocados on. I brushed them with this absolutely insanely great vinaigrette. The flavors are perfect. I had no idea just how fantastic balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard would be on a simple lightly-charred avocado.

Grilled Avocados

They’re Oh So Delicious

I like to make crosshatch cuts into the avocado after I grill it. It lets a little of the vinaigrette get down inside the fruit, making sure you’ll have lots of flavor in each and every bite. You do it before also but I found they get a little soft and a little bit harder to handle.

Don’t use wimpy tools on your grill. Specially when it comes to these avocados. You don’t want to reach in there and grab one hot off the grill only to have it fall onto the ground. You want tongs with some teeth that grip, and grip tight. But not so tight that you ended up making guacamole. Weber’s tools might be more expensive than a lot of the ones on the market, but I can attest to their quality.

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I love making side dishes on my grill, like Brussels sprouts.

Grilled Avocados
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Avocados

I cannot stop making these grilled avocados. I’ve fired up the grill a few times lately for dinner, making sure that I also throw a few avocados on. I brushed them with this absolutely insanely great vinaigrette. The flavors are perfect. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword avocado, grilled
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 359kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Robert Irvine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Slice avocados in half and remove the seeds.
  • Brush avocado insides with the oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill avocados for 4 minutes then remove.
  • In a blender combine the balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, Dijon, 1/4 cup parsley, garlic and 3/4 cup olive oil. Process until smooth.
  • Brush vinaigrette over grilled avocados and serve, garnish with parsley.

Notes

Best when served immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 310mg | Potassium: 1012mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Country-Style Ribs

Country-style ribs aren’t something I think of cooking that often. When I do, they usually end up on a bed of sauerkraut. That’s why I was excited to see this idea for spicy sweet-and-sour grilled country-style ribs in a recent edition of Chile Pepper magazine. I knew that the ribs would be great because everything I’ve made from the magazine has been. And I knew that they’d have some kick. And they do.

Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Country-Style Ribs

Oh, The Sauce!

The sauce on the ribs is the star of the show. I definitely plan on using the sauce on other dishes. It’d be perfect on grilled pork tenderloin, burgers, and pork spare ribs. The ribs are tasty, and really good grilled for a nice char then cooked low-and-slow to perfect tenderness.

I wouldn’t hesitate to make these spicy sweet-and-sour grilled country-style ribs again, and I’ll definitely be using both the Asian rub and fantastic sauce on other cuts of meat.

Don’t use wimpy tools when it comes time to making these ribs. Or anything else on a grill or smoker. You want something sturdy, something quality. I have used Weber’s line of grill tools for decades. I wouldn’t use anything else. Ever.

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Also try my slow cooker Vietnamese ribs and my sous vide country style ribs.

Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Country-Style Ribs
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Spicy Sweet-and-Sour Grilled Country-Style Ribs

The sauce on the ribs is the star of the show. I definitely plan on using the sauce on other dishes. It’d be perfect on grilled pork tenderloin, burgers, and pork spare ribs. The ribs are tasty, and really good grilled for a nice char then cooked low-and-slow to perfect tenderness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword country-style ribs, sour, spicy, sweet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 508kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper Magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Asian rub (makes 1 cup, you’ll need 1/2 cup or so for the ribs)

For the ribs

  • 3 pounds country-style ribs
  • ½ cup Asian rub from above

For the sauce

Instructions

For the Asian rub

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Store leftover rub in an air-right container.

For the ribs

  • Sprinkle the ribs with the rub and rub into the meat. Don’t be shy with the rub and make sure to get all sides or the ribs.
  • Let ribs rest at room temperature while you preheat the oven to 275 F and fire up your grill for direct cooking.
  • Grill ribs 10-12 minutes over direct heat, turning once, to get lightly charred. You’re just looking for color here, the ribs will finish cooking in the oven. Over-grilling them will result in tough ribs.
  • Transfer ribs to a baking sheet and place in the oven.
  • Bake for 45 minutes or until done.
  • Serve drizzled with sauce.

For the sauce

  • Place all ingredients into a blender and puree.
  • Transfer to a saucepan over medium heat and warm through.

Notes

The rub is also good sprinkled on pork burgers.

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 1057mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 1037IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Smoked Onion Dip

Wow. I’ve always been a fan of Vidalia onions. I load up on them while they are available (for a short time) here in Indiana. I often grill them, but smoking them was a bit new to me. It’s certainly easy to do. Just cut them in half and toss them on the smoker for an hour or so until they’re as smoky as you want them. Done.

This recipe takes those wonderful smoked sweet onions and makes them into a fantastic dip. A bit of smoky flavor, a little onion bite, and lots of creamy goodness. It’s a thicker dip, so don’t reach for some wimpy thin chips that aren’t going to handle the load. I used bagel chips. The combination was perfect.

Smoked Onion Dip

I smoked the onions on my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker since I already had it going, cooking some pork belly for bacon. The onions only take a little while to cook, freeing up the smoker for other good things.

Smoked Onions

What Do You Do With Smoked Onions?

This recipe comes from The Elk, a bar/restaurant in Spokane, Washington. The original version is used as a dipping sauce for chicken. I decided to use it as a chip dip. And what goes great with smoked onion dip? Yep, you guess it. Smoked potato chips.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

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Also try my grilled (or smoked) queso dip.

Smoked Onion Dip
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Smoked Onion Dip

This recipe takes those wonderful smoked sweet onions and makes them into a fantastic dip. A bit of smoky flavor, a little onion bite, and lots of creamy goodness. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dip, onion, smoked
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 479kcal
Author The Elk, Spokane, WA

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place onion halves on a smoker and smoke at 225 F for 1-2 hours or until the desired smokiness is achieved (Just cut a piece off and try it. It’s delicious!)
  • Let onions cool then chop roughly and place into a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
  • In a large bowl combine the pureed onions and the remaining ingredients, adding more salt if desired.

Notes

You may want to add a little onion and taste as you go in case you find the smoked onion to be too strong.

Nutrition

Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 859mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 248IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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