10 Best Grilling Recipes for the 4th of July

Who's ready for sun, kiddie pools, and grilling this 4th of July?! If you're seeking some inspiration for your cookout menu, take a look at our favorite recipes. We've got burgers, kebabs, fish tacos, and more!

By
Carrie Havranek
Carrie Havranek
Carrie Havranek
Carrie has 10+ years experience as a food writer, editor, and recipe developer. She is the author of Tasting Pennsylvania and a contributor to Simply Recipes since 2017.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Published June 26, 2018
Carrie Havranek
4th of July Grilling Recipes

The 4th of July is one of those quintessentially American summer holidays that just requires firing up the grill and hanging around outside. Whether you’ve got your menu all planned out already or need some inspiration, don’t miss these ideas!

There’s something for fish lovers, a few grilled chicken suggestions, and burgers and kebabs, too. I’m particularly stuck on the Mexican street corn (elotes) and may have to make these in advance. For research, you know.

  • Barbecued Pork Shoulder on a Gas Grill

    bbq pork shoulder on grill
    Elise Bauer

    Yes, you read that correctly. You can use your gas grill to make amazing barbecued pork shoulder. Your guests will thank you.

  • Grilled Fish Tacos with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa

    Grilled Fish Tacos with Strawberry Pineapple Salsa
    Sabrina Modelle

    Fish grills quickly, making this a great choice for a hungry crowd. Make the salsa ahead of time, and let your guests assemble their own tacos and add toppings to their liking.

  • Honey Mint Glazed Grilled Chicken

    Honey Mint Grilled Chicken
    Elise Bauer

    It’s not likely that you’ve had chicken with such a unique flavor profile: it sits in a vinegar-based marinade and is topped with a honey-mint glaze that feels light for the summer.

  • Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

    Mexican Street Corn topped with crema and cilantro on a plate
    Megan Keno

    Corn on the cob, grilled, is sweet, smoky, and already delicious on its own. But when you add a tangy creamy sauce, some lime, and crumbled cojita cheese, it takes this corn over the top.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.

  • Grilled Tuna Kebabs

    Grilled Tuna Kebabs
    Elise Bauer

    Chunks of peppers, onions, and mushrooms nestle between seasoned hunks of tuna—or use swordfish instead.

  • Grilled Lime Chicken with Black Bean Sauce

    Grilled Lime Chicken Black Beans
    Elise Bauer

    There’s something about warm weather that makes me crave flavors from South of the Border. Marinate the chicken in lime, and then serve with a cilantro-infused black bean sauce.

  • Grilled Marinated Flank Steak

    Grilled Marinated Flank Steak
    Elise Bauer

    The marinade—garlic, soy sauce, and honey—and a quick turn on the grill make this flank steak so great.

  • Grilled Beef and Mushroom Burger

    Mushroom Burgers
    Elise Bauer

    Between the beef and the mushroom, you’re in umami overdrive—and that’s a good thing. Slathered with melted Swiss and sautéed shiitakes and onions, this is not your typical mushroom burger.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.

  • Citrus-Brined Grilled Pork Chops

    Grilling Pork Chops
    Nick Evans

    Some extended time soaking in a brine keeps these chops moist on the grill. Citrus adds a special zing.

  • Grilled Romaine Lettuce

    Grilled Romaine Lettuce
    Elise Bauer

    This is beyond delicious—despite the fact that it sounds like a crazy idea to grill lettuce. It’s charred and sweet and takes well to the herb vinaigrette it’s paired with here.