6 Delicious Memorial Day Cookout Ideas

How do you celebrate Memorial Day? It is right around the corner. And as the unofficial kickoff to summer, nearly everyone enjoys the 3-day weekend that comes with this holiday. 

Parades, cookouts, and gatherings are found at every turn. Though we cannot forget what the day is about – honoring all those who gave their lives defending our country. Memorial tributes, visits to the cemetery, and other special events pop up around cities throughout the U.S. to commemorate the day. 

If you decide to host your own get-together using your outdoor kitchen, here are 6 delicious Memorial Day cookout ideas your guests are sure to love. 

1. Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri

The key to this unforgettable grilled chicken is to marinate it for at least 24 hours – and keep it moving on the grill. Don’t let it sit on one side too long. The marinade is made with oranges and lemons, chiles, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and so much more. Then, before grilling, a spice blend of paprika, salt, chili powder, Mexican oregano, and chipotle chili powder is used to give the chicken some zest. Talk about flavor!

What is chimichurri? It is a common sauce from South America and Mexico used to accompany many grilled meat dishes – or used as a marinade. It is made of olive oil, cilantro, parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, shallot, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and red chili flakes. Chimichurri enhances the flavor of everything it touches. 

This dish is sure to impress. 

2. Ultimate Loaded Chili-Topped Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are one of the most commonly grilled foods at outdoor cookouts. They are easy to cook, easy to eat, and they are synonymous with holidays like Memorial Day. There is just something so tasty about this simple meal.

But you don’t just settle for simple, do you? 

These ultimate loaded chili-topped hot dogs are all about seeing what you can fit into each bun – with the first topping being homemade chili that is to die for. 

All types of goodness including ground beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, light brown sugar, cayenne pepper, tomato sauce, and even amber ale beer. Pile this chili on top of your hot dog followed by some cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, crushed corn snacks, radishes, scallions, and more. 

It is bound to be messy, but absolutely divine.

3. Charred Cabbage Salad with Pecan Dukkah and Chile-Lime Butter

You have cooked steaks, chicken, shrimp, and maybe even corn on the grill. But cabbage? Oh yes. Inspired by Mexican heritage, this is a flavor combination most have likely never thought of. Chilis with mild spice, lime, butter, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, among others all come together beautifully. 

Cabbage is coated in flavor and then charred in a few areas on the grill. Then they are coated in chili-lime butter and sprinkled with pecan dukkah – a flavorful mixture of pecans and sesame seeds. 

This can be served as a dish all on its own – or a great side to another star. 

4. Grilled Corn with Cotija and Quicos

Charred corn hot off the grill with all the fixings has become quite the obsession lately. But you don’t need to find the nearest taco truck to indulge your taste buds. Instead, create your own version at home. 

Pull the husks back on sweet corn and grill uncovered until it looks slightly charred. Then create this unique elote using mayo infused with lime juice and sprinkled with crunchy corn nuts and Cotija cheese. 

If you prefer, you can cut the corn off of the cob and toss it in a bowl with the lime mayo, Cotija cheese, and corn nuts. Serve it in a dish.

Want to take up the spice level a bit? Add some cayenne pepper to taste. While it has star-worthy potential, it always pairs well with any main dish. It’s corn! 

You are going to want to give this one a try. 

5. Green Curry Beef Skewers with Fried Basil Oil

Green curry paste pairs well with red meat – especially rib-eye steak or beef tenderloin. You are going to use a cup of it in this recipe, along with palm sugar, fish sauce, Thai basil leaves, turmeric root, and more. 

You are going to combine all the ingredients and let the meat marinate for several hours. Pan-fry it for just a moment, then skewer and place it on the grill. Serve with jasmine rice. 

This is a different dish that stands out and makes its presence known at a cookout. 

6. Smoked Brisket

Not everyone can pull off the smoked brisket and have it taste so good that it disappears off plates. But do you know who can? You – with this recipe. And if you are using your gas grill, you can easily turn it into a smoker. 

The key to a good brisket is patience. It is going to take time. Once you rub down the brisket with mustard or olive oil as well as seasoning, it is ready to go. Always place it in the smoker with the thick side facing the fire. And once it is in there, lose all temptation to open the lid for the next several hours. 

You can pat yourself on the back for a job well done once you’ve tasted your creation. 

Get Ready for Summer with Outdoor Kitchens from THOR Kitchen

As we said, Memorial Day is a reminder that summer will be here in the blink of an eye. If you want to create the most incredible backyard space with an outdoor kitchen that will make your home the go-to hotspot of the summer, then now is the time to invest in an outdoor kitchen suite from THOR Kitchen. 

Create your own setup with a grill and rotisserie, a pizza oven, a sink with storage, a refrigerator drawer, and more. All decked out in stainless steel, it will look as stunning as it is functional. 

Cook all of the above dishes – and so much more! 

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