Have any plans for Memorial Day? This day is intended to be a day for remembrance of all the men and women who have fought and died for our country – for our freedom. Many of us know someone who deserves to be remembered and shown respect on this national holiday. Some people spend the day in observance, often visiting the gravesite of loved ones lost to place an American flag or some flowers. Others spend time outdoors with family and friends – and a hot, sizzling grill. If you’re the latter, make the best of it with these memorial day recipes.

Time to Fire up the Grill

Whether you have spent the winter months cooped up in the house where it is cold, or you are just ready to finally let your guard down and have some fun, fire up that grill and cook up some delicious eats.

1. Honey, Lime, and Sriracha Chicken Skewers

Skewers are a great BBQ food because they let you have something untraditional (think, burgers and dogs) while still keeping it clean and easy to eat. when these flavors explode in your mouth, you are going to put your plate down and throw your hands up. Spicy, tangy, sweet, all rolled into one bite. Yes, please! 

Marinate chicken breast overnight (or at least 6 hours), thread it on the skewers, and grill until crispy. These are sure to be a hit.

2. Jalapeño Marinated Grilled Pork Chops

Sticking with a spicy theme, these pork chops are amazing. You’ve probably never had a dish like this, though. Rather than marinating before cooking, you will grill the pork chops first – and then marinate them. The marinade consists of toasted coriander seeds, sugar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and sliced jalapeños. Keep in mind that the heat will kill some of the spice – so if that kick is what you are after, be sure to save some ‘peños on the side.

The flavors are so incredible, and the meat is so juicy that, when combined, it is phenomenal. Your peeps are going to want seconds – so be prepared.

3. Fish Burgers with Creamy Slaw

Ok, don’t worry – we will get to the best traditional burger for the holiday in a few minutes. In the meantime, why not consider something a little different? You know, think outside the box. If you love seafood, this is where the ocean meets your backyard barbecue.

Unlike recipes that require a long time to marinate, this one is quick and easy – though it doesn’t taste like it. Grill up some wild snapper (or whatever fish floats your boat), seasoned with garlic, pepper and salt.

Serve on a bun with a slice of tomato and the creamy slaw mixture — the juicy, creamy flavors with the flaky crispness of the snapper work beautifully together. Watch out – this one can get a little messy so grab the napkins.

4. Barbecued Picnic Chicken

Did you know that a key to keeping BBQ chicken tender and juicy is to cook it on a covered grill? This chicken will have everyone licking their fingers. The sauce is tangy and delicious – and the chicken is grilled to perfection.

The secret is in the sauce. You cook it from scratch a day or two before you will make the chicken – and the results are untouchable. Melted butter, ketchup, brown sugar, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, prepared mustard, salt and pepper sauce all combined together. Once it cooks on the chicken, it becomes a caramelized glaze that is a must-have at your Memorial Day event.

5. Soy Sauce Marinated Grilled Flank Steak and Scallions

Here’s another recipe where you will grill first and marinate later. There is something about the fresh flavors left on the meat when it’s done this way. Once you try it, you will know exactly what we are talking about.

You will cook this steak on the grill to a medium-rare temperature so that it is not overcooked. Then, marinate it in a sweet and spicy mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, rice wine and toasted sesame oil. Each bite is sure to be much juicier than the one before it. 

6. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Although it is not yet summer, the temperatures outside may fool you. Depending on where you live, it can get hot. Sometimes having a light salad can be a great addition to your other barbecue cuisine. Or it can be the main dish. What you are grilling here is a peach. The grill’s heat sweetens the peach just enough. Combined with creamy burrata, some arugula, pine nuts, and balsamic, it’s the perfect meal for a perfect day. Simple and refreshing. 

7. BBQ Havarti Burger

Yes, finally, what you’ve been waiting for – your traditional, unforgettable, all-American backyard burger (with a little extra dash of pizzazz, of course). This burger is ground beef grilled to perfection and then topped with Havarti cheese, barbecue sauce, lettuce, and pickles. It goes great served with sweet potato fries, too. You can even throw some on the burger!

Don’t forget your vegan friends, too. After all, we are moving toward a world of inclusivity. This burger can be made the same way but using a black bean burger instead.

Yes, you could purchase a Beyond burger patty frozen from the grocery store – but don’t do that. Make the extra effort just like you did for the ground beef burger. Besides, there’s something quite divine about a homemade veggie burger that can’t be beaten.

Put those Memorial Day Recipes to the Test

Well, there you have it – all the Memorial Day recipes perfect for grilling. Invite your friends and family over – or don’t. There is no shame in firing up that grill for yourself. However you choose to spend your day, don’t forget those who sacrificed their lives so you can enjoy those honey, lime, & sriracha chicken skewers in peace!