10 Best Meats for Grilling This Summer

Introduction

When summer arrives, firing up the grill becomes the ultimate way to create flavorful, crowd-pleasing meals that are simple and satisfying. Choosing the right cuts of meat is key to maximizing taste and keeping grilling stress-free, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a weeknight family dinner outside. Discovering the best meats for grilling this season means you’ll enjoy juicy, delicious results every time.

Why These Meats Make Grilling Season Unforgettable

These top 10 meats stand out for their unbeatable flavor, ease of preparation, and ability to absorb tasty marinades and rubs. Selecting these cuts also means evenly cooked, tender results—making every bite a reason to celebrate summer. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, pork, or seafood, there’s a grilling option here for every palate.

The Top 10 Meats to Grill This Summer

1. **Ribeye Steak:** Richly marbled and supremely juicy, ribeye is a classic for a reason—quick-cooking and loaded with beefy flavor.
2. **Chicken Thighs:** More forgiving than breasts, thighs stay moist on the grill and pair well with sweet or spicy marinades.
3. **Pork Chops:** Bone-in or boneless, pork chops develop a caramelized crust and juicy center when seared over high heat.
4. **Sausages:** Choose classic bratwurst, Italian links, or spicy chorizo for a meaty, flavorful bite every time.
5. **Salmon Fillets:** Meaty yet tender, salmon stands up to the heat and brings bright, clean flavors with a crispy skin.
6. **Beef Burgers:** Ground chuck patties grilled to perfection are a universal summertime favorite—with endless topping possibilities.
7. **Lamb Chops:** Bold and savory, lamb chops char beautifully and can be elevated with rosemary and garlic.
8. **Baby Back Ribs:** Slow and low cooking transforms ribs into tender, finger-licking fare, perfect for feeding a crowd.
9. **Shrimp Skewers:** Rapid-cooking shrimp deliver sweet, briny notes and work wonderfully with zesty marinades.
10. **Turkey Cutlets:** Lean and mild, turkey cutlets soak up flavors fast, giving you a lighter option that’s still satisfyingly smoky.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe collection in CookifyAI and instantly create a shopping list organized by store section—making it easier to shop for all your favorite grilling meats and sides in one efficient trip!

How to Prepare Each Meat for Grilling Success

• Steaks: Brush with oil, season with salt and pepper, grill over high heat for 3–5 minutes per side.
• Chicken Thighs: Marinate for 2–4 hours in your favorite sauce; grill over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pork Chops: Season with dry rub or marinade; grill over medium-high heat, 4–5 minutes per side.
• Sausages: Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned.
• Salmon: Brush with oil, sprinkle with herbs, grill skin side down for 3–4 minutes, then flip for 2 more minutes.
• Burgers: Form into patties, season, grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
• Lamb Chops: Marinate in garlic, herbs, and oil; grill over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
• Ribs: Rub with spice mix, slow-cook over indirect heat until tender, finish with a glaze over direct heat.
• Shrimp: Thread onto skewers, marinate briefly, grill over high heat for about 2 minutes per side.
• Turkey Cutlets: Brush with oil, season as desired, grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

Serving Suggestions for a Summer Grilling Feast

Pair your chosen meats with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or classic sides like baked potatoes and corn on the cob. Add chimichurri, salsa, or zesty barbecue sauce for even more flavor. Serve everything family-style for ultimate summer-sharing vibes.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This assortment provides about 10 servings of various grilled meats. Calorie content varies depending on the cut and serving size, ranging from around 110 calories for shrimp skewers to 400+ for well-marbled steak or ribs. Grilled meats are a great protein source and can be balanced with plenty of vegetables and wholesome sides.

The Best Meats for Your Grilling Party (Recap)

Choosing these 10 standout meats ensures diverse flavors, perfectly grilled textures, and meals that cater to a variety of dietary preferences. Whether it’s steaks or shrimp, your summer gatherings will be memorable—and delicious.

Weekly Meal Planning

Looking to streamline your summer grilling and make weekly meal prep a breeze? Save your favorite grilling recipes with CookifyAI and schedule each one for a different night. The app will automatically consolidate ingredients, group them by section, and calculate quantities—making your grocery trips and meal prep seamless.

Planning Benefits:

• Smart ingredient calculations for the whole week’s meals
• Shopping lists sorted by grocery store section
• Reduces duplicate items and forgotten ingredients
• Helps you plan balanced, delicious meals all summer long

Pro tip: If you’re grilling chicken for tacos on Monday and chicken thighs for a picnic on Saturday, CookifyAI ensures your shopping list reflects the total poundage needed for both—helping you avoid overbuying and save money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15–45 minutes (varies based on marinating time)
Cook Time: 8–90 minutes (depending on meat)
Total Time: 25 minutes to 2 hours (depending on selections)