Fire Up the Grill for These End of Summer Favorites

Summer’s winding down, but there’s still time to fire up the grill and enjoy the season’s best flavors. Whether you’re planning a casual weekend cookout or a weeknight dinner outdoors, now’s the perfect moment to enjoy the warmth with food fresh off the flame.

From juicy skewers to charred veggies and smoky mains, these end-of-summer picks are easy to prep and great for feeding a crowd. They bring bold, familiar ingredients that work well together and don’t require complicated techniques.

Grilling is all about keeping things relaxed and flavorful. These recipes focus on keeping the prep simple, the ingredients fresh, and the results worth sharing.

Blackened Salmon

Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, this blackened salmon brings bold flavor with minimal effort. A blend of smoky spices gives it that rich color and savory crust, perfect for pairing with a simple salad or rice. It’s quick, filling, and makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

These grilled steaks pack serious flavor, especially when topped with a slab of herby, garlicky cowboy butter. The combo of smoky grill marks and buttery richness is hard to beat. It’s a solid go-to for a hearty weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

This one balances smoky char with a hint of citrus and mild heat. The lime adds just enough brightness to cut through the richness of the grilled chicken. It’s a great pick for tacos, bowls, or eating straight off the skewer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Grilled BBQ Chicken

A backyard classic, this BBQ chicken gets that perfect caramelized glaze thanks to the grill. Sticky, smoky, and just sweet enough, it’s a summer staple that works well with just about any side. Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

These skewers bring a mix of smoky heat and mellow sweetness in every bite. Harissa gives it a little kick, balanced out by the honey glaze as it chars up on the grill. They’re quick to make and great for casual dinners or small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

You get the best of both worlds here—juicy grilled pork chops paired with a seafood twist. This combo delivers a hearty plate that feels just a bit more special without much extra work. Great for when you want something a little different but still easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Porcupine Meatballs on the Grill

These fun meatballs get their name from the rice that pokes out as they cook. Grilling gives them a smoky edge and a slightly crisp exterior. They’re easy to prep ahead and work well with a tomato-based sauce or even on their own.
Get the Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs on the Grill

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

This twist on a classic burger features pork patties layered with caramelized onions and melty cheese. The grill gives them a charred edge that pairs nicely with the sweet-savory toppings. It’s a good way to switch up burger night without straying too far.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Lean, flavorful, and fast—this pork tenderloin is great for weeknights or meal prepping. The grill seals in the juices while adding a lightly smoky note that complements just about any marinade. Slice it up and serve it over greens, grains, or straight from the board.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Thick-cut and full of flavor, these chops look impressive but are super approachable to make. The woodfire grill adds that extra layer of smokiness you’d usually expect from a steakhouse. Perfect for nights when you want something bold without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

These chops are all about balance—juicy inside, a touch of char outside, and plenty of flavor from a simple seasoning blend. Whether you’re cooking for two or prepping extras, they hold up well and pair with everything from slaw to grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Sweet meets tangy in this grilled chicken dish that’s easy to throw together. The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully on the grill, while the mustard adds a little zip. It’s a nice change of pace that doesn’t take much planning.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Tender and full of rich flavor, these beef tips mimic that restaurant-style dish without leaving home. The grill gives the meat a great sear, locking in all the juices. Serve them over mashed potatoes or rice for a comfort meal done right.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Gochujang Chicken

Bold and a bit spicy, this grilled chicken uses gochujang to pack in flavor with minimal effort. It’s got a great balance of heat and depth, and it crisps up nicely over the flame. Perfect for pairing with rice bowls or crunchy slaw.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Sweet and savory with just the right hint of char, this dish brings together pineapple and soy flavors in a simple marinade. It cooks up juicy and flavorful, making it a hit for casual get-togethers or easy dinners. Tastes great with grilled veggies or over rice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Bacon keeps these chicken breasts extra juicy while the grill locks in smoky flavor. The combo of crisp bacon and tender chicken works well on its own or sliced up for salads and wraps. It’s a smart pick when you want something hearty but low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Mild, flaky rockfish gets a boost from the grill, making it a solid base for tacos. Add slaw, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite sauce for a quick meal that doesn’t feel rushed. It’s light but filling and easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Grilled Sausage & Peppers

A no-fuss meal that delivers big flavor—grilled sausage paired with sweet, blistered peppers. The woodfire finish adds that extra layer you usually only get from outdoor cookouts. It’s quick, reliable, and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Thinly sliced flank steak grilled to perfection and finished with a punchy chile butter—simple but effective. This one’s great for tacos, salads, or pairing with roasted potatoes. A solid option when you want something fast but full-flavored.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Bright and juicy, these chops get a fresh twist from a citrus glaze that caramelizes as it cooks. The grill brings out a bit of sweetness and keeps everything tender. It’s a nice way to change things up without adding a ton of prep time.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

Classic flavors, easy to prep—these skewers bring sweet-savory teriyaki glaze and a nice char from the grill. They cook fast and are great with rice, noodles, or tossed in a salad. Ideal for make-ahead meals or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers