Patio-Ready Grilled Meals to Make Before the Season Ends

Summer’s winding down, but there’s still time to fire up the grill and enjoy a few more meals on the patio. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend cookout or a quick weeknight dinner outdoors, grilling is a simple way to make the most of the season.

This post pulls together easy, flavorful recipes that are perfect for outdoor cooking while the weather holds. You’ll find a mix of meats, veggies, and fresh sides that work well together and don’t take hours to prepare.

Now’s a great time to try something new or revisit a favorite while evenings are still warm. So grab your tongs, prep a few ingredients, and enjoy some relaxed meals under the open sky.

Blackened Salmon

This dish brings together bold spices and smoky char for a rich, flavorful piece of fish that’s fast and simple to prepare. It’s all about that crisp crust formed in a hot pan or grill, locking in the moisture inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak is great on its own, but brushing on melted cowboy butter with garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat takes it to the next level. It’s that extra drizzle that brings serious flavor without needing a lot of fuss. This is a go-to for backyard BBQs or a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

These skewers pack a punch with the smoky spice of harissa balanced by sweet honey. The char from the grill adds depth, while the glaze caramelizes just enough to lock everything in. They’re quick to cook and great for feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Grilled BBQ Chicken

A classic that never disappoints, this recipe focuses on juicy grilled chicken slathered in sticky BBQ sauce. Whether you baste it in layers or finish with a thick coat, it’s all about timing and getting that char just right. It works well with drumsticks, thighs, or even bone-in breasts.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Chicken

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

This recipe brings bright citrus and subtle heat together for a refreshing yet smoky chicken dish. Marinating ahead of time is key—let it soak up those flavors before hitting the grill. Great for tacos, salads, or a simple rice bowl.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Porcupine Meatballs on the Grill

These fun meatballs are mixed with rice, giving them that signature “porcupine” look. Grilling them adds a smoky bite that oven-baking just can’t match. Serve with a rich tomato sauce and you’ve got a throwback dish with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs on the Grill

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Think of this like your favorite soup—but as a burger. Caramelized onions, melted cheese, and juicy pork patties grilled to perfection make this one stand out. It’s hearty, rich, and surprisingly easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Thinly sliced beef, marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, and grilled quickly for that smoky edge—this is comfort food done fast. Serve over rice with crunchy veggies for balance. It’s a good mix of texture and flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Big, bone-in pork chops make an impression, especially with that smoky sear from the grill. These thick cuts stay juicy inside while developing a rich crust outside. A little seasoning goes a long way here—just let the meat shine.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

This version keeps things simple with tender chunks of beef seared until browned and simmered in a savory sauce. It’s warm, comforting, and great over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. A grill pan or outdoor flame adds that extra depth.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Sweet maple syrup and sharp mustard pair well on the grill, creating a sticky glaze that caramelizes as it cooks. The chicken stays juicy, and the slight char gives a smoky contrast. It’s an easy option that feels a little special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

This dish brings sweet and savory flavors together with pineapple juice and soy sauce in the marinade. Once grilled, the chicken gets those nice grill marks and a tender bite. Pair it with grilled pineapple or rice for a tropical feel.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Gochujang Chicken

With Korean chili paste as the star, this chicken hits that perfect balance between heat, umami, and a bit of sweetness. The grill adds smokiness that plays well with the bold sauce. It’s flavorful enough on its own or wrapped in lettuce with rice.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Bacon brings extra flavor and keeps the chicken moist while grilling. As it crisps up, it adds texture and a salty contrast to the tender meat inside. It’s a solid choice when you want something easy but still impressive.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Flaky fish with a smoky char makes a great base for tacos, especially when paired with crunchy slaw or a creamy sauce. Rockfish holds up well on the grill and absorbs seasoning quickly. Serve with lime wedges and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Grilled sausage and peppers are a timeless combo—smoky, juicy, and just the right amount of char. This one’s quick to throw together and works well for sandwiches, rice bowls, or just as-is. It’s hard to mess this up, which makes it a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Thick pork chops seared over high heat lock in moisture while developing that golden crust. A simple seasoning rub is all you need to let the meat speak for itself. Serve with something crisp or tangy on the side for balance.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Flank steak cooks fast, and it’s all about slicing it thin against the grain. A chile-spiked butter adds richness and a slow-building heat that ties everything together. Great for a casual dinner with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

These chops are bright and tangy, with a sticky glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. The citrus brings out the natural sweetness in the pork. Easy to make but feels a little unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Pairing pork with shrimp or scallops brings contrast—rich, smoky meat with something a little lighter. A good grill sear on both adds that bit of crispness you want. It’s a fun twist on the usual surf and turf.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

Chicken skewers coated in teriyaki sauce cook quickly and develop a sweet-savory glaze as they grill. They’re great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. Serve with rice, noodles, or even over salad for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers