Your grill was built for more than burgers and dogs, and this Hey Grill Hey guide is full of unique, delicious dinner ideas for your grill.

12 Delicious Dinner Ideas for your Grill

There’s nothing like the sound of meat sizzling on hot grill grates, but keeping the menu fresh can be tough. That’s where this guide comes in. From adventurous unique steaks to whole salmon, these recipes showcase the incredible versatility of outdoor cooking. Whether you’re firing up a gas grill or charcoal grill, these dinner ideas will keep your family and friends coming back for more of that irresistible grilled flavor you’ll only find over an open flame.

Coffee Rubbed Steak

This Coffee Rubbed Steak is the perfect recipe for the steak lover who has tried everything and wants something unique. A homemade rub featuring coffee crystals and a spice blend brings out the naturally rich, earthy flavor of the beef while creating an incredible crust. A hint of cayenne adds just a hint of heat for a a steak bite like you’ve never experienced.

Grab your favorite steak from the butcher shop, whip up some homemade rub (also great on tri tip and brisket), and get ready to wow your friends and family with this one-of-a-kind steak.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Coffee BBQ Sauce

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Grilled Bison Steak with Compound Resting Butter

This Grilled Bison Steak offers an adventurous twist on your typical steak night with its rich, sweet flavor that might be even more satisfying than beef. The lean meat cooks quickly over high heat with frequent flipping to create a beautiful crust while staying perfectly juicy inside. Topped with a horseradish compound butter, this becomes an absolutely decadent dinner experience.

If you’re ready to branch out from the usual cuts, grab some bison ribeyes from your local butcher, season simply with salt and pepper, and prepare for a steak that’ll make any night feel special. Whether it’s a date night or just treating yourself after a long week, this unique protein delivers big on flavor.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Skillet Cornbread

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Perfect Grilled Steak (on Gas or Charcoal!)

Master the art of grilling steak whether you’re cooking on gas or charcoal with this foolproof two-zone method. Both techniques deliver juicy, flavorful results using simple seasoning and proper temperature control – the key difference is charcoal adds that signature smoky flavor while gas offers precise heat management. Either way, you’ll get restaurant-quality steaks with a perfect sear.

The secret lies in cooking low first, then finishing with a high-heat sear for those coveted grill marks. With quality ribeyes, olive oil, and basic seasoning, you’re about 25 minutes away from steak perfection. Whether you prefer the convenience of gas or the classic appeal of charcoal, these techniques ensure tender, juicy results every single time.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Baked Potatoes on the Grill

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Grilled Flap Steak

This Grilled Flap Steak with Cilantro Chimichurri proves that affordable cuts can deliver serious flavor when treated right. While it may not have the tenderness of premium steaks, this bottom sirloin cut brings bold beef taste that pairs beautifully with bright, herbaceous chimichurri. Grilled hot and fast, then sliced against the grain, it becomes surprisingly tender and juicy.

Don’t overlook this budget-friendly option at the butcher counter. Season simply, grill for just 8-12 minutes total, then let the fresh chimichurri add moisture and vibrant flavor to each bite. Perfect for feeding the whole family steak night without emptying your wallet. Sometimes the best discoveries come from the cuts everyone else passes by.

• Total Time: 22 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Chimichurri Sauce

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Grilled Tri Tip

This Grilled Tri Tip showcases the incredible beefy flavor of this triangular cut with a simple seasoning approach that lets the meat shine. Using two-zone grilling, you’ll develop a gorgeous crust on the outside while keeping the interior perfectly juicy and tender. The red wine and garlic mop adds moisture and depth throughout the cooking process, creating a roast that’s anything but ordinary.

Tri tip might not be as well-known as other cuts, but it deserves a spot on your regular rotation. Season generously, grill with patience, and slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. In 30-50 minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece that proves sometimes the best flavors come from the simplest preparations.

• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Grilled Asparagus

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Grilled Chicken Thighs

These Grilled Chicken Thighs prove that dark meat is where the real magic happens. Marinated in a fresh herb blend with garlic, lemon, and white wine, they develop incredible flavor while staying naturally juicy thanks to their higher fat content. In under 15 minutes on the grill, you’ll have tender, caramelized chicken with a gorgeous char that beats chicken breasts any day.

Skip the usual protein routine and give these thighs a try. The marinade does most of the work, so infusing each bite with aromatic herbs and bright citrus notes is a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. Just marinate, grill hot and fast, and enjoy amazing chicken at home.

• Total Time: 30 mins (plus 4 hours to marinade)
  Best BBQ Side: Grilled Broccolini

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Homemade Smash Burgers

These Homemade Smash Burgers deliver all the crispy-edged, juicy goodness of your favorite burger joint right in your backyard. Made with 85/15 ground beef, clarified butter, and American cheese, they develop those signature crunchy edges while staying incredibly tender inside. The secret is smashing loosely formed beef balls directly onto caramelized onions on a flat-top grill.

Why spend big money at restaurants when you can make better burgers at home? With simple quality ingredients and a homemade burger sauce that’s basically elevated fry sauce, these come together fast and taste absolutely incredible. Just remember to work quickly and enjoy them hot off the flat-top for maximum melty cheese perfection.

• Total Time: 18 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

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Grilled Whole Salmon with Lemon and Shallots

This Grilled Whole Salmon creates an absolutely stunning centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Stuffed with fresh lemons, shallots, and dill, then grilled over indirect heat, it delivers delicate salmon flavor with subtle herbaceous notes and a hint of smokiness. The presentation alone will have your guests thinking you’re a culinary master, yet it takes less than five minutes to prep.

There’s something special about cooking a whole fish that connects you to your ingredients in a meaningful way. The flavors work together beautifully without any single element overpowering the natural taste of quality salmon. Set your grill to 400-425 degrees F, cook until it hits 140 degrees F internal temperature, and prepare for the “wow” factor when you present this impressive dish.

• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Garlic Parmesan Grilled Green Beans

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Grilled Tilapia with Lemon and Garlic

This Grilled Tilapia with Lemon and Garlic transforms mild, affordable fish into something truly delicious with bright citrus and aromatic seasonings. The gentle flavor of tilapia makes it perfect for picky eaters, while the zesty lemon and fresh garlic add just enough punch without overwhelming the fish’s natural sweetness. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have flaky, perfectly cooked fillets ready to serve.

This recipe proves that simple ingredients often create the best results. A light coating of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic is all you need to turn ordinary tilapia into an extraordinary meal. Quick enough for busy weeknights yet tasty enough to satisfy any seafood craving – it’s the ideal introduction to grilling fish at home.

• Total Time: 18 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Grilled Panzanella Salad

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Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp

This Grilled Garlic Butter Shrimp delivers crustacean perfection with jumbo shrimp grilled directly on the grates, then tossed in a zesty garlic and lemon butter sauce. The combination of smoky char from the grill and rich, aromatic butter creates an irresistible flavor that works as either an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main course over pasta.

What makes this recipe so appealing is its incredible versatility and speed. In just minutes, you’ll have tender shrimp with that perfect “C” shape, ready to be bathed in fragrant garlic butter. Simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining. Plus, there’s always that leftover sauce perfect for sopping up with crusty bread.

• Total Time: 21 mins
• Best BBQ Side: The Best Pasta Salad

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Grilled Lobster Tail with Lemon and Garlic Butter

This Grilled Lobster Tail with Lemon Garlic Butter turns an intimidating seafood into a simple backyard luxury. The rich, aromatic garlic butter and bright lemon perfectly complement the sweet, tender lobster meat, creating a restaurant-quality experience right on your grill. With proper preparation and a meat thermometer as your guide, you’ll achieve that perfect 145 degree F internal temperature every time.

Don’t let lobster scare you. This step-by-step recipe breaks down everything from splitting the shells to achieving those beautiful grill marks. Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, and get ready to serve up an impressive dinner that’ll have you feeling like a Backyard BBQ Hero.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Best BBQ Side: Homemade Rolls on the Grill

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Grilled Crab Legs with Seasoned Garlic Butter

These Grilled Crab Legs upgrade the classic seafood experience with smoky char and seasoned garlic butter that penetrates every sweet bite. Unlike traditional boiling or steaming, grilling adds incredible depth of flavor while keeping the process surprisingly simple. Split lengthwise and basted with herb-infused butter, these legs become an unforgettable centerpiece for any special occasion.

When you’re looking to elevate your next dinner party or holiday feast, reach for these king crab legs. They cook low and slow at 225 degrees F to tender perfection. Serve with extra seasoned butter for dipping, plenty of napkins, and watch your guests’ faces light up with each succulent bite.

• Total Time: 1 hr
• Best BBQ Side: Grilled Garlic Bread

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Bonus Grill Recipe

Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

This Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil creates the perfect tender-crisp kernels with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The foil pouch acts as a steam chamber while the butter browns beautifully from the grill’s heat, giving you buttery, perfectly seasoned corn that beats boiling every time. Plus, it cooks alongside your main dish for ultimate efficiency.

Skip the stovetop and let your grill do double duty with this simple four-ingredient side. Just wrap the corn with melted butter, salt, and pepper in foil, grill for 20 minutes total, then let it steam for five more minutes. The result is sweet, juicy corn that’s become a grilling essential in backyards everywhere. Serve it as-is, or use it in the recipes below!

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Best in: Mexican Street Corn Salsa, Grilled Corn Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

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More Ideas to Nail Dinner on the Grill

Use this collection of dinner ideas for your grill to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire, but remember, these recipes are your foundation. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and side dishes, so you can make something uniquely yours. When you’ve mastered these classics, head over to The Grill Squad for the Charcoal 101 class.

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MORE DINNER GUIDES: 13 Awesome Dinner Ideas for Your Smoker