How to Level Up Your Outdoor Cooking

“No more playing shrimp kebab Tetris. These just make sense, especially if you have a round grill.” -Maggie Hoffman, Digital Director

MH: “Straight talk: This grilled chicken recipe from Leela Punyaratabandhu, which was inspired by the amazing version served at Jeerapan in Bangkok, is the best grilled chicken I’ve ever made. The herb-rubbed skin is crisp and smoky, the meat is juicy and well-seasoned, and the pineapple dipping sauce is, frankly, drinkable.”

MH: “We all know that grilled corn is a key part of any barbecue, but to make it truly great, you have to try this tip.”

MH: “I tend to fall back on the same side dishes over and over. You too? This list will fix that.”

MH: “Setting a charcoal grill up isn’t hard, but there are some key details that really matter. Like getting those heat zones right. This guide is all you need to become a pro and never overcook your pork chops again.”

MH: “Maybe it’s time to upgrade your equipment. Everyone around our offices (and in our office Slack) is talking about this new grill, and Emily Farris, whose entire backyard always seems to be filled with different grills she’s testing, explains why it’s a game-changer.”

MH: “Sometimes hosting feels like a lot of pressure. That’s when I like to take a deep breath and dive into a big collection of expert-tested recipes and just see what makes my heart sing. Cedar plank salmon? Grilled peach toast? Yes, please.”

MH: “If your guests include vegetarians, this is the tofu trick you need to know. If you’re going to bother with a marinade, you might as well make the most of it.”

MH: “Don’t forget dessert. When I first heard about cooking brownies on a grill, I was skeptical. But these are killer: a little smoky, a little spicy, and totally hands-off—they bake on the grill’s residual heat while you’re busy eating dinner.”

MH: “Okay, one other super-easy, no-bake dessert option. I love a dessert that’s make-ahead, especially if I’m hosting a crowd, and Kendra Vaculin’s mix-and-match formula is genius.”