Summer is grilling season here in Asheville, North Carolina, but outdoor kitchen recipes are far from a seasonal-only option. Here are some mouthwatering recipes, sure to dub you as the Neighborhood Elite Chef!
Choosing Your Outdoor Kitchen Elements
Let’s start from scratch. There are two types of grilling: direct-heat grilling and indirect-heat grilling. Quick-cooking foods (like hot dogs, thin steaks, and burgers) thrive from direct heat. Foods that cook slower (such as a full turkey or chicken, racks of ribs, or large roasts) are ideal for indirect-heat grilling; think low and slow smokers.
If you like to cook a wide variety of foods, you may want to utilize multiple outdoor cookers (grills, smokers, etc.); meaning your outdoor kitchen will need to be customized to fit your needs. This is where The YardFathers thrive: bringing your outdoor cooking dreams into reality.
Are you ready to use your tailor-made outdoor kitchen?
If The YardFathers have already installed your ultimate outdoor kitchen, let’s prepare to give your taste buds a summer to remember!
The “Banks Channel” Dog With A Twist
Since it is hot dog season in North Carolina, it seems only appropriate to allow the American classic to officiate the first recipe. Ashley Christensen is a chef here in our home state, and she offers a non-traditional approach that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. .. and thirds… and… well, you get the picture.
“My favorite dog is a tribute to a hot dog sold at the Trolly Stop hot dog stand… in North Carolina. Originally called the “Banks Channel” hot dog, it has melted American cheese and mayo. In my version, we use Kewpie mayo. American cheese, diced dill pickles and tomatoes, and cracked pepper.”
Ashley Christensen, Chef & Proprietor, AC Restaurants in N.C.
What makes the Banks Channel Hot Dog different? Simply the toppings. After grilling, and placing in your bun, top your steaming hot dog with:
- Kewpie Mayo,
- American Cheese,
- Diced Dill Pickles
- Diced Tomatoes
- Cracked Pepper
For other unique hot dog topping ideas, check this article out:
North Carolina-Style BBQ Turkey
If you love barbecue, try this leaner option of meat as opposed to pork! The turkey comes out tender, moist, and is packed with flavor! It takes some time and effort, but once it is done you will be absolutely amazed!
You will need (4) cups of wood chips (try hickory or mesquite), or use your pellet smoker. If using wood chips, soak them in water for 30 minutes, and drain them. This recipe takes some prep time, and you will need to brine the turkey in the refrigerator for up to about 8 hours. This is a very low calorie, high protein option. We suggest pairing it with a flavorful, southern side of your choice!
See the full recipe from the Food Network, here:
Mountain Mama’s Balsamic Glazed Grilled Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Say that five times fast! WNC local, Rebecca Gage, learned that motherhood forces you to get creative when it comes to meal time ideas and healthy options deemed “toddler approved”. Brussel sprouts are full of immunity boosters, like vitamin C; and they’re high in sulfur, which helps rid your body of toxins. But, how hard is it to get your littles to devour brussel sprouts? This recipe may save the day!
Before prepping your brussel sprouts—you’ll need approximately 2 lbs—prep your grill and get it nice and hot. 400°F is typically the optimal temperature, preventing your veggies from being soggy (from cooking at too low of a temperature). Be sure to wash, dry, and trim your brussels, before cutting them in half. Toss them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle them with (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil, (2 tsp.) himalayan sea salt, and your desired amount of cracked pepper. Add a teaspoon of minced garlic and 2-3 shakes of garlic salt. Mix up the ingredients, and set to the side.
Fry up (4) pieces of bacon, then chop them up. We recommend pouring the leftover bacon grease onto the brussels to add a multitude of salty flavors. (Yes, we know that that does increase the calorie count.) For now, place your bacon bits off to the side.
When the sprouts are nice and coated, microwave them for 3 minutes. This may seem counterintuitive, but this tenderizes your brussels before tossing them onto the grill. Once tenderized, pour your sprouts into your grill basket (we like this one for easy flipping: Grill Basket – Amazon), and place them on the grill. Let them cook for 5 minutes. Turn them and let them cook 5 more minutes on the opposite side.
Place your brussels in your serving dish, top with your homemade bacon bits, and drizzle with approximately 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
The Perfect Grilled Pineapple
Inspired by a local Asheville, North Carolina Brazilian steakhouse, we bring to you a simple but savory grilled treat! It pairs great with grilled meats and also makes for a great palate cleanser due to its dry, acidic nature.
First, choose a good and ripe pineapple. You will want to find one with a nice green stem, not one that’s brown or shriveled from being on the shelf for a while. The more golden or yellow the color, the riper your pineapple will be.
We prefer grilling pineapple slices, rather than halves. Using a sharp knife, cut both ends of the fruit. Shave off the tough outer skin by running the knife along the outside of the pineapple. Make ¾ inch thick slices by cutting the pineapple crosswise. You can leave the core in, or you can remove it with a small corer. If you do not have a small round corer, you can substitute by using a cookie cutter.
Whisk together ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. If you prefer not to use brown sugar, substitute with honey or maple syrup. We’ve also heard that coconut sugar is quite delicious.
Brush the mixture over both sides of the pineapple. Lay the slices in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 2 ½- 3 minutes per side, or until tender. They will be a golden-brown color when they are ready. This pairs great with a spiral ham, pork tenderloin, or bacon wrapped filet mignon!
Are you ready to make your outdoor kitchen dreams a reality?
The YardFathers are here to construct your kitchen’s expansion into the great outdoors! Let us cultivate your very own griller’s paradise. The sky’s the limit when you trust the Pros!