Chef's Notes Plus

Grill Anything (Yes, Even Pasta!)

By the end of this summer, I will be able to write a book on how to cook exclusively outside. As I’ve mentioned, probably too often, I live in Texas, where it is currently HOT. My house is small, but tragically under-cooled in the summer, so when I turn on […]

Appetizers, Hors D’oeuvre, and Snacks

Grilled Artichokes with Romesco Sauce

Makes 5 portions If you’ve never grilled an artichoke, prepare to be hooked. Their unmistakable flavor and creamy flesh is made all the more crave-worthy when slightly charred. It is the ideal accompaniment to savory romesco sauce, but you’ll enjoy it drizzled with tahini, garlic aioli, or even just a […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Baby Octopus

Makes 8 servings Braising the octopus gently before you grill it gives it a unique texture. You can save the braising liquid to use as the base for a seafood soup or stew. Serve with hot coconut rice. Ingredients Octopus 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup medium-dice yellow onion 1/2 […]

Salads

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Makes 8 servings Caesar salad dressing often contains egg yolk and is blended to make a creamy, emulsified dressing. That’s amazing, but this is easy and delicious, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Substitute the grilled chicken for shrimp or salmon, if you like, or even shredded rotisserie […]

Salads, Side Dishes

Grilled Fennel Salad with Oranges, Olives, and Cilantro

Makes 8 servings When you can find small fennel bulbs, use them instead. They are more tender and will cook more quickly. You’ll need 8 small bulbs to replace the 3 average-sized fennel we used below. Ingredients 3 fennel bulbs 1/4 cup thin-sliced red onion 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar […]

Grilling

Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red & Yellow Pepper Salad

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 red bell peppers, or 1 cup of prepared roasted peppers 2 yellow bell peppers, or 1 cup of prepared roasted peppers 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 onion, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons garlic, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons capers, chopped 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 1/2 teaspoon ground […]

Allergen Friendly, Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Kielbasa with Corn-Cabbage Slaw

Makes 4 servings Kielbasa is the perfect last-minute or large-crowd grilling ingredient. It comes pre-cooked, so all you have to do is heat it through, it’s good alone or on a sandwich, and it’s a universal crowd-pleaser. Ingredients Kernels from 2 ears of corn 6 radishes, chopped 1 jalapeño, minced […]

Grilling, Main Dishes

Grilled Lamb Kebobs with Walnut-Herb Sauce

Makes 8 servings Grilled lamb is a nice change of pace from the typical chicken or steak kebobs, and we are especially fond of this combination of lightly marinated lamb shoulder and the flavorful walnut-herb sauce, bright and tangy from lots of lemon. Use the same marinade and pairings for […]

Grilling

Grilled Oysters With Scallion Butter

Makes 5 servings Ingredients 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 cup minced scallions 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce 1 clove garlic, finely minced 3/4 tablespoon lemon juice 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 36 oysters, washed and scrubbed Directions Knead the butter by […]