Memorial Day Barbecue Menu is a special day for Americans, as it honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the military. It is also the unofficial start of summer, which makes it a perfect time for a barbecue with family and friends. If you’re planning a Memorial Day barbecue and wondering what to cook, look no further. In this article, we will provide you with a delicious menu that will make your Memorial Day celebration a success.
Appetizers
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers are a perfect appetizer for a Memorial Day barbecue. They are easy to make and taste amazing. To make this dish, marinate the shrimp in garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for about 30 minutes. Then, skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve with a side of cocktail sauce.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a spicy and delicious appetizer that your guests will love. To make this dish, cut jalapeno peppers in half and remove the seeds. Stuff the jalapeno halves with cream cheese and wrap them with bacon. Grill until the bacon is crispy and the cream cheese is melted.
Main Course
Grilled BBQ Chicken
No Memorial Day barbecue is complete without grilled BBQ chicken. To make this dish, marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and honey for at least 2 hours. Grill the chicken until it is cooked through and brush with more barbecue sauce while grilling.
BBQ Ribs
BBQ ribs are a crowd-pleaser and a must-have for any Memorial Day barbecue. To make this dish, rub the ribs with a mixture of spices and let them marinate for at least 4 hours. Then, grill the ribs for 2-3 hours until they are tender and falling off the bone. Brush with barbecue sauce while grilling.
Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is a healthy and delicious option for a Memorial Day barbecue. Marinate the salmon in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for 30 minutes. Grill the salmon for 5-7 minutes on each side, until it is cooked through.
Side Dishes
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic side dish for a barbecue. To make this dish, grill the corn for 10-15 minutes until it is charred and tender. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a traditional side dish for a Memorial Day barbecue. Boil potatoes until they are tender and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and celery. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs and diced onions for extra flavor.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that goes well with barbecue. To make this dish, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and celery seed.
Desserts
Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is a simple and delicious dessert for a Memorial Day barbecue. Cut fresh pineapple into slices and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until it is caramelized.
S’mores
S’mores are a classic dessert that everyone loves. To make this dish, toast marshmallows over the grill and sandwich them between graham crackers with a piece of chocolate.
Conclusion
Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have served our country and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It is also a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy a delicious barbecue. This Memorial Day, impress your guests with a mouth-watering barbecue menu that includes appetizers like grilled shrimp skewers and bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. For the main course, serve up some grilled BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, and grilled salmon. Pair these delicious entrees with classic sides like coleslaw and potato salad, and add some grilled corn on the cob for a touch of sweetness. Finally, finish off the meal with some grilled pineapple or s’mores for a sweet treat.
Remember, the key to a successful Memorial Day barbecue is planning ahead and preparing everything in advance. Make sure to marinate the meats ahead of time and have all the ingredients for the sides and desserts ready to go. With these delicious recipes, you are sure to impress your guests and have a Memorial Day celebration that they will remember for years to come.
FAQs
What is the significance of Memorial Day?
- Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving in the United States military.
Can I prepare the dishes ahead of time?
- Yes, you can marinate the meats and prepare the sides and desserts ahead of time to make your Memorial Day barbecue planning easier.
Can I substitute the meats with vegetarian options?
- Yes, you can substitute the meats with vegetarian options like grilled vegetables or tofu.
How long should I grill the meats for?
- The grilling time may vary depending on the thickness of the meats. Make sure to cook the meats until they are cooked through and reach a safe internal temperature.
Can I make the dishes using an oven instead of a grill?
- Yes, you can cook the dishes in an oven if you do not have access to a grill. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.