When the world came to a halt with lockdowns in 2020, Food Network chef Michael Symon decided to bring the kitchen outdoors. He started hosting live cooking shows right from his backyard, turning his personal experiences into the inspiration for his latest cookbook, Symon's Dinners Cooking Out. It’s packed with recipes designed to make outdoor cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone.
Michael believes that "anything you can make inside can absolutely be made outside on a standard charcoal grill." And who wouldn’t want to enjoy a meal prepared under the open sky, surrounded by fresh air and good company? Let’s dive into some of his favorite recipes to bring the joy of outdoor cooking to your own backyard this season.
So grab your apron and your favorite grill, because it's time to fire up the charcoal and create some unforgettable meals with your loved ones this spring!
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Recipe 1: Sloppy Joe Tacos – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
(Serves 6)
Let’s start with a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser: Sloppy Joe Tacos. These tacos take the comforting flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe and transform them into a handheld masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 lbs. ground meat (turkey, lamb, pork, beef, or chicken)
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
6 corn or flour tortillas
Directions:
1. Begin by preparing your charcoal grill for indirect cooking. You’ll want one side hot and the other side for holding. Place a large cast-iron skillet on the hot side. Heat the oil, then add your meat, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the meat is browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Next, pour in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, mustard, and brown sugar (if using). Let this simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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3. While the Sloppy Joe mixture is cooking, wrap your tortillas in foil and place them on the cooler side of the grill to warm up for about 5 minutes.
4. Once everything is ready, transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to a bowl and serve it alongside the warm tortillas. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like diced avocado, fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced radishes for that extra burst of flavor!
Nutritional Info: Per Serving: 210 cal, 12g protein, 19g carbs, 3g fiber, 6g sugar, 10g fat
Recipe 2: Smoky Grilled Shrimp – A Quick and Zesty Option
(Serves 6)
For a lighter yet equally delicious option, these Smoky Grilled Shrimp are perfect for a spring evening. The marinade adds a smoky, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Here’s how to make it:
3 tbsp. olive oil
Grated zest and juice of 2 limes
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. light brown sugar
1 tbsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 lbs. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
Lime wedges, for squeezing
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, coriander, and cumin. Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to four hours for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat your charcoal grill for direct cooking. Place the shrimp on the hot side of the grill, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until they’re nicely charred. You can cook them individually or thread them onto skewers for easier flipping.
3. Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges, then serve immediately for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is tasty!
Nutritional Info: Per Serving: 114 cal, 7g protein, 8g carbs, 1g fiber, 3g sugar, 7g fat
