Fire up that grill - 4 mouthwatering recipes for your July 4th

By Justin Segelstrom

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! With the 4th of July just around the corner, it’s time to dust off those grills and get ready for some outdoor culinary adventures. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a beginner, I have four spectacular recipes that will elevate your grilling game and make your Independence Day celebration unforgettable. Today, I'm excited to share with you Western Burgers with Onion Rings, Beer Brats with Onions and Peppers, Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers, and my all-time favorite side dish, a delicious Grilled Potato Salad. Each of these recipes brings a unique flavor and flair to your barbecue, ensuring that your holiday spread is nothing short of fantastic.

Western Burgers with Onion Rings

Let’s kick things off with a classic that never fails to impress: Western Burgers with Onion Rings. This recipe takes the traditional burger to a whole new level by adding crispy onion rings and a zesty barbecue sauce. The combination of juicy, flavorful beef patties, melted cheese, smoky bacon, pickled jalapenos, and crunchy onion rings all nestled between toasted buns is nothing short of a masterpiece. It’s a burger that screams summertime fun and is perfect for a 4th of July cookout.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Flavor Explosion: The rich, smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce combined with the savory beef and crispy onion rings create a deliciously balanced taste.
• Texture Perfection: The contrast between the soft, juicy burger and the crispy onion rings is pure bliss in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Burgers are always a hit at gatherings, and this version with a twist will have your guests coming back for more.

Beer Brats with Onions and Peppers

Next up, we have Beer Brats with Onions and Peppers, a classic dish that brings a taste of Germany to your backyard. These brats are simmered in a bath of beer and onions before being finished off on the grill. The result is a juicy, flavorful sausage with a slightly crispy exterior, complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onions and the vibrant taste of grilled peppers.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Robust Flavor: The beer adds a depth of flavor to the brats, making them juicy and delicious.
• Versatile and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings.
• Perfect Pairing: The combination of brats, onions, and peppers makes for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers

For those who love seafood, Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a must-try. These skewers are marinated in a zesty margarita mix, giving the shrimp a fresh, citrusy flavor with a hint of tequila. Grilling them brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp and adds a smoky, charred finish that is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Refreshing and Light: The margarita marinade gives the shrimp a bright, refreshing flavor that is perfect for summer.
• Quick and Easy: Shrimp cooks quickly on the grill, making this a fast and convenient option.
• Impressive Presentation: Skewers always look appealing, and these colorful shrimp skewers will definitely stand out at your barbecue.

Grilled Potato Salad

No barbecue is complete without a great side dish, and my Grilled Potato Salad is just the ticket. This isn’t your typical potato salad; grilling the potatoes adds a smoky flavor and a crispy texture that transforms this classic side dish into something extraordinary. Tossed with a tangy dressing and mixed with fresh herbs, this potato salad is the perfect accompaniment to any grilled main dish.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Smokey and Savory: Grilling the potatoes adds a unique smoky flavor that sets this salad apart.
• Fresh and Tangy: The dressing, made with mustard, vinegar, and fresh herbs, adds a refreshing tang.
• Great for Sharing: This salad is perfect for feeding a crowd and pairs well with a variety of grilled dishes.

Grilling the potatoes might seem like an extra step, but it’s well worth the effort. The grill gives the potatoes a deliciously charred exterior while keeping the inside tender and creamy. The dressing is a simple mix of mustard, vinegar, and fresh herbs - creating a flavorful and refreshing salad that compliments any main dish. This Grilled Potato Salad is not only delicious but also a great way to add some variety to your barbecue sides.

Wrapping It Up

With these four recipes, your 4th of July barbecue is guaranteed to be a hit. Each dish brings something unique to the table, from the bold flavors of the Western Burgers with Onion Rings to the refreshing taste of the Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers. The Beer Brats with Onions and Peppers offer a hearty, satisfying option, while the Grilled Potato Salad adds a smoky, tangy side that pairs perfectly with everything.

Grilling is all about enjoying the process and the company of friends and family. These recipes are designed to be easy and fun, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the celebration. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to savor these delicious dishes. Happy grilling and happy 4th of July!

Stay tuned for the detailed recipes, and let’s make this holiday a flavorful and memorable one. Cheers to good food, great company, and the joy of grilling!

Western Burger with Onion Rings and Pickled Jalapenos

Ingredients

Onion Rings:

• ½ small white onion, sliced into thick rings (about 3 rings per burger, approximately ½ large onion)
• 4 cups avocado oil (or grapeseed oil)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided (reserve ½ cup for coating and use 1 ½ cups for the batter)
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ rub
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 12-ounce can beer (pilsner or lager recommended)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Western Burger:

• 4 pieces crispy bacon
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ rub
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 burger buns
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 6 pieces butter or bibb lettuce (optional)
• Pickled jalapenos, for topping

Instructions

For Onion Rings:

1. Heat oil in a medium-sized Dutch oven or large pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, BBQ rub, cornstarch, and beer to create a thick pancake-like batter.
3. Place ½ cup flour in a separate small bowl for coating the raw onion rings.
4. Coat 3 onion rings at a time in the dry flour, then use tongs to dip each ring into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Fry the coated onion rings in the hot oil for 2 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
6. Remove the onion rings and place them on a paper towel-lined cookie sheet to drain excess oil. Season with a touch of sea salt.
7. Repeat the frying process until you have 8 to 12 onion rings.

For Western Burger:

1. Preheat your grill for two-zone grilling to a target ambient temperature of 400°F.
2. When the grill reaches 200°F, place the bacon on the indirect side and cook until crispy, flipping occasionally.
3. Grill the burger patties over direct heat for 4 minutes with the lid closed to achieve a nice sear. Flip and grill for another 4 minutes with the lid closed.
4. Move the burgers to the indirect heat side, top with cheddar cheese, and close the lid. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
5. Warm the burger buns on the grill.
6. Assemble the burgers: spread BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce (if using) and a slice of tomato, then place the burger patty on top. Layer with crispy bacon, onion rings, and pickled jalapenos. Add more BBQ sauce and top with the other half of the bun.

Grilled Beer Brats With Onions and Peppers

Enjoy a classic summer meal with these Grilled Beer Brats with Onions and Peppers. This recipe combines the rich flavors of bratwurst, the sweetness of bell peppers and onions, and the refreshing taste of a cheap lager beer. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner, these beer brats are sure to become a favorite. Serve them in hot dog buns with your choice of toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 5 Brats (typically 1 package)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 16 oz cheap lager beer
• 5 hot dog buns
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• dash of salt
• dash of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the bell pepper and onion, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, add a dash of salt and pepper, and toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
2. Preheat the grill and place a cast iron skillet on it to start heating up.
3. Grill the brats until they are nicely charred on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the peppers, onions, brats, and beer to the cast iron skillet.
5. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are fully cooked and the beer has reduced down.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw extra jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound), peeled and deveined
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons tequila (optional)
• Thin slices of fresh lime
• Chopped cilantro
• Wedges of fresh lime for squeezing over top of grilled shrimp

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning.
2. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a wide shallow bowl and set aside.
3. In a tall-sided bowl, combine olive oil, chopped garlic, minced jalapeno, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use an immersion blender, food processor, or blender to blend until smooth.
4. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, gently folding halfway through.
5. Drizzle tequila over the marinated shrimp if desired, then fold gently to combine.
6. Thread the shrimp onto them, alternating with folded slices of lime.
7. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and well-oiled.
8. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque with some charred edges.
9. Transfer the grilled shrimp skewers to a platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Grilled Potato Salad

This Grilled Potato Salad is a delightful twist on the classic, adding smoky flavors from the grill to tender potatoes dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ to 3 pounds potatoes
• ½ cup good quality mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon FreshJax Happy Hamlet Bacon Salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon minced red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1-2 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Olive oil for grilling

Instructions

1. Heat the grill to medium heat.
2. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and toss with olive oil. Grill potatoes cut side down until easily pierced with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
3. While the potatoes grill, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, Bacon Salt, and sugar in a small bowl.
4. Cook bacon slices until crispy, then chop. Alternatively, grill bacon alongside the potatoes.
5. Let grilled potatoes cool slightly. Mix potatoes with the dressing, gently folding in bacon, red onion, chives, and parsley.
6. Refrigerate potato salad for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving to enhance flavors.
7. Serve chilled.

Justin Segelstrom is a chef who lives in Bismarck and has a website called My Complete Cooking.

Follow him on Instagram at @mycompletecooking and on Facebook at My Complete Cooking

His posts appear on the last Friday of each month at On Your Table.

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