Chef David Burke's Tips For Mastering The Grill

With grilling such a popular summertime activity, it's more often than not that its uses can becoming a little outdated. Here are some new and unique ideas for you to mix it up on the grill this summer.

David's BBQ Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a must at most grilling cookouts, and I'm always trying to create a unique and exciting recipe for my homemade renditions. Some interesting ingredients that are great to go along with the usual ones – like ketchup, mustard, and vinegar – are pickle juice, maple syrup, and sesame oil.

Ultimate Clam Bake

When I do a clambake, I mix in a kebab and grilled pork chop for a mouthwatering feast.

Click here to see the Grilled Pork Chops with Littleneck Clams Recipe

Grilled Fruits

Grilling fruit is becoming more and more popular these days. I like serving grilled watermelon with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or wrapping peaches with a vanilla bean in foil and baking on the grill. Another favorite is to marinate pineapple in red wine and then grill with scallions to dice up and serve in a salsa.

Wrapped

A lot of barbecue staples are great when they're grilled with direct heat, but you can also have a lot of fun when you wrap them in aluminum foil. For a decadent twist on your cookout potatoes, wrap them in foil with diced onion, tomatoes, and bacon fat and throw them on the grill. Corn wrapped with butter, garlic, and lime is another variation of mine.  

David Burke is a world-renowned chef and restaurateur. To learn more about him, visit his website and his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter @ChefDavidBurke.