13 Year-End Grilling Recipes That Could Rival Santa’s Best Dishes
Grilling doesn’t have to stop when summer ends, and these year-end recipes prove it. From smoky meats to fresh, flavorful pairings, these dishes bring bold flavors to your table and make any holiday meal memorable. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, they show that grilling can shine all year long. Fire up the grill and get ready to serve up meals that might just steal the spotlight from the season’s main events.
Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
This dish combines juicy, bone-in pork chops with tender grilled shrimp for a meal that feels like a special occasion. The pork chops and shrimp are enhanced by a rich hollandaise sauce that ties everything together. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for holiday grilling. The balance of smoky pork, succulent shrimp, and creamy sauce creates a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf
Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
This salmon is marinated in warm garam masala spices, then grilled on a wine-soaked cedar plank for a smoky, aromatic flavor. The combination of spices and subtle woodsy notes makes it a standout option for year-end gatherings. It takes roughly 30 minutes to make, delivering a restaurant-quality dish at home. The result is a tender, flavorful salmon that pairs perfectly with seasonal sides.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon
Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions
Grilled steak takes on a sweet twist with the addition of caramelized onions and grilled peaches. Finished with basil pesto and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, this dish offers a blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s perfect for impressing guests. The contrast of smoky steak and fresh fruit makes it a unique and festive choice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
This grain bowl combines smoky grilled shrimp with hearty grains, fresh vegetables, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. It’s a lighter grilling option that still delivers bold, fresh flavors. Preparation takes about 35 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying choice for gatherings. The vibrant mix of textures and flavors makes it a versatile dish for any year-end celebration.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl
Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
This tri-tip is grilled to perfection and topped with a refreshing salsa made of pineapple, mango, and red pepper. The juicy meat and fruity salsa create a tropical-inspired combination that feels celebratory. It takes about 1 hour to prepare, offering a balance of hearty and bright flavors. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring variety to a grilling spread.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Cedar plank-grilled rockfish is the star of these tacos, paired with quick-pickled slaw and a tangy red pepper mango salsa. The result is a fresh, flavorful dish with a satisfying crunch and smoky undertones. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a great choice for casual year-end gatherings. These tacos bring a vibrant, crowd-pleasing element to your grilling menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Thick, juicy pork chops are seasoned to perfection and grilled for a smoky, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. These chops are ready in about 30 minutes, making them an easy option for festive occasions. A simple blend of seasonings lets the natural flavor of the meat shine. Pair with grilled vegetables or potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
Grilled hanger steak is topped with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce for a bold and balanced flavor. The tender steak, paired with the tangy sauce, creates a dish that feels upscale yet approachable. It’s ready in about 35 minutes, making it a convenient choice for gatherings. The combination of smoky meat and fresh herbs makes it a must-try for year-end celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
These tomahawk chops are cooked to perfection on a woodfire grill, delivering a smoky, charred flavor. Their dramatic presentation makes them an eye-catching centerpiece for holiday meals. With about 45 minutes of cooking time, they’re a great way to impress guests. The tender meat and robust flavor make this dish memorable and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Sweet and tangy grilled chicken is marinated in a soy-based sauce with pineapple juice and ginger for tropical-inspired flavor. The tender, juicy meat pairs perfectly with grilled pineapple rings for a festive touch. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it an easy option for holiday grilling. This dish brings a bright and cheerful vibe to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Marinated in chile-lime seasoning, this grilled chicken is bursting with citrusy, spicy flavor. It’s ready in 25 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful choice for gatherings. The crispy, charred exterior and tender meat make it a crowd favorite. Pair it with rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Sweet maple and tangy mustard create the perfect marinade for this grilled chicken, giving it a caramelized, flavorful crust. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, offering a quick and tasty option for any holiday celebration. The balance of sweet and savory makes it a versatile addition to your menu. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce
Grilled filet mignon is topped with a fruity peach mango cilantro sauce, adding a sweet and tangy element to the rich, tender steak. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and delivers an upscale yet approachable option for festive meals. The pairing of juicy steak and fresh sauce creates a standout dish. It’s ideal for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce