If you’re dining with us this summer, chances are that you’ll be enjoying one of our #GrillBetter menu selections. We’re celebrating the season and featuring healthier selections from our grill menus like our Farmhouse Chicken Sandwich, Baja Fish Tacos and Spicy Cilantro Turkey Burger.
If you’re grilling at home this summer, our chefs have lots of ideas for how you can #GrillBetter too. For those of you who are feeling adventurous and want to go way above and beyond ‘the usual’ and really wow your friends and family—we asked three of our chefs to have some fun with ideas you can use to #GrillBetter with flair.
Reimagining the Grilled Chicken Sandwich – Chef Stacy Wiroll
Chef Stacy took an international and regional approach with ideas that put a regular grilled chicken sandwich way over the top.
Memphis BBQ Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Use a dry BBQ spice rub on the grilled chicken breast, add a few dashes of hot sauce (Memphis likes to add the heat) and a sliced pickle. You can also top with coleslaw or serve on the side.
Grilled Capresé Chicken Sandwich
Top grilled chicken breast with sliced ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and arugula lightly drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper.
Mexican Grilled Chicken and Avocado Wrap
Top grilled chicken breast with grilled corn, a sprinkle of cheese (if you’re feeling adventurous, look for a Mexican type) diced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded romaine and a squeeze of fresh lime juice all bundled in a whole grain wrap.
Phenomenal Turkey Burgers – Chef Matt Fuss
Chef Matt Fuss had some ideas to add international flair. Taste his ideas to see how globally inspired toppings, with a pickled veggie here and there, can transform the everyday turkey burger.
Greek Turkey Tzatziki Burger
Grilled turkey burger topped with a dollop of tzatziki spread, feta crumbles, pickled pepperoncini peppers, and chopped lettuce, cucumbers, tomato, and red onion all on a whole grain pita. The spread will drive most of the flavor. The tartness from the tzatziki and feta cheese adds richness while cucumbers add freshness.
Korean Turkey Burger
Grilled turkey burger, topped with a fried egg, light drizzle of Korean BBQ sauce, and pickled cabbage (kimchi). The kimchi will add a briny flavor with hints of spice and garlic.
Bahn Mi Turkey Burger
Grilled turkey burger with a small dollop of five-spice mayo, pickled daikon and carrot, sliced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and sliced cucumber. Finely shredded or julienned daikon and/or carrots are pickled in a vinegar concoction and add the perfect amount of sour punch to brighten the flavor in the sandwich. Five-spice mayo is simply mayonnaise with dried 5-spice and while it’s a non-traditional spread, it adds a hint of complexity and balances out the sourness of the pickle and spice of the jalapeno.
Amazingly Flavorful Fish Tacos – Chef Mike Coble
Chef Mike Coble has some ideas for amazingly flavorful fish tacos off the grill. In addition to the variety of fish used, it’s also all about the sauce when it comes to fish tacos. Here, different types of fish are paired with a stand-out sauce.
New American Grilled Salmon Tacos with Dill Avocado Crema
Top grilled salmon tacos with diced mangoes, avocados, and radishes with a Greek yogurt and dill avocado crema. Greek yogurt is a great sour cream substitute – smash an avocado and add equal parts of Greek yogurt – stir in some fresh lime juice and freshly chopped dill. Experiment with different mango types and be sure to use ripe mangoes. Radishes add a great crunch to a dish – to prepare ahead, slice them and store them in cold water.
Mediterranean Tuna and Hummus Tacos
Top grilled tuna with hummus, a few kalamata olives and artichoke hearts. Drizzle harissa, a spicy North African condiment on top and enjoy in a lightly warmed whole grain tortilla.
Caribbean Blackened Mahi Mahi Taco with a Creamy Cilantro Sauce
Top grilled mahi mahi with grilled corn salsa and a creamy cilantro sauce. Grill the corn on the cob until it chars on the outside – do not blacken the cob – allow to rest and or cool. Slice the kernels off the cob and mix with grape tomatoes, diced red onion, lime juice and chopped cilantro – add a seeded and minced jalapeno for extra spice! Use whole romaine leaves as the bottom of the taco.
If you’re just looking for some healthy and more basic grill better ideas, check out our other #GrillBetter ideas from our chefs.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.