Fire Up the Grill! Make Your First Backyard Barbecue of the Season Sizzle with These Recipes and Tips

THUNDER BAY – LIFESTYLE – It looks like summer weather is finally on the way, and for many across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, that means one thing: it’s time to dust off the grill and get cooking!

Whether you’re firing up a gas barbecue, lighting up charcoal for that classic smoky flavour, or using a pellet grill for precision cooking, nothing quite beats the smell of sizzling steaks or juicy chicken wafting through the neighbourhood.

Here’s your all-in-one guide to making the first BBQ of the season absolutely unforgettable—with smart grilling tips, easy recipes, and side dish pairings that are sure to impress your guests or just satisfy your craving for great summer food.

🔥 BBQ Basics: Tips for Grilling Success

Before we dive into recipes, make sure your setup is ready to go:

✅ Clean the grill grates – Use a wire brush or ball of foil to scrub off old residue.
✅ Check your propane tank or charcoal supply – You don’t want to run out mid-cook!
✅ Preheat your grill – Give it 10–15 minutes to get hot and kill bacteria on the grates.
✅ Oil the grates – A light rub with an oil-soaked paper towel prevents sticking.
✅ Use a meat thermometer – Don’t guess—know when your food is perfectly done.

🍗 BBQ Recipe #1: Classic Flame-Grilled Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup of your favourite BBQ sauce (for basting)

Instructions:

1. Pat the chicken dry and coat with olive oil.

2. Mix the spices and rub evenly over the chicken.

3. Grill over medium heat (350–375°F) for 6–8 minutes per side.

4. In the last 5 minutes, baste with BBQ sauce, flipping once for caramelization.

5. Internal temp should reach 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Cook chicken indirectly at first, then move to direct heat to finish for a crispy skin.

🥩 BBQ Recipe #2: Garlic Herb Ribeye Steak

Ingredients:

• 2 thick-cut ribeye steaks (1–1.5 inches)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring steaks to room temperature and pat dry.

2. Rub with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Preheat grill to high (450–500°F).

4. Sear steaks for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130–135°F).

5. Rest 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Optional: Add a pat of garlic butter on top right after grilling for a restaurant-style finish.

🌽 Perfect BBQ Sides to Complete the Plate

Grilled Corn on the Cob

• Husked corn, brushed with butter and seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili powder

• Grill over medium heat, rotating every 2 minutes for char marks

Tangy Summer Slaw

• Shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion

• Toss with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a pinch of sugar

Grilled Veggie Skewers

• Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and red onion

• Marinate in balsamic vinegar and garlic for 30 mins, then grill for 8–10 mins

🥣 Homemade BBQ Sauce (Optional Recipe)

Sweet & Smoky Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Simmer for 15 minutes and brush onto meat while grilling

🍻 Drink Pairings & Dessert Ideas

• Cold lager or craft pale ale pairs well with grilled chicken and steak

• Iced tea with lemon & mint is a refreshing non-alcoholic option

• For dessert: Grilled pineapple slices or s’mores on the fire pit

🏡 Bring It All Together

Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or just firing up dinner for the family, the first BBQ of the season is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of sunshine, flavour, and community.

So fire up the grill, crack open something cold, and enjoy the taste of summer right at home.