Weeknight Grilling Ideas: Fast Dinners in 30 Minutes

Recipes

By Nancy Loseke, Editor – BarbecueBible.com

February 13, 2026

flank steak, skirt steak, burgers, and beef short ribs (cross-cut short ribs);

Grilled Skirt Steak

Pork tenderloin (whole or medallions), pork chops (3/4-inches-thick or less), or country-style ribs;

Coffee-Crusted Pork Tenderloins

Chicken breasts, thighs, or chicken tenders (serve with a simple sauce—bottled ranch dressing is even an option);

Grilled Chicken Breast - weeknight grilling ideas

Shrimp cooks in 6 minutes or less; other seafood options include fish fillets or steaks (salmon is on the rotation at Steven Raichlen’s house), scallops, lobster, and other shellfish.

Shrimp Po'Boy

Weeknight grilling doesn’t have to be complicated. A hot fire, a good cut of meat, and a simple side can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable. Keep exploring—there are dozens of fast, flavor-packed recipes here to help you keep dinner interesting all week long.

Plan your next cook with our full recipe collection—weeknight grills, weekend projects, and special-occasion feasts.

Get fresh ideas each week in Up in Smoke.

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