Up your summer grill game

Whether it’s a charcoal hibachi at the beach or firing up a gas-powered beast in the backyard, summer is definitely grill season in Michigan. With many of us lounging more at home this year, there’s never been a better time to up your grill game. Here are some flavorful suggestions.

Fish
Grilled fish is a really healthy option if you’re looking to keep things light, but sometimes it can use a little something extra to add flavor. Instead of accenting with tarter sauce, try Fessler’s Original Sauce. Once upon a time, fishermen would bring their fresh catch to Frank’s Tavern, a small speakeasy located on the shores of Lake Ponemah. The staff would cook and serve it with what was then called fish sauce. Fortunately, the sweet tangy sauce is now available in bottles so you can serve it at home, whether you caught your fish on a line, or waited in line at a market. Another great seafood option is to whip up some fish tacos served with Little Diablo’s Seared Pineapple & Ginger Salsa. The unusual condiment is mild enough to not overwhelm your fish, and yet adds a scrumptious twist.

Chicken
There are so many things you can do to give grilled chicken some extra zing. Grab some Scotty O’Hotty to make spicy wings and legs. Their award-winning sauces come in a variety of heat levels depending upon your preference. It can also be used as a nice supplement if you want to add some heat to a BBQ sauce. For Middle Eastern flair, turn to Teta Foods. Soak your chicken in their Shawarma Marinade before cooking, then accent it with the delicious Garlic Dip and Spread afterwards. If you want to experience a taste of India, try bleaf Saffron Pear Chutney. The saffron is blended with a sweet medley of pears, apples, and raisins and just a touch of chili powder for a combination that can really bring a plain chicken breast new life.

Sausages
Whether you’re going for a hot dog, kielbasa, brat, or other sausage the first step is to start with a quality meat. Koegel’s and Dearborn Brand are great jumping off points. If you want to go in a really different direction, Corridor Sausage offers flavor profiles like Vietnamese Chicken Sausage,  Moroccan Recipe Lamb & Pork Sausage with Dried Figs, and Thai Recipe Green Curry Pork Sausage, to name a few. There are many great condiment options for your favorite meats too. Try M1 Mustard on your brat, sauerkraut from The Brinery on your kielbasa, and McClure’s relish on your hot dogs. You can even make a true Detroit-style coney at home by picking up some frozen National Coney Island chili sauce.

Ribs
For many, it’s not a barbecue until there are ribs, and the ribs are only as good as the rubs and sauces the grillmaster chooses. Belledines has got you covered. You can start with the Rib Rub to enhance the flavor of the meet. Then finish with any one of three tasty sauces: Original, Honey Bee with a Sting or Surprise & Fire. Alternatively, Bella Rouge makes a couple of really flavorful rustic sauces. Both the Original and Chipotle versions contain chunks of caramelized onions and some Short’s beer for an extra boost.

Beef
There are so many ways to season a steak or burger before putting it on the grill, yet when you ask most chefs they simply advise a healthy dose of salt and pepper. MSalt contains both, along with a delectable collection of other spices and it is perfect for accentuating the flavor of any beef. Then top your burger or steak, with The Original Zip Sauce. This legendary product was said to have been invented by a waiter at Lelli’s restaurant in Detroit more than five decades ago. The eatery is no more, but thankfully the zip sauce lives on.

Time to get your grill on, Michigan.