Depending on the context, “barbecue” can mean one of three things: a cooking method, a cooking apparatus, or a sauce used for basting and dipping (true pitmasters will claim this third one should be abolished entirely, as it compromises the hard-earned smokiness that takes hours to lock in). The generally accepted differences between “barbecue” and “grilling” are cooking durations and the types of heat used. The former involves low, indirect heat over many hours, which produces dramatic plumes of smoke that flavor the food; the latter involves medium or high heat for shorter bursts of time and little smoke. While slow-cooking works beautifully on fattier cuts of meat, such as brisket, short ribs or pork shoulder, grilling is best for leaner proteins, including chicken, pork tenderloin and fish – especially tuna and salmon. If you’re looking to make healthier choices during the long weekend, grilling is the way to go.
Don’t look at it as punishment: A few well-chosen spices, a flavorful glaze, plus the deliciously crisp char that’s best achieved after a quick scorch on the grill can really round out a summer barbecue, and you won’t need to worry about going overboard. See for yourself with these six healthy — and quick — recipes from Food Network.
Grilled Honey-Glazed Chicken with Green Pea and Mint Sauce
Bobby Flay uses a simple honey and balsamic glaze in place of store-bought barbecue sauce to flavor lean grilled chicken breasts. For a touch of seasonal freshness and color, serve the grilled breasts with his quick Green Pea and Mint Sauce.
If you’ve already exhausted lean grilled chicken this season, try grilled seafood. Shrimp in particular will hold up beautifully over an open flame when first brushed lightly with oil. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch to these shrimp skewers, while the ginger-soy dipping sauce lends an Asian flair.
The decadent-tasting “good” fat in salmon complements the sweet-spicy Buffalo glaze in this low-calorie, high-protein main dish from Food Network Kitchen. A crisp and refreshing celery slaw is dressed with the same sauce, made creamy with light mayo, and brightened with onions and chives.
Tyler Florence’s protein-packed tuna burgers offer all the satisfying, meaty texture of a classic beef burger for roughly half the calories. Top each patty with some refreshing summer garnish, such as avocado, ginger or cilantro.
Balance these smoky grilled sausage skewers with a side of fluffy pesto couscous. The combination of cilantro, parsley and scallions in the pesto will perk up the hearty sausage with bright summery flavor.
For a main dish that’s quick, lean and plenty flavorful, brush pork tenderloin with a glaze made from guava jelly; brush the glaze onto the meat while it’s grilling for a unique, fruity flavor. If you can’t find guava, apricot jelly works just as well. When ready to serve, pair the tender pork slices with an orange, chile and cilantro dressing for an extra touch of sweetness — and heat!
Ready for more ways to enjoy summer’s greatest cookout fare? Check out these recipes from our friends:
Devour: Add Asian Flair to Grilled Ribs with These 4 Recipes
The Lemon Bowl: 20 Healthy Marinades for Grilling Season
Homemade Delish: BBQ Jalapeno Poppers
Napa Farmhouse 1885: BBQ Beef on Toast
TasteBook: Skewered Grilled Prawns with Spicy Peach Glaze
Domesticate Me: 37 Foolproof Recipes for Your Fourth of July BBQ
Creative Culinary: Apple Cider and Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Barbecue
Taste with the Eyes: BBQ Shrimp and Grits with Lobster Butter
The Mom 100: Farro Arugula Salad with Orange Herb Vinaigrette
In Jennie’s Kitchen: Best BBQ Ribs + 19 Recipes for 4th of July
FN Dish: Food Network’s Top Recipes for Barbecue Favorites: Ribs, Pulled Pork and More
from Healthy Eats – Food Network Healthy Living Blog http://ift.tt/29g2wQZ
Side salads are the opportunity to add lots of veggies, fruits and whole grains to your barbecue fare. However, many traditional side salads are drowning in mayo or oily dressings. Below are quick tricks to lighten up your favorite picnic salads, along with recipes you can try.
Everyone gets excited about a fluffy pile of sugary whipped goodness, dolloped high atop a slice of pie or ice cream sundae. Store-bought whipped topping may seem like a healthy alternative to decadent whipped cream, but you might want to read this before you garnish your next dessert.
It’s that time of year: The weather is getting warmer. The grills are being uncovered. The pools are being cleaned. And the ice pop molds are being dusted off.
Old-fashioned potato salad this is not. What it is is cool, creamy and way more colorful than the old standby — and it still goes great alongside burgers, brats and corn on the cob.
Try as we might to limit our caloric intake during the warm-weather months, there’s no getting around it: Summer feels incomplete if you don’t have a hearty burger in hand from time to time. But what if we told you there was a burger that is just as satisfying as the one you’ve had at your favorite barbecue or fast-food joint but won’t sabotage your summer health goals? Luckily, there is. Not just one, in fact, but 10 — in various permutations of smoky, grilled perfection. You aren’t dreaming. From savory beef and poultry burgers to hearty fish and vegetable patties, here’s a rundown of our favorites that cater to various tastes, dietary restrictions and nutritional goals.
Are water sports your activities of choice during the summer months? Along with kayaking trips and stand-up paddleboarding at the beach come trips to the snack bar, clam shacks and barbecues. Find out just how much water play it can take to work off those summer favorites so you can adjust your diet accordingly.
Confused about protein shakes? You certainly aren’t alone. It’s tricky to tell what’s healthy to sip and what will lead to a calorie overload. Here’s how to build a healthier shake with all the nutrients your body needs (and nothing it doesn’t) after exercise.