Tacos and grills belong together. Direct high heat is exactly what most taco fillings want, and summer produce fills in everything else.
Carne asada, done properly
Skirt or flank steak, marinated 4 hours in lime, orange, garlic, soy or Worcestershire, oregano and chile. Grill over the hottest part of the fire, 3 minutes a side, rest 10 minutes, then chop small. Serve with grilled scallions, guacamole and salsa roja.
Grilled shrimp with chipotle crema
Toss shrimp in oil, chipotle, garlic and lime. Skewer them so they do not fall through, and grill 90 seconds a side. Cabbage, chipotle crema and cilantro finish the taco.
Grilled fish tacos
Firm fish like mahi, snapper or swordfish, seasoned with chile powder, cumin, salt and lime, cooked on a well-oiled grate 3 to 4 minutes a side. Lighter than the fried Baja version and far easier outdoors.
Pollo asado
Chicken thighs marinated in achiote, orange juice, garlic and oregano. Grill skin side down over medium until crisp, then finish over indirect heat. Thighs forgive distraction in a way breasts do not.
Charred vegetable tacos
Zucchini, corn, poblano and red onion, brushed with oil and grilled until blackened in spots. Cut off the cob, toss with lime, cotija and cilantro. This is the best vegetarian taco of the season and it costs almost nothing.
Grilled pineapple for pastor at home
You do not need a trompo. Marinate thin pork shoulder slices in adobo, grill hot and fast, grill pineapple rings alongside, then chop both together on the board.
Sides that fit the season
- Elote or esquites from the same grill.
- Watermelon with lime, salt and chile.
- Agua fresca of cucumber, watermelon or hibiscus.
Grilling tips that matter
Build a two-zone fire so you always have somewhere cooler to move food. Warm tortillas on the grate for the last 30 seconds. Chop meat on the board, not on plates, so the juices go back into the filling.
Make it a party
Grill three proteins, set out toppings, and let people build their own. It scales better than any other summer menu.
Feeding a crowd? Our taco party calculator tells you exactly how much meat, tortillas, cheese, and toppings to buy for your guest list.
