Every year on the last Monday of May, we celebrate Memorial Day as a way to honor members of the military who perished while serving. It's a federal holiday and a lot of us get the day off from work. How you choose to observe the day is up to you, but backyard grilling has become a popular way to spend the day because the weather this time of year tends to be pleasant and welcoming. Plus, good food is always welcome.
More from MamásLatinas: 5 Memorial Day favorites, Latinized (RECIPES)
Memorial Day is meant to commemorate those who have paid the ultimate price while serving in the military. It's important to acknowledge their sacrifice and also to celebrate their memory with gratitude. We wouldn't be the nation that we are without the contributions of those who have served in the armed forces and we owe it to those who died while serving to never forget their sacrifice.
Many of us are spending a lot more time at home this year in an effort to stay and keep others healthy. This year, it makes sense to fire up the barbecue at home more than ever. Make the day special by grilling up something delicious. We've got plenty of options for you coming right up!
Grilled tacos with cilantro and chimichurri sauce for the win!
If you love carne asada, then there is no reason you shouldn't grill up some steak and make some delicious tacos. If chimichurri sauce isn't your jam, you can leave it out. You can dress the tacos any way you like.
Get the full recipe directions at Feasting at Home.
Butterflied grilled chicken with chile and lime rub that will make your mouth water.
The rub on this chicken is mouthwateringly good. Think about it! Chile and lime on grilled chicken, what's not to like? So good it might become a family favorite.
Get the full recipe directions at Delish.
Chile and lime shrimp skewers for seafood lovers.
Sick of chicken? Then go for shrimp! The great thing about shrimp is that they cook incredibly fast. It will take you longer to get the shrimp on skewers than it will to grill them to perfection.
Get the full recipe directions at Food Knife Swoon.
Grilled zucchini with garlic and lemon butter baste, because you need your veggies.
Let's not forget that grilled veggies are incredibly flavorful. They taste great even when grilled with nothing on them, but add a lemon butter baste to them and WOW. No, seriously, WOW!
Get the full recipe directions at Bon Appétit.
Grilled Mexican corn from home instead of a street vendor.
We love Mexican corn that's sold by street vendors, but there's no reason why we can't make it at home. Elote fresh off the grill and dressed just the way you like it is a dream come true. Even kids get excited about it.
Get the full recipe directions at All Recipes.
Acorn squash never looked so good.
OK, don’t tell anyone but this is actually a grill cheat recipe in case you want to make something indoors in your oven. It looks like it has grill marks because it’s scored. What is it exactly? It’s a buttery maple-roasted acorn squash.
Get the full recipe directions here.
Barbecue meatballs will be a big hit.
They're bite-sized, but big on flavor. They do require some indoor prep time, so don't forget to get them ready ahead of time. Also, make sure to make a bunch because they are way to easy to pop into your mouth and grub on.
Get the full recipe directions at Ace Oakdale.
These jalapeño cheddar stuffed burgers don't even need a bun.
OK, these are not your average burger patties. Nope, they are beyond extra. When you bite into the center there is an ooey-gooey jalapeño cheddar surprise waiting for you. You might want to skip the buns because these are pretty darn good on their own.
Get the full recipe directions here.
These bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños also go by another name.
They're also called Texas Twinkies and you can make them in the oven or on the grill. And whatever you call them, they are the bomb. For reals, what's better than a stuffed jalapeño? A bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeño! Just sayin'.
Get the full recipe directions here.
Say hello to grilled prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
Aren't they pretty? And they have goat cheese in them as well. We're thinking you could substitute bacon for the prosciutto, if you prefer.
Get the full recipe directions here.
Check out these hot dog and pickle skewers!
This is such a simple idea and we love it. Seriously, what's there not to love about this bunless hot dog idea? This is something that your kids can help assemble. You don't really need a recipe for this, but just in case…
Get the full recipe directions here.
Don't overlook salmon as a grilling option.
You're not going to grill the salmon directly on the grill. Instead you are going to create a pouch out of aluminum foil to keep the salmon and the marinade inside while it cooks. When it's all done, it's like opening an edible present.
Get the full recipe directions here.
Give Brussels sprouts a chance on the grill.
Everyone likes to smack-talk Brussels sprouts, but they can be really tasty. This particular recipe makes them taste absolutely decadent while keeping them low in calories. It's time to give Brussels sprouts a chance to shine.
Get the full recipe directions here at Eating Well.
Consider grilling fruit for dessert.
You could do this with apricots as pictured, but don't stop there. You could also do it with pineapple, pears, peaches, or any other fruit you fancy grilling. The heat intensifies the sweetness of the fruit. You can serve the fruit with honey, ice cream, or goat cheese.
Get the full recipe directions here.
Fig and walnut empanadas that you can grill!
You definitely want to prep these ahead of time because they aren't something you can just whip up for the grill on a whim. The advanced planning is so worth it, though, because the results are phenomenal. Don't be afraid to create your own filling if figs aren't your favorite.
Get the full recipe directions at Taste of Home.
