When it comes to grilling, ultra-high heat is the secret to creating beautifully charred, smoky flavors while keeping food juicy and tender on the inside. Perfect for quick-cooking cuts of meat, seafood, and veggies, high-heat grilling brings out incredible flavors with a satisfying sear. Here are 12 amazing recipes to try on your ultra-high heat grill, starting with three bold and delicious dishes that are sure to impress.
1. 🥩 Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Ribeye steaks are rich in marbling, which renders down beautifully over high heat, creating a juicy, flavorful crust on the outside.
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 600°F or higher).
- Season steaks generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Grill steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- While steaks are grilling, melt butter in a small pan with minced garlic.
- Remove steaks from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle garlic butter over top and garnish with parsley.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches 130°F for medium-rare. The high heat will give it a gorgeous sear while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.
2. 🐟 Grilled Salmon with Honey Sriracha Glaze
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Salmon cooks quickly and gets a deliciously crispy skin when grilled over high heat, balancing beautifully with the sweet and spicy glaze.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 500°F-550°F).
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Place salmon on the grill skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and brush with the honey sriracha glaze.
- Grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Serve immediately, spooning any extra glaze over the top.
Pro Tip: Avoid moving the salmon too much to keep the skin intact and crispy. The honey in the glaze will caramelize beautifully over high heat, giving the fish a deliciously sticky finish.
3. 🍤 Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Shrimp cook in minutes over ultra-high heat, developing a slight char while staying tender inside. The spice rub gives them a smoky kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (500°F or higher).
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling).
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred.
- Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Pro Tip: Shrimp cook very quickly on high heat, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. The paprika and cayenne give them a spicy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with a squeeze of lemon.
4. 🍗 Charred Chicken Wings with Smoky BBQ Rub
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Chicken wings get crispy and smoky when grilled over high heat, especially with a bold rub that seals in the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 500°F).
- In a bowl, toss chicken wings with olive oil. Mix together paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper, then coat wings thoroughly with the rub.
- Grill wings for 5-6 minutes per side until they’re crispy and cooked through, with a nice char on the outside.
- Serve immediately, adding a bit of extra seasoning if desired.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy skin, pat the wings dry before applying the rub. High heat crisps the outside while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
5. 🥩 Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Lamb chops cook beautifully over high heat, developing a crust on the outside while staying tender and pink inside.
Ingredients:
- 8 lamb chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 550°F).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture generously onto the lamb chops and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Grill lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare or to your preferred doneness.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving for best flavor.
Pro Tip: For perfect lamb chops, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. The rosemary and garlic add a classic, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich lamb.
6. 🍆 Grilled Eggplant with Balsamic Glaze
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Eggplant becomes tender and smoky when grilled over high heat, with the balsamic glaze adding a sweet tang that balances its natural earthiness.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 450°F-500°F).
- Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill eggplant for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re charred and tender.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Pro Tip: Eggplant soaks up flavors easily, so be generous with the seasoning. The balsamic glaze adds a rich, caramelized finish that complements the smoky grill flavor.
7. 🥩 Spicy Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs (Galbi)
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Thinly sliced beef short ribs cook quickly and develop a caramelized, smoky flavor on the grill. The Korean BBQ marinade adds a savory, slightly spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs, thinly sliced across the bone
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha (optional for spice)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and black pepper. Add the short ribs and coat them well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 550°F).
- Grill short ribs for 2-3 minutes per side until they are caramelized and slightly charred.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tip: Because they’re thin, short ribs cook quickly. Watch closely to avoid overcooking and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors!
8. 🍄 Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Herbed Goat Cheese
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture that holds up well on high heat, developing a smoky, rich flavor. The creamy goat cheese adds a tangy contrast.
Ingredients:
- 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup herbed goat cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 450°F).
- Brush mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill mushrooms for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
- Fill each mushroom cap with herbed goat cheese and let warm on the grill for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Pro Tip: Serve these mushrooms as a side dish or a delicious vegetarian main course. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the smoky, earthy flavor of the grilled mushrooms.
9. 🍗 Grilled Jerk Chicken Thighs
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and the high heat brings out the spicy, aromatic flavors of the jerk seasoning, creating a slightly crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1 lime, sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 500°F).
- Rub chicken thighs with olive oil and generously coat with jerk seasoning, garlic powder, and allspice.
- Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve with lime slices for a zesty, fresh finish.
Pro Tip: The smoky, spicy flavors of the jerk seasoning are intensified by high-heat grilling, creating a dish that’s packed with bold Caribbean flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your preferred spice level.
10. 🍤 Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Lobster tails cook quickly over high heat, allowing the meat to stay tender while developing a delicious smoky flavor. The garlic butter brings richness and depth to each bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails, split lengthwise
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 500°F).
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Brush the lobster flesh with the garlic butter mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Place lobster tails on the grill, flesh side down, for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the flesh is opaque and lightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of garlic butter before serving.
Pro Tip: Grill lobster tails just until opaque to keep them juicy and tender. The high heat and garlic butter create a delicious caramelized crust on the lobster meat.
11. 🥔 Crispy Grilled Baby Potatoes
Why it’s perfect for high heat: High heat grilling gives baby potatoes a crispy skin while keeping the insides fluffy and tender. Perfect for a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh rosemary, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 450°F).
- Toss potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Place potatoes on the grill, cut side down, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before grilling. The smoked paprika and garlic give a savory, smoky flavor perfect for high-heat grilling.
12. 🍍 Grilled Pineapple with Honey and Cinnamon
Why it’s perfect for high heat: Pineapple caramelizes beautifully over high heat, bringing out its natural sweetness and adding a smoky flavor. The honey and cinnamon make it a perfect dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to high heat (about 500°F).
- Brush pineapple rings with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, until you see char marks and the pineapple is caramelized.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Pro Tip: Serve the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously sweet and smoky dessert. The high heat caramelizes the honey, creating a golden glaze on each slice.
These final recipes are perfect for any high-heat grilling enthusiast. From succulent lobster tails to crispy potatoes and caramelized pineapple, each dish highlights the flavors that only ultra-high heat can achieve. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes for an unforgettable grilling experience!
