6 flavor pairings to amp up summer grilling

(Family Features) The grill is often the star of summer gatherings, from weeknight meals to backyard barbecues and family reunions. Impress your guests and add an extra layer of smoky flavor to backyard favorites with the help of rich and aromatic woodchips. Add to your gas or charcoal grill and create big flavor.  

Adding woodchips to your favorite recipes can help highlight distinct flavors for your mains and sides in one simple step. For rich dishes like steak and beef, pair with an intense hickory flavored woodchip. For lighter meats like pork and chicken, pair with subtle, fruit flavored chips like cherry and apple. When it comes to seafood, try pairing with a mild, nutty chip like pecan.

Take these classic McCormick recipes, with simple prep and bold marinades, and add a smoky twist with flavor-forward woodchips.

For more summer grilling recipes, visit McCormick.com, and find McCormick on Facebook and Pinterest.

1. Brown Sugar Bourbon and Honey Mustard Pork
   

   For a tangy twist, try grilling over apple woodchips to get a mix of sweet and spicy flavors from the honey mustard and a brown sugar bourbon marinade.

2. Spicy Teriyaki Grilled Wings
   

   Add cherry woodchips to put a smoky, sweet note on top on your crispy chicken wings. Coat in a sweet and spicy teriyaki marinade for a perfect backyard barbecue appetizer straight off the grill.

3. Memphis Style Ribs

   Prepare your fire with intense, hickory woodchips to complement the Memphis style, zesty rub, and let the flavors build slowly over indirect heat.

4. Spicy and Sweet Grilled Steak

   Grill your steak over mesquite woodchips to layer on a smoky finish. Marinate with a hot, smoky chipotle pepper marinade and top it with a layer of sweet and smoky rub to give the meat a bold, tasty crust.

5. Montreal Salmon Rub

   Add oak woodchips to lend a subtle, savory and smoky flavor. A rub of dry seasoning, lemon peel and dill weed can enhance the natural flavor of salmon on the grill.

6. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

   Try pecan woodchips for a unique flavor boost to your platter of grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers, which are ideal for entertaining. They’re easy to assemble and look just as appealing.

Source: McCormick

(Family Features) Shedding excess pounds doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself of your favorite foods, including red meat. A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center shows that healthy, higher-protein diets including lean beef can be beneficial to not only weight loss, but also maintaining muscle mass and heart health.

The study is in line with ongoing research on the importance of lean protein for weight loss. To kick your healthy eating plan into high gear, try these tips:

• Enjoy protein at every meal. One of the benefits of having protein in your meal is feeling more satisfied, which helps reduce mindless eating or snacking in between meals. Additionally, meals with high-quality protein help build muscle and reduce body fat.

• Choose lean protein options. Picking lean protein options can be easier than you think. You can still enjoy a beef burger and save calories by choosing lean or extra-lean ground beef. Other smart meat case picks include top sirloin steak or sirloin tip, bottom round steak or roast, eye of round steak or roast, or top round steak or roast. Also make sure to choose colorful vegetables and fruits to round out your meal, like in this recipe for Grilled Southwestern Steak and Colorful Vegetables.

• Dine out smart. Many people struggle with getting a balanced, protein-filled meal when dining out or grabbing food on-the-go. Look for words like “grilled,” “broiled” or “baked” when browsing the menu for lean proteins. Or add a lean protein to your entree salad, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. For snack time, consider beef jerky to get protein on-the-go.

For meal ideas and tips to support your weight loss goals, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Grilled Southwestern Steak and Colorful Vegetables

Recipe courtesy of the Beef Checkoff
Total time: 25-35 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          beef top round steak, cut 1-inch thick (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• salt, to taste

Marinade:

• 1/4       cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4       cup prepared mild salsa
• 1          tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Colorful Vegetables:

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          medium green or red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 8          ounces button mushrooms, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2          cups zucchini, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 3/4       teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1          cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1/4       cup chopped green onions

1. In small bowl, combine marinade ingredients. Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours, or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
2. Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. For medium-rare (145° F) doneness, grill covered, turning once, 12-14 minutes (on gas grill over medium heat, 16-19 minutes).
3. To prepare Colorful Vegetables: In large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add bell pepper strips; cook and stir 1-2 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Add mushrooms, zucchini, cumin, salt and black pepper; cook and stir 3-4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Add tomatoes and green onions; cook and stir 1 minute.
4. Carve steak into thin slices; season with salt, to taste. Serve with Colorful Vegetables.

Source: National Cattleman's Beef Association