As a dad who loves to cook for his family, I’ve found that the Big Green Egg (BGE) is more than just a grill—it’s a game-changer in the world of outdoor cooking. Whether it’s a weekend barbecue or a weeknight dinner, the BGE has become my go-to for creating delicious meals that bring the family together. Today, I’m excited to share with you my top beginner recipes for the Big Green Egg. These are the dishes that have not only made me a hero at the dinner table but have also been a blast to prepare.
The Joy of Grilling with the Big Green Egg
Before diving into the recipes, let me share a bit about why the Big Green Egg has become such a staple in our family’s culinary adventures. Its versatility is unmatched—grilling, smoking, roasting, you name it, the BGE can handle it with ease. As a dad, I appreciate the simplicity and the forgiving nature of cooking with the BGE. It’s allowed me to experiment and perfect dishes that I never thought possible in my own backyard.
Beginner-Friendly Big Green Egg Recipes
Crispy Grilled Chicken
Starting with something familiar, crispy grilled chicken has been a hit in our household. The secret lies in the preparation—rubbing the chicken with olive oil and a blend of my favourite spices. The BGE does the rest, delivering crispy skin and succulent meat that’s a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for beginners and a testament to the BGE’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
There are a few different ways to prepare the chicken, each delivering that crispy skin we all love. I used to always go with a Beer Can Chicken as it makes the chicken incredibly juicy and let’s be honest, it looks really cool. But recently I have moved on to preferring a spatch cock chicken, or brick chicken. This method cooks all parts of the bird the same and gives you a juicy finish.
Check out this recipe for crispy grilled chicken from the BBQ Buddha. Or go to Instagram to learn about my latest spatchcock chicken.
Grilled T-bone Steak
There’s something about grilling a T-bone steak on the BGE that feels like a rite of passage. The cast-iron grid of the BGE imparts beautiful grill marks, while the controlled temperature ensures the steak is cooked to perfection—juicy on the inside with a delicious char on the outside. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because.
Need a recipe, here is one directly from the source. Grilled T-bone from Big Green Egg UK.
Pork Belly Perfection
Pork belly is a versatile cut that’s forgiving for beginners and offers a variety of flavours and textures. Whether you choose to marinate, brine, or smoke it, the BGE handles it beautifully, cooking the pork belly indirectly to achieve that perfect balance of crispy and tender. It’s a dish that’s allowed me to experiment with different flavours, making each meal an exciting culinary adventure.
Ace Hardware shares its recipe for pork belly perfection.
Warm Smoked Salmon
Warm smoked salmon is a recipe that showcases the BGE’s smoking capabilities. A simple brine of sugar and salt, followed by a sprinkle of smoked wood chips on the charcoal, transforms a piece of salmon into a smoky, flavourful delicacy in just 20 minutes. It’s a recipe that’s as impressive as it is easy, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
My wife would disagree, but I am not a fan of smoking fish. But for those who are into it, here is the recipe.
Grilled Vegetables Galore
No meal is complete without a side of grilled vegetables, and the BGE makes it easy to elevate the humble veggie into a star side dish. Cauliflower, celeriac, and aubergine take on a whole new life when grilled on the BGE, absorbing the smoky flavours and achieving a perfect char. It’s a simple way to add variety and nutrition to our family meals, and the possibilities are endless.
My favourite veggies to grill are asparagus, zucchini, corn on the cob and any type of pepper.
The Big Green Egg: A Family Affair
Cooking on the Big Green Egg has become more than just a way to prepare meals—it’s a family affair. From choosing the recipes to prepping the ingredients and watching the magic happen on the grill, it’s an experience we all share and enjoy. The BGE has not only made me a better cook but has also brought our family closer together through the shared joy of food.
As a dad, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles on my family’s faces as we gather around the table to enjoy a meal prepared on the Big Green Egg. These beginner recipes are just the start of our culinary journey, and I can’t wait to explore more dishes and create more memories with my favourite grill.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, I hope these recipes inspire you to fire up your Big Green Egg and discover the endless possibilities it offers. Happy grilling!
