Best Grilling Recipes for Your Victoria Day BBQ
BBQ & Grilling · Cooking · May 2025 · Recipes · Victoria Day
Victoria Day marks the start of BBQ season across Canada, and there’s no better way to celebrate the long weekend than with some smoky, sizzling goodness on the grill.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or the whole neighbourhood, these tried-and-true grilling recipes bring bold flavours, local flair, and something for everyone. Plus, we’ve added perfect drink pairings and pro tips to make your backyard bash a hit.
Maple-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon
- Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/160929/maple-soy-glazed-salmon/
- Why it’s good: Sweet, smoky, and unmistakably Canadian, this salmon is grilled on a soaked cedar plank and brushed with real maple syrup glaze.
- Drink Pairing: Pair with a crisp Ontario Riesling—the sweetness complements the maple glaze perfectly.
- Grilling Tip: Soak your cedar plank for at least 1 hour to prevent flare-ups and ensure smoky flavour.
Alberta Beef Burgers
- Recipe: https://savourcalgary.ca/alberta-beef-smash-burgers-recipe/
- Why it’s good: Thick, juicy burgers made from high-quality Alberta beef. Simple seasoning lets the meat shine.
- Drink Pairing: A cold craft lager or amber ale from a local brewery hits the spot.
- Grilling Tip: Don’t press down on the patties—keep those juices inside where they belong.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Recipe: https://tasteofartisan.com/smoked-chicken-thighs/
- Why it’s good: Marinated in a smoky, homemade BBQ sauce. Juicy, saucy, and totally satisfying.
- Drink Pairing: Go with a bourbon-spiked iced tea or a classic cola.
- Grilling Tip: Cook over indirect heat, then sear at the end to avoid burning the sauce.
Montreal Steak-Spiced Striploins
- Recipe: https://www.mccormick.com/grill-mates/recipes/main-dishes/montreal-peppered-steak
- Why it’s good: Hearty striploins coated with iconic Montreal steak spice—bold, peppery, and full of flavour.
- Drink Pairing: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or a local dark ale.
- Grilling Tip: Let steaks come to room temp before grilling for an even cook.
Grilled Veggie Skewers with Herb Oil
- Recipe: https://theforkedspoon.com/veggie-skewers/
- Why it’s good: Colourful skewers of bell pepper, zucchini, and mushroom drizzled in rosemary-garlic oil.
- Drink Pairing: Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled gin and tonic.
- Grilling Tip: Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning—or use metal ones for ease.
Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon
- Recipe: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/lemon-garlic-shrimp/
- Why it’s good: Quick and flavourful, these shrimp pack a punch with garlic, lemon, and a touch of heat.
- Drink Pairing: A light rosé or a citrusy wheat beer works great here.
- Grilling Tip: Shrimp cook fast—pull them off the grill as soon as they turn pink and curl.
Maple-Dijon Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Recipe: https://www.simplystacie.net/maple-dijon-grilled-chicken/
- Why it’s good: A tangy-sweet maple-Dijon glaze elevates basic grilled chicken into something special.
- Drink Pairing: A Chardonnay or maple whisky cocktail is a tasty match.
- Grilling Tip: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for faster, more consistent cooking.
Charred Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter
- Recipe: https://www.gordonramsay.com/gr/recipes/grilled-corn-with-chipotle-chilli-butter/
- Why it’s good: Sweet corn grilled until smoky, then slathered in spicy chipotle butter.
- Drink Pairing: A Mexican lager with lime or a smoky mezcal margarita.
- Grilling Tip: Leave a bit of husk on the ends so it’s easier to turn on the grill.
Beyond Burgers with Avocado and Pickled Onions
- Recipe: https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-US/recipes/beyond-burger-with-caramelized-onions-and-avocado
- Why it’s good: Plant-based and packed with flavour, topped with creamy avo and tangy onions.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp pale ale or non-alcoholic kombucha.
- Grilling Tip: Treat plant-based patties gently—they don’t need as much time on the grill.
Sausage and Pepper Hoagies
- Recipe: https://www.foodiecrush.com/italian-subs-with-sausage-and-peppers/
- Why it’s good: Juicy Italian sausages grilled alongside sweet peppers and onions, stuffed in a crusty bun.
- Drink Pairing: A bold red ale or a fizzy root beer.
- Grilling Tip: Grill sausages over medium-low heat to avoid bursting and keep them juicy.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
- Recipe: https://thebigmansworld.com/bacon-wrapped-asparagus/
- Why it’s good: Smoky bacon wrapped around tender asparagus spears. A snackable side that goes quick.
- Drink Pairing: A glass of Prosecco or dry cider cuts the richness beautifully.
Grilled Halloumi with Tomato and Basil
- Recipe: https://www.zupans.com/recipes/grilled-halloumi-and-tomato-salad-with-fresh-basil/
- Why it’s good: Halloumi cheese grilled till golden, paired with fresh tomato and basil—like summer on a plate.
- Drink Pairing: A dry rosé or a light sparkling water with lemon.
- Grilling Tip: Oil the grill grates well—halloumi likes to stick.
Cedar-Smoked Trout with Lemon and Dill
- Recipe: https://savorylotus.com/smoked-trout-salad/
- Why it’s good: Fresh trout grilled on a cedar plank with lemon slices and dill—simple, rustic, and so flavourful.
- Drink Pairing: A Pinot Grigio or a light lager.
- Grilling Tip: Leave the skin on—it holds the fillet together and gets nicely crisp.
Korean-Style BBQ Short Ribs (Galbi)
- Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/141716/korean-bbq-short-ribs-gal-bi/
- Why it’s good: Thin beef ribs marinated in sweet soy and grilled to caramelized perfection.
- Drink Pairing: Soju or a Korean lager like Hite for authenticity.
- Grilling Tip: Because they’re thin, cook them hot and fast—no more than 2–3 minutes per side.
Grilled Pineapple Slices with Brown Sugar and Lime
- Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/235932/brazilian-grilled-pineapple/
- Why it’s good: Sweet pineapple rings caramelized on the grill, finished with lime juice. Great as dessert or a side.
- Drink Pairing: A tropical piña colada or pineapple-infused sparkling water.
- Grilling Tip: Oil the fruit lightly to avoid sticking and help with caramelization.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
- Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14497/portobello-mushroom-burgers/
- Why it’s good: Meaty grilled mushrooms with balsamic glaze, goat cheese, and arugula. Even carnivores love this.
- Drink Pairing: Red wine sangria or a juicy Merlot.
- Grilling Tip: Scrape out the gills and marinate well—mushrooms soak up flavour like a sponge.
Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
- Recipe: https://www.laurafuentes.com/baked-jerk-chicken-drumsticks/
- Why it’s good: Spicy, bold, and slightly sweet—these drumsticks bring the heat.
- Drink Pairing: A dark rum punch or ginger beer for cooling contrast.
- Grilling Tip: Start with indirect heat, then finish over direct heat to crisp the skin.
BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders
- Recipe: https://www.loveandlemons.com/bbq-jackfruit-recipes/
- Why it’s good: Pulled jackfruit soaked in tangy BBQ sauce—smoky, tender, and perfect in a slider bun.
- Drink Pairing: Try a smoked porter or chilled iced tea with lemon.
- Grilling Tip: Use a grill basket or foil pan so the jackfruit doesn’t fall through the grates.
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
- Recipe: https://sailorbailey.com/blog/easy-grilled-peach-salad/
- Why it’s good: Sweet grilled peaches meet creamy burrata and peppery arugula. A perfect summer salad.
- Drink Pairing: A chilled white sangria or Moscato.
- Grilling Tip: Ripe but firm peaches are best—they hold up on the grill and caramelize beautifully.
Final Tips for a Successful Victoria Day BBQ:
- Start early: Give yourself time to prep before guests arrive so you can relax and enjoy.
- Preheat your grill: At least 10–15 minutes to ensure proper sear and even cooking.
- Clean as you go: A clean grill = better flavour and fewer flare-ups.
- Have a mix: Offer a variety of dishes—meat, veg, sweet, and spicy—to keep everyone happy.
More…
https://www.allrecipes.com/barbecue-recipes-to-make-without-a-grill-8650072
https://www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/grilling-central-barbecue/best-backyard-barbecue-recipes
