Ah, the sweet smell of BBQ season! But as much as we adore the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling steaks and perfectly charred veggies, our gut health is always a top priority. Fear not, grill masters–we’ve got a collection of delicious gut-friendly recipes for you, from refreshing marinades to delectable sides, so grab your apron and let's fire up the grill!
Marinate with probiotic-rich ingredients
Marinades are not just for enhancing flavors; they can also benefit your gut health. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich ingredients like yogurt or kefir into your marinades. Not only will these tangy additions tenderize your meat, but they'll also introduce beneficial bacteria to support your gut microbiome.
Probiotic-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
1.5 cups plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
Skewers
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the grill and thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill the skewers over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, usually about 10-12 minutes.
Serve with your favorite gut-friendly side dish.
Swap traditional buns for lettuce wraps
While burgers and hot dogs may be BBQ staples, the buns they're often served with can be heavy on the gut. Try substituting traditional buns with lettuce wraps for a lighter, fiber-rich option that won't weigh you down. Lettuce wraps provide a refreshing crunch and are perfect for holding your favorite BBQ fillings.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushroom caps
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1.5 teaspoons minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves for wrapping (Butter lettuce or Romaine hearts work best)
Sliced Heirloom tomatoes, red onions, and avocado for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Brush the mushroom caps with the marinade on both sides.
Place the mushrooms on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender.
Remove from the grill and let them cool slightly.
Slice the grilled mushrooms and arrange them on lettuce leaves.
Top with sliced tomatoes, red onions, and avocado.
Roll up the lettuce leaves to form wraps and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Enjoy your gut-friendly, plant-based delight!
Lean protein powerhouses
Grilling is synonymous with protein-rich dishes, but it's important to choose lean options that are gentle on your gut. Opt for skinless chicken breasts, turkey burgers, or seafood like shrimp and salmon. These choices are not only low in fat but also provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which can have anti-inflammatory effects on your gut.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Salmon
Ingredients
4 salmon filets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
Brush the salmon filets with the marinade.
Place the salmon on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired doneness.
Serve hot and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!
Fiber-packed sides
No BBQ is complete without a few yummy side dishes. Boost your gut health by incorporating colorful fruits and veggies. These vibrant goodies are packed with dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and nourishes your gut microbiota. Incorporate grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant as well as fruits like pineapple and peaches for a deliciously balanced meal.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients
Assorted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onions, etc.
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried herbs–we recommend thyme, rosemary, or oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden skewers
Instructions
Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Add the vegetables to the marinade, tossing gently to coat.
Thread the marinated vegetables onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for roughly 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Serve as a colorful and fiber-rich side dish.
Serve as a side dish or as a colorful addition to your main course.
Prebiotic-packed refreshments
Quench your thirst and nourish your gut with refreshing beverages that boast probiotic benefits. Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, is a popular choice that supports gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria. You can also infuse water with slices of cucumber, lemon, and mint for a hydrating and gut-friendly twist.
Strawberry-Lemon Kombucha Mocktail
Ingredients
1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
2 lemons, juiced
4 cups plain kombucha
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
In a blender, puree the strawberries and lemon juice until smooth.
Fill four glasses with ice cubes and divide the strawberry-lemon puree among them.
Top each glass with 1 cup of plain kombucha and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cheers!
By choosing lean proteins, fiber-filled fruits and veggies, and probiotic-packed refreshments, you can savor the joy of BBQ season while taking care of your digestive health. So, fire up the grill, invite your loved ones, and embark on a summer filled with flavor and good gut vibes!