15 Exotic International Summer Grilled Dishes

As someone who loves trying new and exotic flavors, summer grilling has always been an exciting opportunity to experiment with global cuisines.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that grilling isn’t just about burgers and hot dogs—there are so many international dishes that taste even better when cooked over an open flame.

From smoky meats to charred vegetables, the grill brings out deep, rich flavors that make any dish memorable. I’ve put together my top 5 favorite exotic grilled dishes from around the world that are perfect for summer.

Each one brings something unique to the table, making your BBQ experience a journey around the world.

1. Grilled Tandoori Chicken (India)

Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish that’s marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture before being grilled to smoky perfection. The vibrant color and flavors make this dish a standout.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp tandoori masala
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
3. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Grill the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Serve with naan or rice and a side of raita.

---

2. Grilled Satay Skewers (Indonesia)

Satay is a popular Indonesian street food made of skewered meat, usually served with a rich peanut sauce. This dish is full of bold flavors and perfect for summer grilling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, garlic, and turmeric to make the marinade.
3. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers and coat with the marinade.
4. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve with extra peanut sauce for dipping.

---

3. Grilled Shawarma (Middle East)

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food, typically made with lamb, chicken, or beef. Grilling this marinated meat brings out the perfect combination of savory and smoky flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and charred.
5. Slice the grilled chicken and serve in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.

---

4. Grilled Peruvian Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) (Peru)

Pollo a la Brasa is a famous Peruvian grilled chicken dish that’s full of flavor from a marinade of herbs, spices, and garlic. It’s often served with a side of potatoes and sauces.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs or thighs
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix paprika, cumin, garlic powder, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
3. Coat the chicken in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side, until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve with roasted potatoes and aji verde sauce for dipping.

---

5. Grilled Fish Tacos (Mexico)

Grilled fish tacos are a fresh and healthy summer dish that’s full of flavor. The charred fish combined with a tangy slaw and salsa makes for the perfect light meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia or mahi-mahi)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the fish fillets with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until it flakes easily with a fork.
4. Warm the tortillas on the grill for 1 minute.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing grilled fish on the tortillas and topping with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.

6. Grilled Greek Souvlaki (Greece)

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made with marinated meat, usually pork or chicken, grilled to perfection. It’s served on skewers and pairs perfectly with a side of tzatziki and pita.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast or pork, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
3. Coat the meat in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread the meat onto skewers and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

---

7. Grilled Brazilian Picanha (Brazil)

Picanha is a popular Brazilian cut of beef that’s rich and flavorful. Grilled over an open flame, it’s a carnivore’s delight, often served with farofa and vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs picanha (top sirloin cap), fat side up
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to high heat.
2. Coat the picanha with olive oil and generously season with salt.
3. Grill the picanha fat side down for 5-6 minutes, then flip and grill for an additional 5-6 minutes for medium-rare.
4. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
5. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite Brazilian sides.

---

8. Grilled Merguez Sausages (North Africa)

Merguez sausages are spiced lamb or beef sausages, traditionally from North Africa, that have a robust flavor. They’re typically grilled and served with couscous or in pita bread.

Ingredients:

• 4 merguez sausages
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Rub the sausages with olive oil and season with cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the sausages for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
4. Serve with couscous, roasted vegetables, or in warm pita with fresh vegetables.

---

9. Grilled Satay with Peanut Sauce (Indonesia)

Satay is a popular street food from Indonesia, made with skewered meat, usually chicken or beef, and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. It’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
3. Thread the chicken strips onto skewers and marinate for 20 minutes.
4. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Serve with the peanut dipping sauce and a side of rice.

---

10. Grilled Korean Bulgogi (Korea)

Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made of marinated beef that’s grilled to perfection. It’s savory, sweet, and smoky, making it a favorite at BBQs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ribeye beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar to create the marinade.
3. Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill the beef for 1-2 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
5. Serve with steamed rice and garnish with green onions.

11. Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers (Caribbean)

Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers are a sweet and savory dish from the Caribbean, combining the smoky flavor of shrimp with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. These skewers are perfect for a refreshing summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the shrimp and pineapple chunks with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread the shrimp and pineapple onto skewers, alternating between them.
4. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are cooked through and the pineapple is slightly caramelized.
5. Drizzle with honey and lime juice before serving.

---

12. Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa (Hawaii)

Grilled mahi-mahi, topped with a tangy and refreshing mango salsa, is a delicious Hawaiian-inspired dish. It’s light, healthy, and full of vibrant flavors, perfect for summer grilling.

Ingredients:

• 2 mahi-mahi fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 mango, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the mahi-mahi fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through and flaky.
4. In a bowl, combine mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to make the salsa.
5. Serve the grilled mahi-mahi topped with the mango salsa.

---

13. Grilled Tofu Skewers with Teriyaki Sauce (Japan)

Grilled tofu skewers are a vegetarian Japanese-inspired dish, packed with protein and flavor. Marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce, these skewers are grilled to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic to make the marinade.
3. Marinate the tofu cubes for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread the marinated tofu onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, until charred and crispy on the outside. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.

---

14. Grilled Lamb Kofta (Middle East)

Grilled lamb kofta is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made from spiced lamb, skewered and grilled until smoky and flavorful. These meatballs are served with a side of yogurt or pita for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground lamb, onion, cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Form the mixture into small oblong patties or around skewers.
4. Grill the koftas for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and charred on the outside.
5. Serve with yogurt, pita bread, or a fresh salad.

---

15. Grilled Spanish Chorizo (Spain)

Grilled Spanish chorizo is a flavorful, smoky sausage that’s perfect for summer grilling. It’s typically served sliced, paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 Spanish chorizo sausages
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the chorizo sausages with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the sausages for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy on the outside and cooked through.
4. Slice the grilled chorizo and serve with crusty bread, olives, or a light salad.