15 No-Marinade Quick Grilling Recipes

Sometimes, I just don’t have time to wait for a marinade to work its magic. Between last-minute plans, surprise guests, or just wanting dinner now, I needed grilling recipes that skip the wait—but still deliver big on flavor. That’s how this list was born.

These no-marinade recipes rely on bold seasonings, fast prep, and high-heat grilling to make everything from meats to veggies absolutely mouthwatering in minutes.

I’ve used these on weeknights, during camping trips, and even when my gas ran low—because they’re just that reliable and easy. Whether you’re short on time or just hate planning ahead, these 15 quick grilling recipes are your new go-to favorites.

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1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

These juicy shrimp go straight from the fridge to the grill with a quick brush of garlic butter — no marinating needed!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix melted butter with garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush generously with the garlic butter.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high and cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
4. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
5. Optional: Brush with more butter before serving.

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2. 5-Minute Grilled Chicken Cutlets

Thin chicken cutlets cook lightning-fast and are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken cutlets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub both sides of chicken cutlets with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high.
3. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly charred.
4. Let rest 2 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve with a squeeze of lemon or over salad.

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3. Quick Grilled Steak Bites

No need to marinate—just cube your steak, season it well, and toss it on skewers for bite-sized meaty perfection in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (cubed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread onto skewers, spacing slightly apart.
3. Preheat grill to high.
4. Grill 1–2 minutes per side, turning for even char.
5. Let rest briefly, then serve with chimichurri or dipping sauce.

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4. Zesty Grilled Zucchini Spears

These crisp-tender zucchini spears get a pop of lemon and chili flakes — no soaking, just slice and grill.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis (cut into spears)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss zucchini spears with olive oil, lemon zest, chili flakes, and salt.
2. Grill over medium-high for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
3. Serve immediately as a side or topper for bowls.
4. Optional: Grate Parmesan over while hot.
5. These also work well chopped up in salads.

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5. Speedy Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions

Slice your pork tenderloin into medallions for faster cooking, then season simply for a juicy, flavorful main in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin (sliced into 1-inch thick medallions)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss pork medallions with olive oil and seasonings.
2. Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
3. Check that internal temp hits 145°F, then rest for 3 minutes.
4. Serve with grilled apples or mustard on the side.
5. Quick, lean, and totally weeknight-friendly.

6. Grilled Halloumi and Tomato Skewers

This salty cheese doesn’t melt—making it perfect for skewering and grilling alongside sweet, juicy tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 block halloumi cheese (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss halloumi and cherry tomatoes in olive oil, oregano, and pepper.
2. Thread onto skewers, alternating cheese and tomatoes.
3. Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
4. Serve warm as an appetizer or vegetarian main.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

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7. Cajun Grilled Fish Fillets

Bold seasoning and a hot grill give you flaky, flavorful fish in no time—no marinade, just a quick rub and sizzle.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Brush fillets with olive oil and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning.
2. Preheat grill to medium and oil grates well.
3. Grill fish for 3–4 minutes per side until it flakes easily.
4. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
5. Great paired with grilled corn or rice.

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8. Smoky Grilled Turkey Sausage Links

Grilling turkey sausage requires zero prep and gives you a protein-packed meal with great smoky flavor—fast!

Ingredients:

• 4 turkey sausage links
• Optional: mustard or BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Place sausages directly on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side.
3. Turn until evenly charred and heated through.
4. Serve in buns, with salad, or over grilled veggies.
5. Great for meal prep or a quick protein fix.

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9. Pepper and Onion Grilled Quesadillas

These veggie quesadillas are grilled crisp and golden in minutes—no marinating or oven required.

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, jack, or mix)
• ½ red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• ½ onion (thinly sliced)
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brush tortillas lightly with olive oil on one side.
2. Place cheese, peppers, and onions on half of the un-oiled side. Fold and press.
3. Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
4. Let cool slightly, then cut into wedges.
5. Serve with salsa or sour cream.

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10. Crispy Grilled Tofu Cubes

Tofu doesn’t need a marinade when it’s cubed, seasoned, and grilled until crispy—simple, clean, and protein-packed.

Ingredients:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss tofu cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread onto skewers or place in a grill basket.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
4. Serve with a dipping sauce like peanut or sriracha mayo.
5. Great in bowls, wraps, or salads.

11. Grilled Flatbread with Ricotta and Herbs

This elegant grilled flatbread comes together in minutes with zero marination—just creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, and smoky char.

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of store-bought flatbread or naan
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or chives)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brush flatbread with olive oil and grill over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until slightly charred.
2. Spread ricotta cheese over warm flatbread.
3. Sprinkle with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Slice and serve warm as an appetizer or side.
5. Optional: add chili flakes or lemon zest for a kick.

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12. Speedy Grilled Chicken Sausage and Bell Peppers

No marinade needed—just slice and sear! This colorful combo is ready fast and perfect for weeknight grilling.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken sausages (sliced into rounds)
• 2 bell peppers (sliced into strips)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sausage slices and bell peppers in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill in a basket or on skewers over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve over rice, salad, or in wraps.
4. Great for meal prep or a quick protein-veggie bowl.
5. Optional: drizzle with balsamic or pesto.

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13. Grilled Eggplant Rounds with Feta and Mint

Smoky eggplant slices grilled to perfection and topped with cool, crumbled feta and fresh mint—no soaking, no fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant (cut into ½-inch rounds)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup crumbled feta
• Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Brush eggplant rounds with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until tender and charred.
3. Top with feta and torn mint leaves.
4. Serve warm or room temperature as a side or light main.
5. Optional: add a squeeze of lemon juice.

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14. Grilled Pineapple Slices with Cinnamon Sugar

Sweet, caramelized, and ready in 5 minutes—this tropical treat needs zero prep and tastes like summer.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple (sliced into rings)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Sprinkle onto pineapple rings on both sides.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
4. Serve warm as a dessert or side with grilled meat.
5. Pairs beautifully with vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

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15. Grilled Caprese Skewers

This no-marinate twist on a Caprese salad comes together on skewers—grilled tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Thread tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella onto skewers.
2. Lightly brush with olive oil.
3. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until tomatoes blister and cheese softens.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
5. Great as a side dish or appetizer.