Whether it’s lobster, clams, or whole red snapper, fresh seafood is elevated to delicious new heights by the smoky flavor of the grill.

Whether you’re looking for side dishes to complement meat and seafood or planning a totally vegetarian cookout, these creative recipes will make you see the grill in a whole new light....

“These ribs just might be the best thing I’ve ever come up with,” said food editor Ian Knauer proudly.

Hot-wing aficionados will flip for these grilled shrimp, seasoned with bottled hot sauce and melted butter. Celery and homemade blue cheese dip are delicious accompaniments.

When pork shoulder is marinated, grilled, and sliced thin, it’s tender and juicy. The chile-based adobo with guajillos and pullas provides a rich, mellow heat.

Put steak, clams, eggplant, or avocado over live fire and bring smoky flavor to salad or pasta.

There’s no sliced bread here, and you’ll need a knife and fork for this bulgur and grilled-vegetable salad.

Cactus paddles (nopales or nopalitos) are an important vegetable in Mexico. Their flavor is reminiscent of summer’s green beans but with a hint of acidity.

Mexican butchers sell thin, salted, super-long strips of beef for tasajo, you can improvise with top sirloin sliced and salt-cured for a couple of days.