Grilling season is the perfect time to elevate your meals with the bold, fresh flavors of homegrown herbs. Whether you’re seasoning meats, flavoring marinades, or garnishing grilled veggies, herbs can bring your backyard cooking to the next level. Growing them yourself means maximum flavor and convenience all summer long.
These 15 herbs are easy to grow, full of flavor, and guaranteed to boost your grilling game.
Rosemary
With its strong, woody aroma, rosemary adds incredible flavor to grilled meats like lamb, steak, and chicken. Its sturdy leaves can handle high heat, making it ideal for marinades or direct grilling. You can even toss a sprig on the coals for an aromatic smoke.
Thyme
Thyme offers an earthy, slightly minty taste that complements chicken, vegetables, and seafood. It’s a low-maintenance herb that thrives in summer heat. Use it in marinades or sprinkle it over food after grilling for a burst of flavor.
Oregano
Bold and peppery, oregano is perfect for Mediterranean-style grilled dishes like kebabs, lamb, and pizza. It’s great fresh or dried and holds up well in marinades. Plant it in full sun for a lush, fragrant harvest all season.
Basil
Basil’s sweet, peppery notes are perfect for post-grill garnishes or tossing into sauces and marinades. It doesn't grill well directly but is amazing when added fresh over grilled tomatoes, chicken, or seafood. Grow Genovese or Thai basil for unique flavor twists.
Mint
Mint adds a cooling contrast to spicy or smoky grilled dishes and is great in sauces like chimichurri or yogurt marinades. It’s also fantastic paired with grilled fruit like peaches or pineapple. Keep it in containers to control its rapid spread.
Sage
Sage has a deep, savory flavor that pairs well with grilled pork, sausages, and even butter-brushed veggies. The leaves crisp up nicely on the grill or in compound butters. It's drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.
Parsley
Parsley’s fresh, slightly peppery taste is perfect in sauces like chimichurri and salsa verde. It brightens up grilled dishes and balances smoky or fatty flavors. Grow curly or flat-leaf varieties in a partly shaded spot for continuous harvests.
Cilantro
Cilantro adds a citrusy, fresh pop to grilled tacos, shrimp, and chicken. It grows quickly, so plant in succession for a steady supply. Use both leaves and tender stems for extra flavor.
Chives
Chives provide a mild onion flavor that enhances compound butters, dips, and grilled vegetables. Their bright green stalks are easy to snip and sprinkle over dishes just before serving. They also produce pretty purple flowers that are edible too!
Lemongrass
Lemongrass adds a lemony, citrus kick that’s fantastic with grilled chicken, shrimp, and skewers. It can be used whole in marinades or chopped finely into sauces. Grow it in pots in sunny spots for best results.
Dill
Dill brings a light, tangy flavor that works beautifully with grilled fish, potatoes, and yogurt-based sauces. Its feathery fronds add texture and color as well. Plant it in full sun and harvest frequently for the best flavor.
Marjoram
Marjoram has a milder, sweeter flavor than oregano but works similarly in marinades and rubs. It pairs well with grilled chicken and vegetables. This tender herb grows best in containers or sunny beds.
Tarragon
Tarragon has a unique, slightly licorice-like flavor that complements grilled chicken, salmon, and creamy sauces. It’s especially delicious in compound butters or brushed over meats. Grow French tarragon in well-drained soil with plenty of sun.
Bay Laurel (Bay Leaves)
Fresh bay leaves add a subtle, herbal depth to grilled stews, kebabs, and marinades. Use whole leaves to infuse flavor during cooking, then remove before serving. This slow-growing shrub thrives in pots and can be brought indoors in cooler months.
Fennel Fronds
Fennel fronds have a delicate anise flavor that adds brightness to grilled fish and poultry. Use the leafy tops as a garnish or mix into dressings and marinades. The plant is also edible in its entirety, with bulbs great for grilling too.
Fresh herbs are the secret ingredient to next-level grilling. These 15 flavorful favorites are easy to grow and incredibly versatile, adding bold aromas and vibrant taste to every meal. Fire up the grill, grab your garden scissors, and enjoy farm-fresh flavor all season long.
Comments
No Comments