6 Best Memorial Day Recipes To Kick-Off The Summer Season

It’s almost grilling season! Memorial Day is the perfect occasion to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious food with friends and family as the summer season is underway.

These 6 recipes from Aspire TV are guaranteed to enhance your Memorial Day celebration with their unique and delicious flavors. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or rich and hearty, there’s a recipe here to suit every taste. Enjoy the holiday with good food and great company!

Monster Turkey Burger with Yukon Gold Steak Fries

Turkey Burger

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with this Monster Turkey Burger and Yukon Gold Steak Fries from aspireTV. Perfect for grilling, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional burgers. Here’s a quick overview:

Ingredients:
– Ground turkey
– Burger buns
– Yukon Gold potatoes
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.)

Directions:
1. Shape ground turkey into patties and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the patties and toast the buns.
3. Cut potatoes into fries, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until crispy.
4. Assemble the burger with your favorite toppings and serve with fries.

 

Coconut Braised Oxtails with Red Beans and Rice

Coconut Braised Oxtails

For a taste of the Caribbean, try these coconut braised oxtails. Slow-cooked in a rich, creamy coconut sauce, the oxtails are tender and full of flavor. Served with red beans and rice, this dish is a comforting and exotic addition to your Memorial Day spread.

Ingredients:

For the Coconut Braised Oxtails:
– 4 pounds oxtails
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 bay leaf
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

For the Red Beans and Rice:
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. **Season and Brown the Oxtails:**
– Season the oxtails generously with salt and pepper.
– In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the oxtails and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the oxtails from the pot and set aside.

2. **Sauté Aromatics:**
– In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper.
– Sauté until softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.

3. **Braise the Oxtails:**
– Return the browned oxtails to the pot.
– Pour in beef broth and coconut milk.
– Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and add a bay leaf.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
– Cover and let the oxtails braise for 2-3 hours, or until tender and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally.

4. **Cook Red Beans and Rice:**
– In a separate pot, combine white rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
– Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in drained and rinsed red kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. **Serve:**
– To serve, place a portion of coconut braised oxtails on a plate alongside red beans and rice.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and cilantro.
– Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish!

 

Salmon Cakes with Mixed Green Salad

Salmon Cakes

Light, fresh, and packed with omega-3s, these salmon cakes are a perfect choice for a warm day. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the cakes pair wonderfully with a mixed green salad, offering a refreshing balance to your barbecue menu.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon Cakes:
– 1 pound of cooked salmon, flaked
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying

For the Mixed Green Salad:
– 4 cups mixed salad greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon Cakes Mixture:
– In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2. Form the Salmon Cakes:
– Divide the salmon mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.

3. Cook the Salmon Cakes:
– Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
– Carefully place the salmon cakes in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
– Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

4. Prepare the Mixed Green Salad:
– In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and sliced red onion.
– Toss gently to mix.

5. Serve:
– Arrange the cooked salmon cakes on serving plates alongside the mixed green salad.
– Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
– Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Salmon Cakes with Mixed Green Salad!

This recipe combines the savory goodness of salmon cakes with the freshness of a mixed green salad, making it a flavorful and nutritious meal option. Enjoy!

 

Lobster Pasta

Lobster Pasta

Elevate your Memorial Day feast with this luxurious lobster pasta. The rich, buttery lobster combined with al dente pasta and a creamy sauce is a surefire way to impress your guests. It’s a decadent dish that brings a touch of elegance to any outdoor gathering.

Ingredients:
– Lobster tails
– Fettuccine pasta
– Heavy cream
– Garlic
– Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley
– Butter
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil.
3. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create the sauce.
4. Cook lobster tails, then combine with pasta and sauce.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley.

 

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast

Smoked Salmon Toast

Elevate your Memorial Day brunch with Chef G. Garvin’s Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast. This dish combines creamy avocado with the rich taste of smoked salmon, creating a delightful and nutritious meal. Here’s a quick overview:

Ingredients:
– Smoked salmon
– Avocados
– Lemon juice
– Fresh dill
– Toasted bread
– Salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Mash avocados and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Spread avocado mixture on toasted bread.
3. Top with smoked salmon and garnish with fresh dill.

 

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon Pepper Wings

Indulge in the zesty flavor of Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings! These crispy wings are seasoned to perfection with a blend of tangy lemon and aromatic pepper, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a flavorful appetizer, these wings are sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
– In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil until evenly coated.

3. Season the Wings:
– In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
– Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken wings, tossing to coat each wing evenly.

4. Bake the Wings:
– Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

5. Serve:
– Once cooked, transfer the wings to a serving platter.
– Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley, if desired.
– Serve immediately and enjoy these tantalizing Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings as a flavorful appetizer or main dish!

For detailed recipes and more culinary inspiration, click here for more aspireTV recipes.