The smells of summer are back! And this summer we’re planning to celebrate even more with friends and family. With Father’s Day around the corner, along with the official start of summer, many of us have dusted off our grilling tools, hung up our favorite aprons and started thinking about all the delicious things we’re ready to grill.
Men’s Journal was given some unique insights into how Americans plan to grill this summer. A Harris Poll was fielded for Omaha Steaks, getting to the meat of the matter including what we love to grill, why we love to grill, and what Dad is really looking forward to this Father’s Day (hint, it rhymes with eat). Before we supply some expert tips on how to step up your grilling this summer, here’s some insight of what’s on our minds when it comes to our trusty companion — the grill.
Getting Back to Our Grill is the #1 Priority
After a year of lockdowns, restrictions and other limitations, the one thing we’re looking forward to most (well, besides seeing those loved ones and friends we may not have been able to see) is getting back in front of our cherished grills. And boy do we ever plan on getting the most out of our grills this summer. In fact, according to the Harris Poll, Americans are eager to get back to outdoor grilling with the majority (92%) planning to grill more or the same in 2021 compared to 2020. And we’re not just grilling for us, two-thirds of Americans are planning to go big on summer holidays this year, particularly for those that were missed out on last year. And it’s not just the holidays beckoning us to fire up the grills, 63% of Americans claim they don’t need a special occasion to enjoy grilling.Getty
What Are We Grilling These Days?
It’s no surprise, meat rules the roost when it comes to what’s on our grills. According to the poll, burgers (82%) top the list for favorite foods to grill followed by chicken (79%) and steak (78%). A whopping 50% of Americans said they eat burgers at least once a week, with more than half claiming they can “eat burgers every day” and one in four Americans proclaiming, “they can’t live without them.” However, it’s not all burgers all the time. 70% of Americans say they are actively “looking for a variety of different meats to grill.”
However, when it comes to other items we’ve put on the flames, 62% of Americans have never grilled lamb, 36% have never grilled seafood, 30% haven’t put fire to their veggies and a shocking 20% of Americans have never grilled ribs, so when it comes to expanding what’s under our tongs and spatulas, there are lots of things to explore.
Chef David Rose, executive chef for Omaha Steaks, has a few helpful recipes for those looking to expand their repertoire this summer.
