Top Propane Grills Recipes for Small Grills: Quick and Delicious Meals Made Easy

If you're planning a summer cookout or simply want to savor a meal on your patio, Propane Grills recipes offer a quick and delicious solution. Small propane grills are compact, convenient, and heat up in no time—making them perfect for whipping up flavorful dishes without needing a full-sized setup. 

In this blog, we’re diving into some of the best Propane Grills recipes that are ideal for weeknight dinners, camping adventures, or laid-back weekend barbecues. From chicken and beef to seafood, veggies, and even grilled desserts, there’s a recipe here for every taste and skill level.

Why Use a Small Propane Grill?

Small propane grills are portable, easy to maintain, and deliver great heat control, making them a favorite for RV travelers, apartment dwellers, and outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Whether you're grilling on your balcony or at a campsite, their simplicity and speed make them an ideal choice for easy outdoor cooking.

1. Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Quick, flavorful, and grill-friendly.

 Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cubed)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp oregano, salt & pepper

• Skewers (soak wooden ones)

Instructions:

Mix lemon juice, oil, garlic, and spices. Marinate chicken for 30 mins to 2 hrs. Grill the skewers over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, letting them develop a perfect golden char and ensuring the inside is juicy and tender.

Pro Tip: Want to take your meal on a quick trip to the Mediterranean? Add a dollop of creamy tzatziki and a sprinkle of tangy feta—it’s like a vacation on your plate.

2. Smoky Chipotle Cheeseburgers

Classic burgers with bold flavor.

 Ingredients:

• 1 kg ground beef (80/20)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper

• 4 brioche buns, 4 cheese slices

• Toppings: avocado, bacon, caramelized onion, lettuce

Instructions:

Season beef, shape into patties, and grill 3–4 mins per side. Melt cheese on top. Toast buns. Stack with chipotle mayo, toppings, and enjoy!

Grill Tip: Give your patties a chill in the fridge before grilling for a juicier, firmer bite! It helps them hold their shape and enhances the flavor for a juicier, more mouth-watering bite.

3. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

Light, zesty, and perfect for summer.

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined)

• 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin

• Salt, pepper, lime juice

• Slaw: cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, sour cream

Instructions:

Toss shrimp with oil, lime, and spices. Grill 2–3 mins per side. Serve in tortillas with slaw.

Pro Tip: Toss your tortillas on the grill for a few seconds—they’ll soak up that smoky flavor and become perfectly pliable for wrapping up all your delicious fillings. It’s a tiny trick with a big payoff—grilling your tortillas adds that irresistible char and just the right amount of flexibility to keep everything tucked in tight and tasting amazing. Don’t skip it!

 

4. Grilled Veggie Platter with Balsamic Glaze

Vegetables develop a sweet, smoky flavor when grilled. Pair this with your main dish or serve as a vegetarian meal on its own.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Balsamic glaze

Directions:

Thinly slice your fresh veggies and toss them in a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper—coating each piece until they glisten with flavor and are ready to sizzle on the grill. Grill gently over medium heat, allowing the edges to char slightly while the inside stays juicy and tender.

5. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

This recipe is perfect for using leftover grilled chicken or prepping something new. It's a flavorful, melty delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)

• 4 flour tortillas

Directions:

Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Spoon the flavorful filling onto one half of each tortilla, then generously sprinkle with melty cheese. Fold them up and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden, crispy, and oozing with melted goodness. Pair with a dollop of sour cream or a zingy salsa to take it to the next level!

6. Teriyaki Grilled Salmon Packets

Foil packets are your friend on a small propane grill. They're clean, easy, and help lock in flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets

• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

• Sliced bell peppers and onions

• Aluminum foil

Directions:

Place the salmon fillets on a sheet of foil, then lovingly layer them with vibrant vegetables and a generous drizzle of rich, savory teriyaki sauce—creating a flavorful steam pouch that locks in every drop of goodness

7. Grilled Pineapple Dessert Skewers

No grill session is complete without dessert! These pineapple caramelize beautifully and pair well with ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, cubed

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Optional: vanilla ice cream

Directions:

Thread pineapple onto skewers. Brush with honey and cinnamon. Cook the item on the grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until it develops a mild charred texture.

 

8. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

This vegetarian dish offers a hearty, savory experience that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 portobello caps, stems removed

• Olive oil

• 1/2 cup mozzarella

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• Fresh basil

• Balsamic reduction

Directions:

Lightly brush the mushrooms with oil, then place them gill-side down on the grill to lock in flavor and achieve a perfect char. Allow them to cook for about 3 minutes, ensuring they achieve a tender, flavorful result.  Flip, fill with mozzarella and tomatoes. Grill until the cheese melts. Top with basil and balsamic.

9. Grilled Breakfast Sandwiches: A combination of bacon, eggs, and cheese cooked on the grill.

Grilling isn’t just for lunch and dinner. Start your morning with a hearty and wholesome breakfast sandwich that nourishes both body and mind.

Ingredients:

• English muffins

• Eggs

• Cooked bacon

• Cheese

Directions:

Break eggs into a ring mold or foil, then grill until fully cooked. Toast muffins, add cheese and bacon.

Assemble and enjoy!

10. Korean-Style Grilled Beef Lettuce Wraps

Bring bold Korean BBQ flavors to your backyard with these mouth-watering wraps.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Garlic and ginger (minced)

• Lettuce leaves

• Kimchi, sliced cucumbers, rice (optional)

Directions:

Marinate beef for 1–2 hours. Place the item on high heat, grilling each side for 1 to 2 minutes to create a perfectly seared exterior while preserving its natural juices and flavors.

Tips for Cooking on a Small Propane Grill

If you're whipping up small propane grill recipes for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a weekend feast, keep these tips in mind for success:

1. Preheat Properly

Let the grill warm up for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure consistent heat across the surface before placing anything on it.

2. Keep the Lid Closed

Helps retain heat and ensures thorough cooking, especially for thicker cuts.

3. Use Grill Baskets or Foil

Perfect for small veggies or delicate seafood.

4. Maintain Your Grill

Ensure the grates are cleaned after each use and regularly monitor propane levels to maintain optimal functionality.

The Best Tools for Small Grill Cooking

• Grill Basket: Great for chopped veggies or shrimp.

• Thermometer: Ensures meat is safely cooked.

• Foil Sheets: For packet meals and easy cleanup.

• Grill Brush: Keep your grates clean for the next cookout.

Final Thoughts 

Small propane grills are the unsung heroes of outdoor cooking—compact, mighty, and perfect for transforming even the tiniest patio into a flavor-packed BBQ zone. They deliver big taste without taking up big space, making outdoor meals simple, quick, and seriously satisfying. 

Whether camping, tailgating, or grilling on an apartment balcony, these grills are perfect for quick meals or gourmet BBQ in tight spaces. From seafood to burgers and veggies, the simple recipes make outdoor cooking fun and easy, no matter your skill level.

Ready to elevate your grilling? At Outdoor Kitchen Outlet, we offer premium grills and everything you need to build your perfect outdoor kitchen. Call us today at (888) 667-4986!