Wherever you live across Canada, Victoria Day – the May long weekend – typically marks the start of grilling season. It’s time to get outside in the sunshine, fire up the BBQ, and enjoy savoury grilled food safely with family and friends.
Grilling steak on a cast iron grill is a hearty Canadian tradition. Grilled chicken, salmon, and vegetables are other healthy and delicious options. From Vancouver and Edmonton to Toronto and Montreal, the recipe choices are endless – and mouthwatering!
Did you know Victoria Day was originally named in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday? To make sure everyone gets the royal treatment while grilling on this holiday weekend, try out some easy, fun recipes for drinks and desserts as well. Let’s add extra sizzle to Victoria Day!
Great Victoria Day Grilling Recipes
1. Grilled Montreal Steak
This classic steak recipe delivers spicy satisfaction with Montreal Steak Spice Seasoning, whether you’re grilling a medium-rare sirloin steak or a well-done rib-eye. Want to mix it up with a different steak marinade for grilling on Victoria Day? Check out our Signature Steakhouse 30-Minute Marinade or Honey & Dijon 30-Minute Marinade
2. Smokehouse Maple Grilled Chicken
Whether you prefer Loverboy’s “Working For The Weekend” or The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” this truly Canadian grilled chicken will make you feel like singing on Victoria Day. With Smokehouse Flavoured Maple Wet Rub, chicken drumsticks make perfect finger food.
3. Thai Ginger-Rubbed Grilled Salmon With Green Curry Sauce
This grilled salmon recipe was inspired by Cat Cora, the former Iron Chef, and pairs beautifully with rice or rice noodles. The recipe yields extra green curry sauce, which you can freeze and serve up to two months later. Keep the Victoria Day party going!
4. Grilled Ciabatta With Spicy Broccoli Rabe and Fennel
Canadian vegetarians and fans of Italian flavours can’t get enough of these scrumptious open-faced sandwiches. It’s easy to substitute other vegetables, from grilled asparagus to grilled zucchini.
5. Grilled Pork Chops With Pineapple Granny Smith Salsa
Featuring Wild Whiskey Smoked BBQ Sauce, our grilled pork chops, topped with savoury fruit salsa, are reminiscent of a Hawaii vacation. (Hey, if you can’t get to Maui, grilled pineapple is the next best thing!) Season with Sea Salt Grinder and Black Peppercorn Grinder to bring out the meat’s rich flavour.
6. Curry Turkey Burgers
For a Victoria Day weekend alternative to old-school burgers, don’t miss this zesty recipe. Turkey burger patties incorporate red bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste. In place of ketchup or mustard, spice things up with Sweet Red Chili Sauce or Peanut Satay Sauce.
Drinks You’ll Love on Victoria Day
1. Honey Infused Grilled Lemonade
Kim Mitchell sang about making lemonade in his nostalgic hit “Patio Lanterns,” and you can crank your Victoria Day BBQ up a notch with this oh-so-refreshing drink. Our grilled lemonade recipe includes 12 lemons and two sprigs of fresh mint.
2. Pineapple Mead Sangria
If dandelions usually make you think about lawn care, think again. This sweet, whimsical sangria brings together chopped dandelion greens, fresh pineapple, mead, and Liquid Honey Beehive with a touch of turmeric and ginger. Good times in the garden!
Delicious Desserts for Your BBQ Party
1. Grilled Angel Food Cake With Peppered Berries and Vanilla Cream
Topped with blueberries, raspberries, and whipped cream blended with marscapone cheese, our grilled angel food cake is a sweet treat to remember.
2. Carrot Cake Swirled Cream Cheese Bars
Looking for some next-level yum factor? These baked dessert bars, which decadently combine the rich creaminess of carrot cake and cheesecake, will delight Victoria Day revelers from kids and grandparents to old university pals and beer league hockey buddies.
3. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream
For Canadians, there’s nothing quite like enjoying homemade ice cream while grilling on Victoria Day. Egg yolks, sugar, and plenty of cream drive this old-fashioned recipe, along with Pure Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt Grinder.
