Grilling season is upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the flavor of fresh herbs to elevate your barbecue creations! Growing your own herbs at home ensures you have a steady supply of fresh, aromatic additions to your dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned grillmaster or just starting out, these herbs can take your grilled foods to the next level.
In this article, I’m thrilled to share twelve essential herbs that every grillmaster should be growing. These herbs are not only easy to cultivate but also pair perfectly with a variety of grilled foods. Let’s explore these wonderful herbs and how they can enhance your grilling experience!
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs for grilling! Its robust, pine-like flavor pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, especially lamb, chicken, and pork. Simply snip a few sprigs and toss them onto the grill with your meat, or use them to infuse marinades and rubs. Rosemary also works wonders when grilled with vegetables like potatoes and zucchini.
To grow rosemary, plant it in well-drained soil and place it in a sunny spot. It’s a hardy herb that requires minimal maintenance once established. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Rosemary can be grown in the garden or in containers, making it a versatile addition to your grilling arsenal!
Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that adds a subtle, earthy flavor to grilled dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, and vegetables. Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and its small leaves make it easy to sprinkle over dishes or incorporate into marinades and rubs. One of my favorite ways to use thyme is to make a herb bundle and toss it onto the grill with meat or veggies.
Plant thyme in well-drained soil in a sunny location. It’s a drought-tolerant herb that requires little care once established. Regular trimming encourages bushy growth and prevents it from becoming woody. Thyme is perfect for container gardening or as a perennial addition to your herb garden. Its delightful aroma and flavor make it a must-have for any grillmaster!
Basil
Basil is a must-have herb for any grillmaster, especially if you love Italian flavors. Its sweet, aromatic leaves pair perfectly with grilled tomatoes, eggplant, and chicken. Basil is also fantastic for making fresh pesto, which can be used as a marinade or topping for grilled dishes. One of my favorite uses for basil is to make a basil and garlic marinade for grilled shrimp.
To grow basil, plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Basil thrives in warm weather and needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Pinch off the flowers to encourage more leaf growth and keep the plant from becoming leggy. Basil can be grown in the garden or in pots, making it easy to have fresh basil on hand all season long!
Oregano
Oregano is another herb that’s essential for Mediterranean-inspired grilling. Its bold, peppery flavor pairs wonderfully with grilled lamb, chicken, and vegetables. Oregano can be used fresh or dried, and it’s a key ingredient in many marinades and spice rubs. I love using oregano in a lemon and olive oil marinade for grilled chicken—it’s simply delicious!
Plant oregano in well-drained soil in a sunny location. It’s a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established. Oregano thrives in dry conditions, so water it sparingly. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and prevents it from becoming woody. Oregano is a versatile herb that’s easy to grow and perfect for adding a punch of flavor to your grilled dishes!
Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb that adds a cool, aromatic touch to grilled foods. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled lamb, poultry, and vegetables. Mint is also great for making herb-infused drinks, which are perfect for enjoying alongside your grilled creations. One of
my favorite ways to use mint is to make a mint yogurt sauce to accompany grilled lamb or chicken—it’s simply delightful!
To grow mint, plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded spot. Mint is a vigorous grower and can become invasive, so it’s best to grow it in containers or in a confined garden area. Regularly trim the plant to encourage new growth and prevent it from spreading too much. Mint is an easy-to-grow herb that adds a refreshing twist to your grilling repertoire!
Sage
Sage is a fantastic herb for grilling, known for its strong, earthy flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled pork, chicken, and sausage. Sage leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they hold up well to the high heat of the grill. I love using sage in a butter sauce for grilled pork chops or stuffing fresh leaves into chicken before grilling.
Plant sage in well-drained soil in a sunny location. It’s a hardy perennial that requires minimal maintenance once established. Sage prefers dry conditions, so water it sparingly and ensure the soil has good drainage. Regularly prune the plant to promote bushy growth and remove any woody stems. Sage is a robust herb that brings a depth of flavor to your grilled dishes!
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that brightens up grilled dishes with its fresh, slightly peppery flavor. It pairs well with almost any grilled meat, fish, or vegetable. Parsley is also fantastic for making chimichurri sauce, which is a perfect topping for grilled steak. I love adding freshly chopped parsley to grilled vegetables for a burst of flavor and color.
To grow parsley, plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Parsley requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from bolting. Parsley is easy to grow and adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your grilling creations!
Cilantro
Cilantro is an essential herb for anyone who enjoys grilling with Latin or Asian flavors. Its bright, citrusy flavor pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, and vegetables. Cilantro is also a key ingredient in salsa and guacamole, which are perfect accompaniments for grilled dishes. One of my favorite ways to use cilantro is to make a cilantro-lime marinade for grilled shrimp.
Plant cilantro in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Cilantro prefers cooler weather and can bolt quickly in the heat, so plant it early in the season or in a shaded area during the summer. Regularly harvest the leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from flowering. Cilantro adds a fresh, zesty flavor to your grilled dishes and is a must-have for any grillmaster!
Dill
Dill is a delicate herb that adds a fresh, tangy flavor to grilled foods. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, potatoes, and vegetables. Dill is also great for making herb butter or vinaigrettes to drizzle over your grilled creations. I love using dill in a lemon-dill marinade for grilled salmon—it’s simply delicious!
To grow dill, plant it in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Dill prefers cooler weather and can bolt quickly in the heat, so plant it early in the season or in a shaded area during the summer. Regularly harvest the leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from flowering. Dill is an easy-to-grow herb that brings a fresh, vibrant flavor to your grilling repertoire!
Tarragon
Tarragon is a unique herb with a slight anise flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, and vegetables. It’s particularly good in herb butters and marinades. Tarragon adds a sophisticated touch to your dishes, and one of my favorite ways to use it is in a tarragon mustard sauce for grilled chicken.
Plant tarragon in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. It prefers slightly acidic soil and regular watering. Tarragon is a perennial herb, so with proper care, it will come back year after year. Prune the plant regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Tarragon is a delightful herb that enhances the flavors of your grilled dishes!
Chives
Chives are a mild, onion-like herb that adds a subtle flavor to grilled foods. They pair well with grilled fish, chicken, and vegetables. Chives are also great for making herb butters and sauces to accompany your grilled creations. I love adding freshly chopped chives to grilled potatoes for a burst of flavor and color.
To grow chives, plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Chives are a hardy perennial that requires minimal maintenance once established. Regularly harvest the leaves to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from flowering. Chives are an easy-to-grow herb that adds a fresh, mild flavor to your grilling repertoire!
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an aromatic herb that adds a bright, citrusy flavor to grilled dishes. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, and vegetables. Lemongrass is also a key ingredient in many Asian marinades and sauces. One of my favorite ways to use lemongrass is to make a lemongrass and ginger marinade for grilled shrimp.
Plant lemongrass in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. It prefers warm weather and regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Lemongrass can be grown in the garden or in large containers. Harvest the stalks regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. Lemongrass adds a refreshing, citrusy flavor to your grilled dishes.
