Labor Day International Grill-Out: Kebabs, Satay, and More for Less

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious grill-out? This year, take your barbecue beyond burgers and hot dogs with an international theme! You can impress your guests with a diverse menu of grilled delights from around the world, all while staying within your budget.

The Menu: A World of Flavors on the Grill

1. Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs

These flavorful chicken kebabs are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Using affordable chicken thighs and colorful vegetables makes them both delicious and economical.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Chicken thighs are cheaper and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Load up on seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bell peppers and red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.

2. Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

These marinated chicken skewers are a popular Thai appetizer, and the homemade peanut sauce is incredibly addictive.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Make your own peanut sauce from scratch. It’s cheaper and tastes much better than store-bought versions.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- For Marinade: 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup coconut milk
- For Peanut Sauce: 1/2 cup peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sriracha (optional), 1/4 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. Combine marinade ingredients and marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Whisk peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Serve satay with peanut sauce.

3. Argentine Choripan

This classic Argentine street food is simple, delicious, and perfect for a grill-out. It’s grilled chorizo sausage served in a crusty bread roll with chimichurri.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Buy chorizo sausage when it’s on sale. Make your own chimichurri sauce (recipe below).
Ingredients:
- 4-6 fresh chorizo sausages
- 4-6 crusty bread rolls
- For Chimichurri: 1 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh oregano, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
1. Grill chorizo sausages until cooked through and browned.
2. Slice bread rolls lengthwise and lightly grill the cut sides.
3. To make chimichurri, finely chop parsley, oregano, and garlic. Combine with olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Place grilled chorizo in rolls and top generously with chimichurri.

4. Mexican Grilled Corn (Elote)

This popular Mexican street food is a must-have for any grill-out. It’s grilled corn on the cob with a creamy, cheesy, and spicy topping.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Corn on the cob is very affordable, especially during summer. Use cotija cheese or a blend of Parmesan and feta as a substitute.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Chili powder, to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Grill corn on the cob until tender and slightly charred.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream.
3. Brush the corn with the mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili powder.
4. Serve with lime wedges.

This Labor Day, take your grill-out on a culinary journey around the world. These delicious and budget-friendly recipes will make your celebration unforgettable!