As inflation continues to rise (meals costs elevated a whopping 8.6% within the final 12 months, in line with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), it could really feel difficult to consider all of the summer time gatherings and household traditions that would now appear out of attain. Whereas our wallets could appear tight proper now, there are nonetheless loads of methods to make sure we are able to collect, have a good time and experience summer time's unbelievable bounty this season. And that begins with purchasing smarter. 

One of many easiest methods to make sure the preservation of our summer time BBQ traditions is by switching up our protein consumption. We've rounded up six scrumptious, nutritious and satisfying proteins that shall be glorious stand-ins to your standard steak, rooster breast and pork tenderloin. We've additionally supplied recipes for every that will help you get impressed, and that your loved ones and mates will love, too. 

a grilled rooster thigh with a corn salad on the facet

1. Rooster Thighs

Rooster breast has reigned supreme because the reduce of selection for too lengthy, and we love that an increasing number of of us are selecting scrumptious, nutritious rooster thighs as an economical protein of selection. Just like rooster breast, thighs are stuffed with protein (every thigh boasts round 18 grams!), and if you happen to depart the pores and skin on, you'll additionally get a collagen enhance. Plus, rooster thighs are nice sources of zinc and selenium, which will help maintain your immune system in tip-top form, and also you'll save a couple of bucks alongside the best way. Rooster thighs usually price lower than $2 per pound, in comparison with over $5 per pound for rooster breasts.

In the event you're new to cooking with rooster thighs, now we have loads of suggestions and recipes to make them a seamless addition to your culinary routine. Take a look at our Grilled Rooster Thighs with Summer season Corn Salad to serve at your subsequent BBQ. 

Grilled Tofu with Korean BBQ Glaze & Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage

2. Tofu

Tofu is a really cost-effective protein, and one among our favourite variations is Dealer Joe's Natural Sprouted Tofu, which may normally be discovered for lower than $3 for 5 servings. Whereas a few of us might need eaten some less-than-appetizing tofu previously, it may be completely scrumptious when correctly ready. Whereas soy meals have obtained a variety of scientific scrutiny, tofu is a good supply of plant protein, iron and calcium, and undoubtedly has a spot in a nutritious diet.

In the case of grilling, we like to begin with extra-firm tofu and expel as a lot water as potential with a tofu press (or a makeshift press with material towels and some heavy-duty cookbooks). You’ll be able to let it press for half-hour or as much as a number of hours. Afterward, you may enhance the flavour by letting the tofu marinate in your sauce of selection—strive it out in our Grilled Tofu with Korean BBQ Glaze & Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage Recipe. Let the tofu marinate for no less than half-hour to correctly soak up all of the flavors, however you're higher off with a number of hours in case you have the time. 

Grilled Pork Chops with Chile & Pineapple

3. Pork 

Pork has fallen out of style in current a long time, nevertheless it's scrumptious and versatile—and it could actually nonetheless be a budget-friendly selection relying on the cuts you buy. Considered one of our favourite summer time BBQ dishes is a pulled pork sandwich, and pork butts and shoulders are usually even decrease in worth than chops. Nevertheless, they do require a bit extra time to realize that good juicy texture, so maintain that in thoughts as you propose to your gathering.

In the event you're searching for one thing less complicated however wish to maintain your grocery invoice down, pork chops are nonetheless cheaper than beef steaks and look actually stunning on a plate. Fulfill all of your friends with our Grilled Bone-In Pork Chops recipe or actually dazzle a crowd with our Grilled Pork Chops with Chile & Pineapple. Pork chops are low in energy in comparison with most different animal proteins, and nonetheless provide 15 grams of protein per serving to maintain you satiated.

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4. Floor Beef

Whereas beef has been closely impacted by inflation as an entire, in line with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, floor beef can nonetheless be discovered at a budget-friendly worth level in lots of locations for whipping up burgers, kebabs and extra. Plus, if you happen to store for floor beef at shops like Aldi, you may go for a grass-fed model with out going over finances. In line with North Dakota State College, you'll get probably the most vitamins by choosing leaner floor beef choices, however the cheaper cuts with 70% to 80% fats will nonetheless provide loads of protein, iron and zinc per serving. 

Considered one of our favourite methods to stretch floor beef is by combining it with mushrooms to make out-of-this-world burgers. Our Grilled Beef-Mushroom Burgers with Fast Pickles are certain to grow to be a brand new favourite and our Kefta recipe is nice for an easy-breezy build-your-own gyro evening that the entire household will love. 

Cilantro Bean Burgers with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw

5. Beans

Whereas we're not precisely going to throw a can of beans on the grill, stocking up on quite a lot of legumes, from chickpeas to black beans, will assist stretch your greenback and nourish every kind of eaters at your subsequent BBQ. Beans are one of many least expensive protein sources on the market, as yow will discover cans for lower than 75 cents at Walmart. Past providing a formidable 14 grams of protein per cup, you'll additionally get greater than half of your each day fiber wants, plus a number of nutritional vitamins and minerals.  

In the case of grilling, you may swap out costly fake meat burgers for a extra nourishing, cost-effective bean burger. Our Cilantro Bean Burgers with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw are at all times a success within the summertime, and you can even depend on beans to make hearty facet dishes, as in our Chunky Black Bean Salsa with Corn & Bell Pepper or everybody's favourite baked beans recipe. The probabilities are infinite!

5. No matter’s On Sale 

We love staking out the offers occurring at our favourite native grocery shops earlier than selecting the place to buy (take a look at the Flipp app to make doing really easy). Particularly in case you have a big crowd to feed, planning your BBQ menu round what's on sale might be an enormous asset in conserving your invoice as little as potential. Plus, it simply would possibly imply you get to go for a protein you didn't assume was in your finances in any other case. 

Whether or not it's rooster, tofu or pork chops, any of those proteins will make a scrumptious and nutritious addition to your summer time gathering. Plus, purchasing for in-season produce will solely provide help to proceed the financial savings and can make for a extra scrumptious meal. Then you may give attention to what's most essential: gathering and nourishing the individuals you like most.