Top 3 Proteins to Grill on your recteq this Spring

Chef John gives us a line-up of simple, spring-ready recipes perfect for easy warm weather cooks.

Spring is the perfect time to fire up your recteq pellet grill and start cooking with fresh air, wood-fired flavor, and a few crowd-pleasing proteins. Pellet grills are known for their consistent temperature control and ability to add subtle smoke to food, making them ideal for both quick weeknight meals and weekend cookouts. With the right cuts and a handful of recteq Ultimate Blend wood pellets, you can turn simple ingredients into memorable backyard meals.

Ribeye or New York Strip Steak

Few things showcase a recteq better than a thick, well-marbled steak. Cuts like ribeye or New York strip work especially well because the marbling melts during cooking, creating incredible flavor and tenderness. Many grillers use the reverse-sear method—slow cooking the steak at lower heat before finishing it with a high-heat sear—to achieve a perfect crust and evenly cooked center. Pair beef with bold wood pellets like hickory or mesquite to enhance the rich flavor of the meat.

Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a spring grilling staple because they’re forgiving, flavorful, and absorb smoke beautifully. The slightly higher fat content helps keep the meat juicy while the skin crisps up nicely on the recteq. A simple seasoning of Chef John’s Soul Powder & Jody’s Asian Persuasion can go a long way, but chicken also pairs well with sweeter pellet flavors like apple or cherry wood for a mild, balanced smoke profile.

Pork Tenderloin or Thick Pork Chops

Pork is another excellent protein for pellet grilling thanks to its ability to take on smoky flavor without overpowering the meat. Pork tenderloin or thick-cut pork chops cook relatively quickly and stay tender when grilled properly. Using fruitwoods like apple or cherry adds a subtle sweetness that complements pork perfectly and makes it a standout centrepiece for spring gatherings.

Whether you’re grilling for family on a weeknight or hosting friends on a sunny weekend, these three proteins—steak, chicken thighs, and pork tenderloin—deliver incredible flavor with minimal fuss. With the consistent heat and wood-fired smoke of a recteq pellet grill, you’ll have everything you need to kick-off spring grilling season the right way.