10 Must-Try Traeger Recipes for BBQ Enthusiasts

Welcome to a flavorful adventure where the smoky allure of Traeger grills meets the creativity of BBQ enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll dive into 10 must-try Traeger recipes that promise to elevate your grilling game, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster. From succulent meats to unique vegetable dishes, each recipe is crafted to make the most out of your Traeger grill's capabilities, providing both taste and technique to inspire your next BBQ session.

Recipe 1: Smoked Beef Brisket

If there’s one dish that truly showcases the potential of a Traeger grill, it’s smoked brisket. This recipe requires:

• 1 full packer brisket (12-16 lbs)
• Salt and black pepper
• Traeger Beef Rub (optional)

Steps:

1. Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¹⁄₄ inch for flavor and moisture.
2. Rub generously with salt, black pepper, and if desired, Traeger Beef Rub.
3. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
4. Place the brisket fat side up on the grill. Smoke for approximately 1 hour per pound.
5. Wrap in butcher paper when the internal temperature hits 165°F and continue cooking until it reaches 195-205°F.
6. Let it rest for at least an hour before slicing.

🍖 Note: Temperature control is key; maintain a steady low heat for best results in tenderness.

Recipe 2: Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings

For BBQ lovers looking for a quick and delicious treat, Traeger smoked chicken wings are a go-to:

• 4 lbs chicken wings
• Your favorite wing rub (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Steps:

1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. Dry wings thoroughly and apply rub.
3. Place wings on the grill, close the lid, and smoke for 45 minutes.
4. Turn up the heat to 375°F, apply BBQ sauce, and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Recipe 3: Grilled Salmon with Maple Glaze

Here’s a delightful recipe for those who appreciate the lighter fare:

• 4 salmon fillets
• ¹⁄₄ cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Juice from ¹⁄₂ lemon

Steps:

1. Mix glaze ingredients together.
2. Preheat Traeger to 400°F. Brush the grill grates clean.
3. Coat salmon fillets with glaze and place skin side down on the grill.
4. Grill for about 10-12 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

🍁 Note: For a caramelized crust, reduce the glaze in a saucepan before applying to the salmon.

Recipe 4: Smoked Ribs

Smoked ribs are a BBQ classic:

• 2 racks of pork ribs
• Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub (or similar)
• 1 cup apple juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar

Steps:

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
2. Apply rub generously on both sides.
3. Preheat Traeger to 225°F. Smoke ribs for 3 hours.
4. Combine apple juice and brown sugar for a spray. Spray ribs every 45 minutes for another 3 hours.
5. Finish ribs on high heat (350°F) for 10-20 minutes, glazing with BBQ sauce.

Recipe 5: Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

For those seeking a meaty, vegetarian option:

• 8 large Portobello mushrooms
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Mixed herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)

Steps:

1. Remove stems from mushrooms and scoop out gills.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and herbs for filling.
3. Fill mushrooms and place on the grill. Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Recipe 6: BBQ Pulled Pork

A must-have at any BBQ, here’s how to do pulled pork on a Traeger:

• 1 pork shoulder (4-8 lbs)
• Your choice of BBQ rub (or simple salt, pepper, paprika)
• ¹⁄₂ cup apple cider vinegar for spraying

Steps:

1. Preheat Traeger to 250°F.
2. Apply BBQ rub to pork.
3. Place pork on grill, fat side up, and cook for about 1.5 hours per pound.
4. Spritz with apple cider vinegar every hour.
5. When internal temp hits 195°F, shred pork with forks.

Recipe 7: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Here’s a quick and light option for seafood lovers:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Steps:

1. Whisk marinade ingredients together.
2. Marinate shrimp for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat Traeger to 400°F.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for about 3 minutes per side.

Recipe 8: Smoked Tri-Tip Roast

This beef cut, known for its flavor, is perfect for your Traeger:

• 1 tri-tip roast (2-3 lbs)
• Your favorite steak rub
• Coffee grounds (optional for a unique flavor)

Steps:

1. Trim any excess fat from tri-tip, apply rub.
2. Preheat Traeger to 225°F and smoke tri-tip for about 2 hours or until internal temp reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
3. Let it rest before slicing across the grain.

Recipe 9: Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a simple but delicious side dish:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and herbs (such as basil or oregano)

Steps:

1. Preheat Traeger to high heat, around 450°F.
2. Toss zucchini with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Grill slices for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Recipe 10: Cherry Smoked Turkey Breast

To end on a high note, here’s how to smoke a turkey breast:

• 1 turkey breast (5-7 lbs)
• Poultry seasoning
• Cherry wood pellets for smoking

Steps:

1. Season the turkey breast with poultry seasoning.
2. Preheat Traeger to 225°F with cherry pellets.
3. Smoke turkey breast for about 4-5 hours or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
4. Let it rest before carving.

In wrapping up this culinary journey, these 10 Traeger recipes offer a range of flavors and techniques for the BBQ enthusiast. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or just enjoying a quiet cookout, these recipes provide an opportunity to explore the nuances of wood-fired cooking. From the smoky richness of a beef brisket to the delicate balance of flavors in grilled shrimp, each dish brings something unique to the table. Remember, the secret to great BBQ lies not just in the recipe but in the patience and passion for the process. Enjoy the adventure, experiment with different woods and seasonings, and most importantly, savor the delicious results.