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This mixed grill platter brings restaurant-quality dining to your backyard gathering. Combining succulent meats with crispy fries creates that perfect sharing dish everyone gravitates toward. The simple seasonings let the natural flavors of each protein shine while bringing everything together harmoniously.
I first made this platter for an impromptu family gathering when I couldn't decide which meat to serve. Now it's our go-to celebration meal when everyone visits because there's something for each person's palate.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: adds lean protein and takes on marinades beautifully
- Beef steak: choose ribeye or strip for best flavor and tenderness
- Lamb chops: brings a distinctive richness nothing else can match
- Sausages: opt for high quality varieties with visible herbs or spices
- Olive oil: use extra virgin for better flavor penetration into the meats
- Garlic powder: provides consistent flavor without burning like fresh garlic
- Paprika: adds color and mild sweetness
- Salt and pepper: the foundation of all good meat preparations
- French fries: use russet potatoes for the crispiest exterior and fluffy interior
- Tzatziki: the cooling yogurt sauce balances the richness of the meats
- Fresh parsley: brightens the entire platter visually and flavor-wise
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Grill:
- Set your grill to medium-high heat around 400-425°F. Allow at least 10 minutes for proper preheating which ensures meats sear properly rather than sticking and steaming.
- Season the Meats:
- Drizzle olive oil over all proteins then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Work the seasonings in with your hands to ensure even distribution. Let meats sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to help them cook more evenly.
- Grill the Proteins:
- Start with chicken as it requires the longest cooking time, about 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Follow with steak cooking 4 minutes per side for medium rare or adjust for your preference. Add lamb chops and sausages when chicken is halfway done. Lamb chops need just 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare while sausages require about 8-10 minutes total with frequent turning.
- Prepare the Fries:
- While meats are grilling, prepare your fries. For frozen options, follow package directions but add an extra minute for maximum crispiness. For homemade, fry twice first at 325°F for 3 minutes then cool slightly before finishing at 375°F until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the Platter:
- Arrange meats in groups on a large serving platter with fries piled in the center. Let meats rest 5 minutes before serving to retain juices. Place tzatziki sauce in a small bowl on the platter and sprinkle everything with chopped parsley for color and freshness.
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This mixed grill concept originated from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants where multiple meat varieties showcase a chef's skill with different cooking techniques. I particularly love including lamb chops because their distinctive flavor reminds me of traveling through Greece where even the simplest tavernas served incredibly flavorful mixed grills.
Make-Ahead Options
You can season all meats up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This actually improves flavor as the seasonings have time to penetrate the proteins. Remove from refrigeration about 30 minutes before grilling to take the chill off for more even cooking. The tzatziki sauce actually improves when made a day ahead as flavors meld together beautifully.
Vegetarian Alternatives
Transform this into a partly or fully plant-based feast by substituting portobello mushroom caps, thick-cut eggplant slices, or halloumi cheese for any of the meats. Brush vegetables with the same seasoning mixture and grill until tender with nice char marks, typically 3-4 minutes per side. Plant-based sausages work surprisingly well on the grill too, just follow package directions for timing.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate this platter by adding a colorful Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomato, red onion and feta alongside. Warm pita bread makes a perfect vehicle for creating impromptu sandwiches with the meats and tzatziki. For a more formal presentation, add small bowls of different sauces beyond tzatziki like chimichurri, garlic aioli, or spicy harissa to create a build-your-own flavor adventure.
Best Drink Pairings
A mixed grill calls for versatile beverages. Cold beer particularly amber ales or lagers complements the savory meats without overwhelming them. For wine lovers, choose a medium-bodied red like Syrah or Grenache that stands up to the lamb while not overpowering the chicken. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or a tart homemade lemonade that cuts through the richness of the dish.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → What meats work best for a mixed grill platter?
While this platter features chicken breast, beef steak, lamb chops, and sausages, you can customize based on preference. Shrimp, pork chops, ribs, or even halloumi cheese for vegetarians work wonderfully. The key is selecting items with different flavors and textures that cook relatively quickly on the grill.
- → How can I ensure all meats are cooked properly when grilling together?
Stagger the cooking times based on each meat's requirements. Start with chicken (needs longest cooking time), followed by beef steaks, then lamb chops, and finally sausages. Use a meat thermometer for precision: chicken (165°F), beef (135°F for medium-rare), lamb (145°F for medium), and sausages (160°F).
- → What sides complement a mixed grill platter?
Beyond the crispy fries, consider adding a fresh Greek salad, grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, warm pita bread, or a tangy coleslaw. For sauces, offer tzatziki, chimichurri, or a spicy harissa alongside the garlic sauce for variety.
- → Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the meats up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor. You can also pre-cook the fries and rewarm them in the oven while the meats rest after grilling. Prepare the dipping sauces a day ahead and store refrigerated for flavors to develop.
- → How do I serve a mixed grill platter for a party?
For entertaining, arrange the platter buffet-style with meats in the center surrounded by fries and garnished with fresh herbs. Place dipping sauces in small bowls around the platter. Provide tongs for self-serving and consider small plates rather than full-sized dinner plates to encourage sampling.
- → What's the best way to season the meats for maximum flavor?
While the basic olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper work wonderfully, consider creating different flavor profiles for each meat. Try Greek-style herbs for lamb, smoky chipotle for steak, lemon-herb for chicken, and classic black pepper for sausages to create a journey of flavors on one platter.