May’s Best Bites: Grilling Season, Taco Cravings, and Burger Month Musts

The grills are heating up, long weekends are on the horizon, and everything just tastes better outdoors. After years of developing seasonal recipe collections and testing grilling techniques, I’ve curated these must-make May recipes to help you go from Cinco de Mayo celebrations to Memorial Day cookouts with big, bold, exceptional flavor.

Cheesy Tacos for Cinco De Mayo

Close-up of two beef tacos topped with onions and cilantro, next to a cup of orange sauce and a folded tortilla. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Juicy, cheesy, and dunked in rich consommé, this taco is a total hit. Don’t be surprised if these end up being your go-to long past Cinco de Mayo.
Get the Recipe → Quesabirria Tacos

National Burger Month Must-Have

A cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, and onions on a bun, served with onion rings and a side of ketchup. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

When bacon and garlic butter show up to the party, you know it’s going to be good. This burger is big, bold, and worth every bite.
Get the Recipe → Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger

Quick and Easy Steak Dinner

Sliced medium-rare steak garnished with herbs on a wooden surface, with a bowl of sauce partially visible. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

A budget-friendly cut that tastes like you spent way more. Pan-seared to juicy perfection with a rich crust and big beef flavor, no grill required.
Get the Recipe → Ranch Steak

The Condiment You’ll Use All Month Long

A gold fork rests in a white bowl filled with a creamy, light orange sauce on a gray surface. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Add this to burgers, tacos, sandwiches, or roasted veggies. We’ve used it three times already this week.
Get the Recipe → Chipotle Aioli

Spring Grilling Staple: Chicken

Whole chicken seasoned and placed upright in a red speckled roasting pan on a grill. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Moist, crispy-skinned, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this is the insta-worthy chicken recipe to master for spring.
Get the Recipe → Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Next Level Pork Tenderloin

Slices of bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin are arranged on a dark slate board with roasted onions and herbs, next to a green cloth napkin on a wooden surface. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Because wrapping pork in bacon is always the right move. Smoky, juicy, and easy enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe → Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Memorial Day Kickoff: The Ultimate Marinade

Sliced grilled steak on a black tray, garnished with herbs and lime slices. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This quick marinade is your ticket to tender, flavor-packed grilled steak. Great for tacos, salads, or straight-up slicing and serving with cold beer.
Get the Recipe → Flank Steak Marinade

Perfect Mother’s Day App

Grilled shrimp on lettuce leaves, garnished with lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, and herbs. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Spicy, boozy, and brunch-approved; this twist on the classic shrimp cocktail is perfect for a laid-back celebration that still feels special.
Get the Recipe → Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Get the Grill Ready for Spring

A large, grilled T-bone steak with char marks sits on a metal grill. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Haven’t touched your grill since last fall? Here’s the checklist you need to get it back in shape and ready for the season.
Get the Guide → Spring Grill Prep Guide

Pro Tip for May Cooking

Lamb chops and sliced vegetables, including eggplant and red onion, are grilling over an open flame on a barbecue. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This is the month to refine your indirect heat game. Whether you’re smoking a chicken or reverse-searing steaks, managing temperature zones gives you way more control and way better results. For more seasonal recipes and expert grilling techniques, visit our complete archives with over 700 tested recipes and helpful guides.
Get the Guide → Learn how to set up a two-zone fire

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