For Tomathan McGinnis, SAG-E actor, model, professional chef, and owner of Kitchen Bonez catering, the secrets to stellar grilling lie in patience and preparation. "Don't rush – preheat the grill fully and let meats rest before grilling to lock in juices," he advises. Proper food safety practices like separating raw items and using a thermometer are also key.
Tomathan's grilling recipes showcase the vibrant flavors of his Texas farm upbringing under the guidance of his great-grandmother Josie and grandmother Joyce. "Growing up, we were rich in land and food – it sparked my love of fresh, seasonal 'farm-to-table' cooking," he explains. The salad, grilled vegetable, and smoked meat dishes allow the natural tastes of just-picked produce and wood-fired proteins to shine.
A beloved accent like dill evokes nostalgia too. "I'd bury my nose in my great-grandmother's herb garden as a kid," Tomathan fondly recalls. "Dill was always my favorite aroma." By enhancing simple, high-quality ingredients through masterful yet unfussy techniques, Tomathan transports guests to his family's idyllic country kitchen. His deep appreciation for wholesome, handcrafted cuisine ensures these grilling recipes deliver pure, soul-satisfying flavor.
Wood-Grilled Tiger Prawns
Ingredients:
- 12 Tiger prawns
- 1 shallot or small red onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp. Sisi Lola's Creole seasoning (no MSG)
- 1 tsp. chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp. avocado oil
- 1 tbsp. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 lemon, juice & zest
- 2 tbsp. pineapple juice
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Dill Butter Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
- 60g butter
- 2 tbsp. dill, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Cut prawns in the middle and clean. You can cut off the head or leave it. Arrange them in a large shallow dish.
2. Finely chop shallots and garlic, whisk in a bowl with the other ingredients. Add the cleaned prawns, mix until well coated. Cover the dish and marinate in the fridge for 1-3 hours or overnight.
3. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling. Grill for 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Dill Garlic Butter sauce:
- Heat butter in a small saucepan on the grill.
- Add dill, chopped garlic, and lemon juice. Lather the prawns with the sauce.
- Serve and enjoy.
Greek Grilled "Dilly" Dill Couscous Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pearl couscous
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 3 English cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup toasted chickpeas, drained and patted dry
- 3 ears corn, grilled
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 1 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp chopped mint
"Dilly" Salad Dressing:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice and zest of 3 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Sisi Lola's Greek seasoning (no MSG)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine couscous and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes until the broth has evaporated. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl to cool to room temperature. Fluff to separate the grains.
2. To the cooled couscous, add diced cucumbers, red onions, olives, toasted chickpeas, grilled corn cut from the cob, mint, and feta cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, dill, and Sisi Lola's Greek seasoning until well combined to make the "Dilly" salad dressing.
4. Pour the desired amount of dressing over the couscous salad and toss until well combined.
5. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Tomathan's grilling recipes showcase the vibrant flavors and simple techniques from his upbringing on a Texas farm. Under the guidance of his great-grandmother Josie and grandmother Joyce, he learned to let fresh, seasonal ingredients shine by enhancing them with masterful yet unfussy methods. Accents like dill evoke nostalgia for his great-grandmother's herb garden. By highlighting high-quality, wholesome ingredients through careful preparation, Tomathan crafts dishes that deliver pure, satisfying flavor. The wood-grilled prawns and dill-infused couscous salad are perfect for savoring the tastes of his family's idyllic country kitchen at Father's Day or summer gatherings.
Tomathan McGinnis
@kitchen_bonez
https://tomathan.xyz