There’s nothing quite like an Australian BBQ—an outdoor gathering with a laid-back atmosphere – filling the neighbourhood with the unmistakable aroma of a BBQ while food sizzles on the grill. While the classics like snags (sausages), lamb cutlets, and fresh seafood hit the hot plate (griddle), an Aussie BBQ is more than just meat. It’s about the perfect side of salads that bring every BBQ to life. And, of course, no BBQ is complete without an ice-cold beer or a bold Aussie wine. Discover the unique Australian BBQ in this article to bring a hint of Aussie to your next backyard BBQ!
Australian BBQ Classic Meat Selection
Rump Steak, Lamb Cutlets, Sausages, Burgers:
An Aussie BBQ isn’t complete without a sizzling selection of classic meats that cater to every taste. Rump steak is a favourite for its bold flavour and juicy texture, while lamb cutlets or lamb loin chops can be picked up easily and enjoyed straight off the grill. No BBQ is truly Australian without snags (sausages)—whether traditional beef, pork, or something gourmet like kangaroo or wallaby. Burgers are another staple, often made from seasoned beef or lamb and stacked with fresh salad toppings in a bread roll.
Chicken Skewers, Bacon:
Marinated chicken skewers are a popular addition to the hot-plate, while crispy bacon strips sometimes make a surprise appearance on the grill. Whether a backyard gathering or a beachside cook-up, this classic BBQ lineup delivers the ultimate Aussie feast.
Gourmet Australian BBQ Meat Selection
Green Prawns, Barramundi:
For seafood lovers, green (raw) prawns (shrimp) are a must—grilled quickly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Barramundi fillet steaks (white flaky fish) offer a point of difference, especially when grilled over an open flame, taking on a delicate smoky flavour.
Kangaroo, Crocodile and Venison:
Another authentic Aussie BBQ includes kangaroo, crocodile, and venison, which offer unique alternatives to traditional meats. Kangaroo is a lean, high-protein option best cooked quickly over high heat to keep it tender and juicy—often marinated with garlic, rosemary, or native Australian spices like lemon myrtle.
Crocodile, on the other hand, has a mild, slightly sweet taste with a texture between chicken and fish, making it ideal for grilling or skewering with fresh herbs and citrus. Venison boasts a deep, earthy richness and pairs well with bold marinades and slow smoking. All these meats are naturally lean and perfect for anyone wanting a healthier yet adventurous BBQ experience.
Note: In Australia, Kangaroo, Wallaby, Crocodile, and Venison meats can be purchased from specialty butchers and supermarkets in metropolitan areas.
The Ultimate Australian BBQ Sides: More Than Just Meat
While the meat and seafood may be the stars of the BBQ, grilled veggies are a great addition. Corn on the cob cooked over the flames offers a sweet, smoky crunch. Grilled capsicum (bell peppers) adds colour and natural sweetness. But perhaps the most iconic BBQ side is sliced onions. Toss them onto the hot plate and cook them until soft and slightly sticky—ideal for piling onto snags or burgers. These simple sides round out a BBQ, adding a fresh contrast to the BBQ meats.
Aussie BBQ Salad Sides and Sauces:
In addition, the Aussie BBQ is not complete without a spread of classic salads to bring a refreshing feast to the table. A creamy potato salad is a must-have, with tender potato chunks tossed in mayonnaise, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. A fresh coleslaw adds a crisp element with a mix of cabbage, carrots, and mayo-based dressing. Another standard favourite on the salad table is sliced beetroot, adding a vibrant and tasty addition.
Further, a simple garden salad, loaded with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens, provides a side that pairs with everything on the plate and can be packed into burgers! Of course, no Australian BBQ is truly Aussie without a selection of condiments and bead rolls. Tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, rich, tangy tomato relish, and a choice of freshly baked rolls are always on hand.
Top 3 Cooking Styles: Australian BBQ Methods & Gear
However, the hot plate (flat-top griddle) is the most popular BBQ cooking style. This type of BBQ is a standard item in most backyards and is also commonly spotted in public parklands, by the beach, or in popular National Parks.
#1 – Hot-Plate (Griddle):
The hot plate is versatile for cooking various foods, such as bacon and eggs, toasted sandwiches, meat, sausages, and onions.
#2 – Smokers and Pallet Smokers:
In recent years, American-style smokers have influenced Aussies, taking on the flavour-filled slow-cooking style for briskets, ribs, lamb, or pork shoulders.
#3 – Campfire Cooking:
For Aussies who love to cook over the open fire, campfire cooking is becoming popular in backyard fire pits or while camping. There is an increasing amount of campfire cooking equipment on the market supporting the campfire cooking movement. From camp ovens (Dutch Ovens) to camp braai (campfire grill), Australian-made and designed biji barbie (camping hot plate), and Darche fire pits (fire pit with grill). See Road Trips Australia Easy Camping Meal Ideas for more inspiration for Australian campfire cooking.
Drinks to Pair with an Australian BBQ
The classic Aussie BBQ does not go without a cold beer pulled from an esky (cooler) filled with ice. Classic beer styles include pale ale, premium lager, pacific ale, or a refreshing cider during summer. A dark ale is the perfect beer for the cooler winter weather.
Also, an Aussie wine perfectly complements an outdoor BBQ feast. Popular wine selection styles include fruity but dry Semillon Blanc; Prosecco is the go-to for a refreshing burst of bubbles. At the same time, the blended Cabinet Sauvignon is a must-have, well-rounded red for the table.
In addition, refreshing non-alcoholic selections include Bundaberg ginger beer, lemon lime and bitters, Coke or lemonade.
7 Tips Hosting the Perfect Aussie BBQ: Tips & Traditions
Because hosting an Australian BBQ is all about keeping things laid-back, fun, and full of great food. A true-blue Aussie cookout is a team effort, with guests often bringing salads, bread rolls, or dessert to share, making it a relaxed and social experience. Check out these seven tips for creating a fun Aussie-style feast!
1 – Prepare your backyard with a clean BBQ and prep the meat selection, including sausages and onions!
2 – Assign salads or dishes for guests to bring and share.
3 – Set up chairs and tables, or guests can BYO (bring their own) chair!
4 – Prepare the tomato sauce (ketchup) and BBQ sauce on the table.
5 – Have an esky (cooler) with ice ready to keep beers and drinks icy cool.
6 – Set the background music featuring Aussie bands like INXS, Powderfinger, Angus and Julia Stone.
7—Prepare fun backyard games like “Pin the Tail on the Kangaroo,” “Aussie Quiz,” or “Organise a thong-throwing competition!”
Bringing the Aussie BBQ Experience Anywhere…
In summary, this Australian BBQ-inspired guide brings inspiration for a true-blue Australian BBQ that can be hosted from anywhere. Knowing the classic Australian meat and salad selection and the hot plate cooking techniques delivers a laid-back and fun Aussie BBQ for your next outdoor gathering!
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