Chef-Recommended BBQ Recipes: Australia’s Best Grilling Flavours

 Australia is known for its sun-kissed beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant outdoor culture, but nothing represents the Aussie lifestyle more than a good old-fashioned BBQ. From weekend family gatherings to holiday feasts and coastal camping trips, grilling is more than just cooking in Australia, it’s a tradition deeply woven into the culture. What makes Australian barbecue especially unique is its incredible blend of fresh local ingredients, multicultural influences, and bold, smoky flavours crafted by some of the nation’s most talented chefs.

In this guide, we dive deep into chef-recommended BBQ recipes featuring Australia’s best grilling flavours. Whether you’re a home cook looking to improve your BBQ game or a food enthusiast eager to explore authentic Australian cuisine, these recipes will help you grill like a pro. Inspired by top culinary experts like Chef Scott Biffin, these flavour-packed dishes celebrate Australian meat, seafood, spices, and outdoor cooking traditions.

Why Australian BBQ Is Special

Australian barbecue is more than sausages on the grill. It’s a celebration of:

✔ High-quality meats

Australia is renowned for its premium beef, lamb, and seafood. From grass-fed steaks to Barramundi and Moreton Bay bugs (a local shellfish delicacy), the quality of produce enhances every BBQ experience.

✔ Fresh herbs and native ingredients

Lemon myrtle, wattleseed, finger lime, and Tasmanian pepperberry add uniquely bold and aromatic flavours that elevate simple dishes into gourmet experiences.

✔ Multicultural influence

Greek, Italian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern flavours all blend beautifully into the modern Australian BBQ.

✔ Outdoor lifestyle

With endless sunshine and picturesque settings, Aussies love cooking outside, making BBQ culture deliciously creative and communal.

Chef-Recommended BBQ Tips for Perfect Grilling

Before you jump into the recipes, master these essential BBQ tips from top Australian chefs:

1. Preheat your grill properly

Always allow the grill to heat completely. This ensures even cooking and allows meats to sear beautifully.

2. Use high-quality oils and seasonings

Olive oil, avocado oil, and Aussie-made spice rubs add distinct flavour while preventing sticking.

3. Don’t overflip the meat

Letting your meat sit undisturbed creates perfect char marks and seals in juices.

4. Rest your meat after grilling

A few minutes of rest ensures tenderness and deeper flavour.

5. Incorporate native Australian spices

Adding a pinch of lemon myrtle, bush tomato, or pepperberry transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet creations.

Australia’s Best Chef-Recommended BBQ Recipes

Below are the top BBQ recipes that showcase Australia’s world-famous grilling flavours. These dishes are simple enough for home cooks but flavourful enough for any professional chef’s approval.

1. Aussie Classic: Lemon Myrtle BBQ Chicken

This recipe brings together the zesty aroma of lemon myrtle with juicy grilled chicken—a true Australian favourite.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken thighs

• 2 tsp lemon myrtle powder

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Mix lemon myrtle, garlic, honey, oil, lemon zest, and juice into a marinade.

2. Coat chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.

3. Grill over medium heat 6–8 minutes per side.

4. Serve with grilled veggies or a fresh salad.

Why Aussies Love It:
The citrus-like native lemon myrtle adds brightness without overpowering the chicken. It’s aromatic, refreshing, and pairs beautifully with outdoor summer BBQ days.

2. Grilled Barramundi With Garlic Lime Butter

Barramundi is a staple Australian fish known for its clean, buttery flavour, perfect for grilling.

Ingredients

• 4 Barramundi fillets

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice of 1 lime

• Parsley, chopped

• Salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Pat the fish dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Melt butter, garlic, and lime together.

3. Brush the mixture onto the fish.

4. Grill skin-side down until crispy (5–6 minutes).

5. Flip and grill for 2–3 minutes more.

6. Drizzle remaining garlic-lime butter before serving.

Why It’s Special:
Barramundi stays moist on the grill, and the smoky flavour elevates its natural richness.

3. Bush Tomato & Pepperberry Steak Rub: The True Aussie Steak

Australian beef is world-famous, and this native spice rub takes it to another level.

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye or porterhouse steaks

• 1 tsp ground bush tomato

• 1 tsp pepperberry

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp sea salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Mix spices and season both sides of the steak.

2. Let it rest for 20 minutes.

3. Grill on high heat for 3–5 minutes per side (depending on doneness).

4. Allow to rest before slicing.

The Aussie Twist:
Bush tomato adds sweet-savoury depth, while pepperberry brings a bold, peppery heat.

4. Prawn Skewers With Finger Lime Burst

This recipe showcases the fresh seafood Australia is famous for.

Ingredients

• 500g fresh prawns

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• Finger lime pearls

• Salt

Instructions

1. Combine oil, ginger, and sweet chilli sauce.

2. Coat prawns and thread onto skewers.

3. Grill 2–3 minutes per side.

4. Top with finger lime pearls for a citrusy pop.

Why It’s Popular:
Finger lime pearls “burst” like caviar and add natural zesty flavour.

5. BBQ Lamb Chops With Rosemary & Red Wine Glaze

Lamb is iconic in Australian cooking, and these chops are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 8 lamb chops

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 rosemary sprigs

• ¼ cup red wine

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Marinate lamb with oil, garlic, and rosemary.

2. Grill until medium-rare (3–4 minutes per side).

3. In a small pan, reduce red wine and honey into a glaze.

4. Brush the glaze over lamb before serving.

Chef Tip:
Let the lamb caramelise slightly for that perfect smoky sweetness.

6. Grilled Kangaroo With Native Bush Spices

A uniquely Australian delicacy, kangaroo meat is lean, high in protein, and delicious when grilled correctly.

Ingredients

• 500g kangaroo steak

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked salt

• ½ tsp wattleseed

• 1 tsp ground pepperleaf

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Rub spices and oil onto the kangaroo.

2. Grill on high heat for only 2–3 minutes per side (it should remain medium rare).

3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Flavour Note:
Kangaroo has a rich, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with native herbs.

7. BBQ Veggie Platter With Charred Corn & Pumpkin

Perfect for vegetarians and BBQ lovers alike.

Ingredients

• Corn on the cob

• Pumpkin slices

• Red capsicum

• Zucchini

• Olive oil

• Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Coat veggies with oil and seasoning.

2. Grill until charred and tender.

3. Serve with garlic yoghurt or hummus.

Why Add Veggies:
Aussie BBQ isn’t just about meat, grilled seasonal vegetables balance the meal and add colour to your plate.

8. The Ultimate Aussie BBQ Marinade (All-Rounder)

Perfect for chicken, beef, lamb, or veggies.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1 garlic clove

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp mustard

Mix everything, marinate for 30 minutes, and enjoy balanced sweet-smoky flavour in every bite.

BBQ Sides That Complete the Feast

✔ Aussie Potato Salad

Creamy, tangy, and topped with fresh herbs.

✔ Grilled Garlic Bread

A hit at every gathering.

✔ Beetroot & Feta Salad

Colourful, refreshing, and distinctly Australian.

✔ Coleslaw With Honey Mustard Dressing

Crisp, creamy, and perfect alongside BBQ meats.

Desserts on the Grill? Yes, Aussies Do That!

Caramelised Grilled Pineapple

Sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.

BBQ Banana Boats

Fill bananas with chocolate chips, wrap in foil, and grill.

Grilled Peach Melba

Serve with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce.

Expert Touch: Chef Scott Biffin’s Influence

Some of Australia’s best BBQ chefs, including culinary innovators like Chef Scott Biffin, have elevated grilling into an art form. Their techniques emphasise:

• using fresh local ingredients

• layering flavours simply but effectively

• mastering heat control

• pairing smoky grilled meats with bright sides and sauces

Inspired by chefs like Chef Scott Biffin, these recipes bring gourmet flair to everyday BBQ cooking while keeping the true Aussie spirit alive.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the True Australian BBQ Experience

Australian BBQ is bold, flavourful, colourful, and deeply rooted in nature and culture. From smoky steaks and zesty seafood to native spices and vibrant sides, each recipe tells a story of Australia’s diverse culinary identity. Whether you're hosting a backyard lunch, cooking by the beach, or enjoying a relaxed weekend, these chef-recommended BBQ recipes will help you experience Australia’s best grilling flavours like never before.

Fire up the grill, gather your favourite people, and let the aromas of fresh herbs, sizzling meat, and smoky goodness fill the air, because nothing brings Australians together quite like a delicious BBQ feast.