Australia Day is all about gathering with friends, firing up the BBQ, and celebrating the best of Aussie culture.
This year, why not create an impressive meat platter that offers all kinds of Aussie favourites?
From juicy lamb chops to sizzling sausages, a well-curated meat platter offers something for everyone. It’s easy to prepare, shareable, and guarantees a crowd-pleasing spread that showcases the flavours we love most. Here’s how to put together the ultimate platter for your Australia Day celebrations.
Why a meat platter is perfect for an Australia Day BBQ
A meat platter is the ultimate way to celebrate because it offers:
- Variety: With different meats to choose from, there’s something to satisfy every guest.
- Easy sharing: A meat platter encourages grazing, making it perfect for relaxed outdoor settings. Guests can serve themselves, enjoying exactly what they prefer.
- Convenience: Preparing a platter is simple. You can BBQ everything at once and arrange it for an impressive yet low-effort centrepiece.
Easy BBQ meat ideas for your Australia Day platter
Lamb chops: the hero of the day
Lamb chops hold a special place in Aussie hearts, especially on Australia Day. Their rich, juicy flavour is perfect for BBQing, and they’re incredibly versatile. Keep it simple with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
Sausages: a true-blue BBQ staple
Sausages are a true classic, bringing tradition and simplicity to your Australia Day BBQ. Whether you prefer beef, pork, or gourmet flavours like herb and garlic, they’re affordable, easy to cook, and loved by all ages. Make sure you’ve got plenty of tomato sauce, mustard, and caramelised onions on hand too. It’s not a proper snag without them!
Beef steaks: hearty and satisfying
Steaks are always a winner. Porterhouse, ribeye, or sirloin are all great picks, and they’re easy to cook to everyone’s preference.
Chicken wings and skewers: easy to prep
Chicken wings and skewers are a BBQ favourite because they’re perfect for sharing and easy to prep. Marinate them in a sweet chilli sauce or go for classic lemon and herb seasoning. They cook quickly, so you’ll always have something ready for hungry guests, and they’re a hit with kids, too.
Pork ribs: fall-off-the-bone perfection
Pork ribs are a BBQ favourite for their smoky, tender texture and rich, sticky flavour. Marinate them overnight in a sweet and tangy sauce, then cook them low and slow for that fall-off-the-bone perfection. Things might get a little messy, but that’s all part of the fun!
How to create your Australia Day meat platter
Prepare your meats like a pro
Preparation is key to making your platter a standout.
- Marinate your lamb chops overnight with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and rosemary to enhance their natural flavour.
- For sausages, no prep is needed; just throw them on the BBQ and let it do the work for you.
- Season steak with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- Slow-cook pork ribs beforehand and finish them off on the BBQ with a generous coating of smoky BBQ sauce.
Add the perfect accompaniments
No platter is complete without a few extras to round it out. Fresh bread rolls or sliced bread are essential for sausages, while a simple salad or coleslaw is the perfect side to the other meats.
Don’t forget the condiments, too. Tomato sauce, mustard, and BBQ sauce are a must, while a tangy mint sauce can really bring out the flavour of lamb. Grilled vegetables including corn on the cob make great sides that pair well with your meat selection.
Prep what you can ahead of time for a stress-free day
The more you can prepare ahead of time, the more time you’ll have to relax and enjoy the day. Marinate your meats the night before, set up your BBQ tools, and ensure your condiments and sides are ready to go. If you’re using pork ribs, consider slow-cooking them earlier in the day and finishing them off on the BBQ when guests arrive.
Keep it simple!
Australia Day is all about fun and relaxation, so don’t overcomplicate your cooking. Stick to simple, flavourful marinades and seasonings that let the quality of your meat shine.
Keep it simple, and you’ll have a steady rotation of crowd-pleasers coming off the BBQ in no time.
Rely on the expertise of your local butchers
Like any other long weekend, Australia Day is a busy time for butchers, so don’t leave your meat shopping until the last minute. Your local butcher can help you select the perfect mix of meats to suit your gathering, offering tips and tricks for the perfect cook.
Celebrate Australia Day with the perfect meat spread
Australia Day is all about coming together to enjoy good food, great company, and the best of Aussie traditions. A meat platter filled with crowd favourites ensures your BBQ will be a hit with guests of all ages.
Plan ahead, choose a variety of quality meats, and keep the prep simple for a hassle-free celebration.
Visit Australian Butchers Store to stock up on premium, locally sourced meats and get expert advice to perfect your platter. With four stores across Melbourne and metro Melbourne delivery, we make it easy to get everything you need this Australia Day!