An Aussie tradition
Barbeque (BBQ) culture is a tradition Down Under, made all the better by the availability of premium quality Australian beef and lamb. Warm summer evenings in particular lend themselves to dining al fresco.
A true Australian BBQ or “barbie” experience is unique, and Aussies love them. Grilling outdoors is a great way to share the experience with family and friends. Cooking over flames makes everything taste better, you just need to make sure you don’t get distracted socialising and burn the lamb chops!
How to grill to perfection
So, what’s the best way to cook Australian meat over flames? Preparation is crucial. Make sure to get BBQ coals hot and then let them cool a bit before starting on the meat, so it doesn’t cook too quickly. You can use some oil to lubricate the grill before you put the meat on, and spice with simple condiments like garlic, chilli, herbs and olive oil.
It’s also important to choose a great piece of meat. “A cut like Scotch fillet or ribeye is great because it has a cap of fat that goes around the top of the steak that breaks down to add great flavour and texture,” says MLA Corporate Chef, Sam Burke. “You want to buy a nice thick cut – three to four centimetres thick. If the meat is too thin, the steak will cook too quickly and you won’t get the degree of doneness that you want.”
When cooking the steak, put it straight onto the centre of the BBQ and turn it horizontally, cooking for approximately three to four minutes on each side. If you like you can use a meat thermometer to get the exact doneness you want. For medium rare meat, you’ll want to remove the meat when it’s reached a temperature of 60-62°C. After cooking it is crucial to rest steaks. Resting allows the juices to redistribute from the centre to the ends, which makes it that much tastier.
Coming together over good food
The Aussie barbie is an essential part of Australian culture – central to leisure time and a nice way to unwind with friends and family over good food.
Join us and throw some Aussie beef and lamb on the barbie this summer!
Watch MLA Corporate Chef Sam Burke demonstrate how to cook the perfect Aussie steak:
Article Date: 24th June 2020