BBQ World Tour #9 – In 2021, Kokko continues its “BBQ World Tour” to explore the history of grilling, smoking, and roasting across different cuisines. For this ninth stop, grab your surfboard and your cooler—we’re heading to the land of kangaroos: Australia. Put on your gloves, fire up the charcoal, and set up the grates: let’s get started!
Australia and the Barbecue Culture
In Australia, barbecue—or rather the Barbie as it’s affectionately called—is everywhere, absolutely everywhere. The BBQ is a true national sport, a moment of sharing and togetherness, an institution; in short, it’s an essential part of Australian culture. You’ll rarely see a garden or balcony without a barbecue, and BBQ parties often take place outdoors in public spaces as well.
Unlike the Scandinavian Kota grill, in Australia people gather all year round in parks and gardens to prepare and enjoy a barbecue. Many public spaces, whether in the city or by the sea, are equipped with barbecues, most often electric or gas due to the fire risks associated with traditional charcoal barbecues. Once the meal is over, it’s time to clean up. Australians are very particular about respecting these shared spaces, always leaving them as spotless as they found them. Their secret for cleaning the grill plate? Pouring beer on it while it’s still hot!
At Kokko, we have other solutions for maintaining your kamado: Stainless steel brush and stainless steel grill cleaner spray, magic cleaning cubes, protective cover, and more... That way, you can keep your barbecue spotless and enjoy your beer ice-cold! ;)
What’s Cooking on the Barbie?
Australian cuisine is rich, diverse, and influenced by flavors from around the world. While Australians have a soft spot for meat and seafood, on the Barbie, anything goes! Here’s a look at the most popular foods cooked on the barbecue in Australia.
Steaks… of Kangaroo or Emu!
In Australian culinary tradition, wild and iconic local animals play a major role in the kitchen—and on the barbecue. While the kangaroo is Australia’s national symbol, it’s not just found on postcards or tourist souvenirs. You’ll also find it on the plate, most often sliced into steaks and marinated in your sauce of choice. And yes, in Australia, it’s unthinkable to grill meat without a sauce to go with it. And when it comes to sauces, the options are endless—there are nearly a hundred available in stores! Another must-try meat on the Barbie is emu. This bird, which can reach up to 2 meters tall, closely resembles an ostrich. Its deep red meat is a real delicacy in Australia, especially at BBQ parties.
It’s worth noting that meat is often smoked to give it an authentic flavor. Discover our guide to smoking with Kokko
Sausages—Beef, Chicken, or Crocodile
In Australia, the variety of sausages available at the butcher or supermarket is impressive, and their flavors are surprising. Among the country’s specialties, you’ll find beef sausages with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken sausages with ginger, honey, lime, chili, or even cheese! Of course, kangaroo is also enjoyed in sausage form, as is crocodile! This white, slightly fibrous meat is a typical Australian dish, often featured on the menu.
Generally, sausages, meat, and seafood are served with vegetable patties, which are also cooked on the barbecue.
BBQ Toasties
A favorite among children, sliced bread toasties are a staple at Australian barbecues. The recipe is a bit special: cut a circle in the center of the slice, butter it, place it on the barbecue grill, then crack an egg into the hole. After grilling one side, flip it to toast the other, and enjoy it while it’s still hot!
When sharing a barbecue, guests are in charge of bringing the drinks. Most often, the Barbie is paired with beer or delicious Australian wines.
Australians are truly passionate about barbecue and just like in South Africa, they love to celebrate their national holiday (Australia Day, January 26th) by gathering with family and friends around the Barbie.
