Best Meats for BBQ: A Guide to Aussie Backyard Perfection

There’s nothing quite like a Summer BBQ — family in the yard, tongs in hand, and the smell of sizzling meat wafting through the air. Whether it’s Australia Day, a Sunday sesh, or the school holidays, having the right cuts of meat makes all the difference between a good barbie and a legendary one.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best meats for BBQ, cooking tips, and handy hacks so you can fire up the grill with confidence.

Why the Right Cut of Meat Matters

Some cuts thrive under high heat; others need patience and a Low and Slow BBQ approach to soften connective tissue and develop deep, beefy flavour. Knowing the difference helps you avoid chewing through your dinner like it’s shoe leather.

1. Wagyu & Scotch Fillet – Luxe on the Grill

Start with the showstoppers: Wagyu, scotch fillet, and eye fillet. With stunning marbling and tenderness, these cuts are best cooked hot and fast.

Cook it right: Use a meat thermometer to hit that perfect internal temperature (54–57°C for medium-rare) without guesswork.

Wagyu Rib Fillet

2. Pork Ribs – Sticky, Smoky BBQ Gold

Whether you're smoking or grilling, pork ribs are a true crowd-pleaser. Slather them with Worcestershire sauce-based glaze or your favourite BBQ rub for flavour-packed results.

Cook low & slow: Great for a Low and Slow BBQ, where time + smoke = tender magic.

Cooked Pork Ribs

3. Rump Steak – Big Flavour, Great Value

Rump steak is lean, packed with beefy flavour, and ideal for those feeding a crowd without blowing the budget. Best cooked medium-rare and sliced against the grain.

Pair with: Chimichurri and a cold brew.

Cooked Rump Steak

4. Lamb Chops & Cutlets – Quick and Iconic

Few things are more Aussie than a tray of lamb chops sizzling on the BBQ. Add rosemary and garlic for a hit of flavour that does justice to our top-quality Australian farms.

Cook tip: Medium-rare (around 60–63°C) is where the magic happens.

Cooked Lamb Chops

5. Chicken Thighs & Wings – The Family MVPs

Need something everyone loves? Chicken wings and thighs are juicy, versatile, and made for marinades. Load them up with herbs and spices, grill till golden, and watch them vanish.

Top trick: Pat the skin dry for extra crispiness.

Cooked Chicken Wings

6. Beef Brisket & Short Ribs – Low and Slow Legends

The kings of Low and Slow BBQ, brisket and beef short ribs thrive with long, slow cooking. Their connective tissue breaks down into melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Fuel up: Use lumpwood charcoal for authentic smoky flavour.

Cooked Brisket

7. Pork Shoulder – Pulled Pork Perfection

After something hearty and rich? Pork shoulder is your go-to. It needs time to become tender but rewards you with juicy, flavour-packed pulled pork.

Serving idea: Toss in a tangy Worcestershire sauce mix and pile onto fresh rolls.

Cooked Pork Shoulder

8. Pork Chops – Quick, Juicy, and Underrated

Pork chops are BBQ underdogs — easy, affordable, and full of flavour when cooked right. Go bone-in for that little extra juiciness.

Don’t overdo it: Use your meat thermometer and pull them at 63°C.

Cooked Pork Chop

9. Skirt Steak – Bold and Budget-Friendly

Want flavour that punches above its price tag? Skirt steak delivers. Cook it hot and fast, then rest and slice thin.

Great with: Zesty marinades and a side of potato salad.

Cooked Skirt Steak

10. Minute Steaks – Weeknight Heroes

For those times you just need to feed the fam quickly, minute steaks get the job done. Grill ‘em fast and toss onto sandwiches, wraps, or fresh salads.

Pro tip: Resting for a few minutes makes all the difference.

BBQ Tips to Cook Like a Pro

1. Bring Meat to Room Temp

Helps with even cooking and better searing.

2. Always Use a Meat Thermometer

No more guesswork — just juicy results.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill

Let each piece breathe to avoid steaming.

4. Rest the Meat

Keeps those delicious juices inside, where they belong.

Perfect BBQ Pairings

You’ve nailed the meat — now what?

  • Creamy potato salad

  • Grilled corn with herbed butter

  • Zesty slaw

  • Charred peppers and zucchini

Keep it fresh, simple, and let the meat be the hero.

Where to Buy the Best BBQ Meat

When you're chasing quality, convenience, and value, meat delivery from Super Butcher has you sorted. With premium cuts sourced from Australian farms, it's your one-stop shop for everything from Wagyu to pork shoulder — no need to leave the house.

Need it now? Order online and get it delivered fresh to your door, just in time for the weekend BBQ.

Conclusion: Master the BBQ Like a Legend

With the right cuts — from rump steak to pork ribs — and a few tools like a meat thermometer, your BBQ skills can go from average to epic. Whether it’s a quick midweek cook-up or a full-blown Low and Slow BBQ, there’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up juicy, smoky meat cooked to perfection.

Now all that’s left? Light up that grill (preferably with lumpwood charcoal), invite your mates, and let the feast begin.

BBQ With Friends

FAQs

1. What’s the easiest cut for BBQ beginners?
Start with chicken wings or pork chops — they’re quick, forgiving, and packed with flavour.

2. What’s the difference between scotch fillet and rump steak?
Scotch fillet has more marbling and tenderness, while rump steak is leaner with a stronger beefy flavour.

3. Do I really need a meat thermometer?
Yes! A meat thermometer ensures your meat hits the perfect internal temperature every time — no more dry steaks.

4. What’s the best way to cook pork shoulder?
Low and slow. It breaks down beautifully over time and is perfect for pulled pork sliders.

5. Can I get good meat delivered?
Absolutely. Super Butcher’s meat delivery service brings premium, Aussie-sourced cuts straight to your door.

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