In Australia, a BBQ is more than just cooking outdoors — it is how we bring people together. Whether it’s a relaxed weekend cook-up, a family celebration, or entertaining mates, the quality of the meat you put on the grill makes all the difference to the end result.

While marinades, sauces and technique all play a role, nothing impacts flavour and tenderness quite like choosing the right cuts in the first place. Fresh, properly prepared butcher meat not only cooks better on the BBQ, it delivers stronger flavour, better texture and more consistent results than mass-produced supermarket options.

At University Meat, we prepare BBQ-ready cuts daily, selecting meats that are well suited to high heat, open flames and crowd-pleasing flavours. From premium beef steaks and lamb cutlets to quality sausages and versatile chicken, the right selection allows you to cater for different tastes without overcomplicating the cook.

This guide breaks down the best meats for an Australian BBQ, how to choose the right cuts for your grill, and how much meat you actually need when entertaining. Whether you are planning a small backyard BBQ or catering for a larger group, this butcher-approved approach will help you BBQ with confidence — and order exactly what you need.

Best Meats for an Australian BBQ

Choosing the right meat is the foundation of a successful BBQ. Some cuts are better suited to high heat and fast cooking, while others benefit from slower grilling or indirect heat. A well-balanced BBQ usually includes a mix of premium cuts, crowd favourites, and versatile options to suit different tastes.

Beef Steaks

Beef remains the centrepiece of most Australian BBQs. Cuts with good marbling handle direct heat well and deliver strong flavour.

• Scotch fillet – Rich, juicy and forgiving on the grill, making it ideal for BBQs.
• Porterhouse – Leaner than scotch fillet with a bold beef flavour.
• Ribeye – Well-marbled with excellent flavour and tenderness.
  
  

These cuts are best cooked quickly over high heat and rested before serving to lock in juices.

 

 

See Our Beef Products

 

Lamb

Lamb is a BBQ staple in Australia, offering robust flavour and quick cooking times.

• Lamb cutlets – Perfect for fast grilling and entertaining.
• Forequarter chops – More economical, with plenty of flavour for larger BBQs.
  
  

Lamb pairs particularly well with simple seasoning, allowing the natural flavour of the meat to shine.

 

 

See Our Lamb Products

 

Sausages

Quality sausages are essential for any BBQ and are often the most popular option with families and groups.

• Beef and pork sausages with natural casings cook evenly and retain moisture.
• Sausages are ideal for feeding larger groups without stretching the budget.
  
  

When sourced from a butcher, sausages contain a higher meat content and fewer fillers, resulting in better flavour and texture on the grill.

 

 

See Our Sausage Products

 

Chicken

Chicken offers a lighter option and works well alongside red meats.

• Chicken thighs – Juicier and more forgiving than breast on the BBQ.
• Wings and drumsticks – Ideal for casual BBQs and sharing platters.
  
  

Chicken benefits from medium heat and careful turning to ensure even cooking without drying out.

 

See Our Chicken Products

 

 

 

A Balanced BBQ Selection

For most BBQs, a combination of steaks, sausages and chicken provides variety while keeping cooking simple. Adding lamb cutlets or chops elevates the offering and gives guests more choice without complicating preparation.

This approach ensures your BBQ caters to different preferences while maximising flavour, value and ease of cooking.

Best BBQ Cuts Compared: Which One Should You Choose?

With so many BBQ-friendly cuts available, choosing the right meat can feel overwhelming. The key is understanding how each cut performs on the grill and what it is best suited for. Some cuts shine over high heat, while others are better for slower cooking or feeding larger groups.

Below is a quick comparison of some of the most popular BBQ cuts used by Australian butchers.

BBQ Cut Comparison Guide

Scotch Fillet

• Best for: High-heat grilling
• Flavour & texture: Rich, juicy, well-marbled
• Ideal when: You want a premium BBQ steak that is forgiving on the grill
  
  

Porterhouse

• Best for: Direct heat
• Flavour & texture: Leaner with a strong beef flavour
• Ideal when: You prefer a classic steak with less fat
  
  

Ribeye

• Best for: Hot, fast grilling
  Flavour & texture: Highly marbled and full flavoured
• Ideal when: Flavour is the top priority
  
  

Lamb Cutlets

• Best for: Quick grilling
• Flavour & texture: Tender with a bold, distinctive taste
• Ideal when: Entertaining and serving smaller, premium portions
  
  

Sausages

• Best for: Medium heat
• Flavour & texture: Juicy with a crisp casing
• Ideal when: Catering for larger groups or families
  
  

Chicken Thighs

• Best for: Medium heat or indirect grilling
• Flavour & texture: Moist and tender
• Ideal when: You want a versatile, crowd-friendly option
  
  

 

Choosing the Right Mix for Your BBQ

If you are cooking for a smaller group, premium steaks and lamb cutlets can form the centrepiece of the BBQ. For larger gatherings, combining sausages and chicken with a smaller selection of steaks offers better value while still delivering variety.

Selecting cuts that cook at similar temperatures also makes the BBQ easier to manage, reducing the risk of overcooking or drying out your meat.

How Much Meat Do You Need Per Person for a BBQ?

One of the most common BBQ questions is how much meat to buy. Ordering too little can leave guests hungry, while ordering too much often leads to unnecessary waste. The right amount depends on the number of people you are serving and the mix of meats on offer.

General BBQ Meat Guide

As a reliable starting point, allow 350–400 grams of meat per adult. For children, 200–250 grams is usually sufficient.

This amount works well when you are serving a mix of meats such as steaks, sausages and chicken, along with salads and sides.

 

Meat Quantities by Group Size

BBQ for 4–6 people

• 1.2–1.5 kg total meat
• A combination of steaks, sausages and chicken
  
  

BBQ for 8–10 people

• 3–4 kg total meat
• Include sausages and chicken to balance cost and variety
  
  

BBQ for 15–20 people

• 6–8 kg total meat
• A mix of sausages, chicken and selected premium cuts
  
  

 

Mixed BBQ vs Single Protein

• Mixed BBQs allow smaller portions of each meat and suit most gatherings.
• Single-protein BBQs (for example, steak-only) require larger portions per person and a higher overall meat volume.
  
  

If you are catering for a larger group, combining sausages and chicken with a smaller selection of premium cuts is usually the most cost-effective approach.

Entertaining Made Easy

For many hosts, BBQ packs remove the guesswork by providing a balanced selection sized for entertaining. They are particularly useful when feeding larger groups or planning ahead for weekends and events.

By ordering the right quantity from the outset, you can focus on cooking and enjoying the BBQ rather than worrying about running out of food.

 

 

BBQ Packs vs Choosing Individual Cuts: What’s Better for Entertaining?

When planning a BBQ, one of the key decisions is whether to choose individual cuts or opt for a pre-selected BBQ pack. Both options have their place, depending on the size of your gathering and how much time you want to spend planning.

Choosing Individual Cuts

Selecting individual cuts gives you complete control over what goes on the grill. This option works well when:

• You are cooking for a smaller group
• You know exactly what your guests prefer
• You want to feature specific premium cuts
  
  

Individual cuts are ideal for more tailored BBQs but require a bit more planning to ensure you have enough variety and volume.

 

BBQ Packs

BBQ packs are designed to make entertaining easier. They typically include a balanced mix of steaks, sausages and chicken, sized to feed a set number of people.

BBQ packs are a strong choice when:

• Catering for larger groups
• Entertaining on short notice
• Looking for better overall value
  
  

Because the selection is balanced, BBQ packs reduce the risk of overbuying one item while running short on another.

 

Which Option Is Right for You?

For smaller, more personalised BBQs, choosing individual cuts allows you to customise the menu. For larger gatherings or regular entertaining, BBQ packs offer convenience, value and peace of mind.

Many hosts choose a hybrid approach — starting with a BBQ pack and adding a few premium cuts to elevate the spread without increasing complexity.

See our BBQ Boxes

Butcher Tips for BBQ Success

Even the best cuts of meat can fall short if they are not handled properly on the BBQ. A few simple techniques can make a noticeable difference to flavour, tenderness and overall results.

Bring Meat to Room Temperature

Taking meat out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly. Cold meat placed directly on the BBQ is more likely to overcook on the outside before reaching the right temperature inside.

 

Keep Seasoning Simple

Quality butcher meat does not need heavy marinades. A light seasoning of salt and pepper before grilling allows the natural flavour of the meat to come through, particularly with premium beef and lamb cuts.

 

Use the Right Heat

• High heat is best for steaks and lamb cutlets to create a good sear.
• Medium heat suits sausages and chicken, allowing them to cook through without burning.
  
  

Managing heat zones on the BBQ gives you more control and reduces the risk of overcooking.

Avoid Constant Turning

Turning meat too often prevents proper browning. Allow steaks and chops to develop colour before flipping, and only turn when needed.

Rest Meat Before Serving

Resting meat for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bite. This step is especially important for steaks and lamb.

Quality In, Quality Out

Good BBQ results start well before the grill is turned on. Choosing fresh, well-prepared meat from a butcher ensures better consistency, flavour and performance on the BBQ.

BBQ Like a Local Butcher

A great BBQ is not about overcomplicating the process. It starts with choosing the right meat, understanding how it performs on the grill, and ordering the right quantity for the people you are entertaining. When those basics are covered, everything else becomes easier.

By selecting BBQ-ready cuts from a local butcher, you gain better flavour, more consistent results and the confidence that your meat has been prepared with grilling in mind. Whether you prefer premium steaks, crowd-pleasing sausages or a balanced BBQ pack, quality meat makes the difference on the day.

At University Meat, we prepare fresh BBQ cuts daily and offer online ordering for easy entertaining across Melbourne. With the right selection and a few simple techniques, you can BBQ with confidence and focus on enjoying the time with your guests.

 

 

BBQ & Entertaining FAQs

What is the best meat for an Australian BBQ?

The best meats for an Australian BBQ include well-marbled beef steaks such as scotch fillet and ribeye, lamb cutlets, quality sausages, and chicken thighs. These cuts handle BBQ heat well and deliver strong flavour and tenderness.

 

How much meat do you need per person for a BBQ?

As a general guide, allow 350–400 grams of meat per adult and 200–250 grams per child. If you are serving a variety of meats with salads and sides, this amount is usually sufficient.

 

Are BBQ packs good value?

Yes. BBQ packs are typically better value than buying individual cuts, especially when catering for larger groups. They provide a balanced mix of meats and remove the guesswork when planning quantities.

 

What are the best sausages for BBQs?

The best sausages for BBQs are those made with a high meat content and natural casings. These cook evenly, retain moisture and develop better flavour and texture on the grill.

 

Can I order BBQ meat online in Melbourne?

Yes. Many Melbourne butchers offer online ordering with chilled delivery, allowing you to buy BBQ-quality meat online and have it delivered fresh and ready to cook.

 

What meat is easiest to cook on a BBQ?

Sausages, chicken thighs and well-marbled steaks like scotch fillet are among the easiest meats to cook on a BBQ. They are more forgiving and less likely to dry out if slightly overcooked.

 

Is butcher meat better for BBQs than supermarket meat?

Butcher meat is generally fresher, cut specifically for cooking methods like BBQs, and contains fewer additives. This results in better flavour, texture and more consistent cooking results.

 

How far in advance should I buy BBQ meat?

BBQ meat can be purchased one to two days in advance if stored correctly in the fridge. If buying in bulk or planning ahead, many cuts can also be safely frozen until needed.

 

 

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