Australia Day is almost here, and this year, it’s hanging out with Chinese New Year! What better way to celebrate than with a classic Aussie BBQ? BBQs bring everyone together, with all kinds of delicious cuisines blending into one big feast. Whether you’re throwing some snags on the grill in the backyard or on the balcony, it’s the perfect time to gather family and friends for a good time.
This year let’s add some Thai flair to your BBQ with a bold, 30-minute recipe! Perfect for busy days, it’s simple yet packed with flavour—think Thai-style skewers that are as easy as they are delicious. Whether you’re cooking outdoors or using an oven grill at home (perfect for apartments or if you don’t have a proper BBQ), this recipe works for both!
BBQ Made Easy with a Thai Twist!
To keep it easy, we’re using a seasoning mix and marinade that pack all the delicious Thai flavours straight into the meat. You can choose any protein or seafood you like—beef, lamb, pork, chicken, or prawns. I went with prawns, and they were absolutely mouthwatering!
What’s a BBQ without sides? Pair grilled pork and chicken skewers with sticky rice, zingy Jaew sauce, and a fresh, crunchy salad for a quick, flavour-packed meal.
For the Marinade:
500g pork (or beef, lamb, chicken, or prawns)
1 box of Thai-style BBQ seasoning (half for 500g of meat)
500g chicken wings
1 box of Southern-style turmeric marinade (half for 500g of wings)
For the Salad:
1/4 small head purple cabbage, shredded
1/4 small head green cabbage, shredded
1 small red onion, sliced
Less than 1 cup kale, chopped
1/4 cup corn kernels
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
2 tbsp Megachef seasoned fish sauce
1 small handful oak or cos lettuce (optional)
Short on time? Use a prepackaged mixed salad for convenience!
For the Nam Jim Jaew (Dipping Sauce):
2 tbsp toasted glutinous rice
1-2 tsp chilli flakes
2 tbsp Megachef seasoned fish sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
For Sticky Rice: (check link for instructions)
Marinate the Pork and Chicken Wings:
Start with 500g of pork and use half of the Thai-Street-style BBQ seasoning (the recommended ratio is 1 kg of meat to 1 box of seasoning). Marinate for at least 30 minutes, though for the best results, leave it for 2 hours or overnight to deepen those rich, bold flavours.
For chicken wings, use a Thai-Southern-style marinade (500g) and only half of the sauce for the right balance. When it comes to turmeric powder, I recommend starting with 2 teaspoons — a little goes a long way! If you’re a big fan of turmeric, feel free to add more to suit your taste, but just a pinch will still give you a fantastic flavour without overwhelming the dish.
Once your meat is marinated, pop it on the BBQ or into an air fryer for crispy perfection — it’s all about that perfect combination of charred on the outside and tender on the inside!
Quick Thai Salad: Let’s whip up a salad that’s quick, refreshing, and full of flavour! Shred some purple and green cabbage, slice onion, chop kale, and add corn kernels. Toss in a handful of mint leaves for a burst of freshness. Use Megachef seasoned fish sauce as a quick and easy dressing—it’s perfectly balanced with sweet and savoury notes, so no extra mixing is needed. For added greens, throw in some oak or cos lettuce. Simple, delicious, and ready in no time!
Nam Jim Jaew (Dipping Sauce): Use pre-toasted glutinous rice powder, add a sprinkle of chilli flakes, and mix it with seasoned fish sauce and a squeeze of lime. Adjust the flavours to your liking for a spicy, tangy, and savoury dip — perfect for your skewers!
Let’s Get Grilling! Grill your marinated skewers in the oven grill, cook the sticky rice (check out this link for tips!), and plate everything with your Jaew dipping sauce and fresh salad.
And there you have it—a BBQ that brings the flavours of Thailand to your Aussie celebration! Quick, easy, and packed with flavour, it’s the perfect way to enjoy Australia Day and Chinese New Year without the hassle, embracing the best of both worlds.