When it comes to cooking meat—whether you're searing a steak, roasting chicken, or grilling plant-based sausages—the secret to an unforgettable meal lies in your spice rack. Pairing the right spices with the right protein elevates your dish from good to exceptional. At Australian Bush Spices, we specialise in native Australian spice blends and BBQ spice rubs that make every bite count.
Whether you're preparing a casual backyard BBQ or a gourmet meal, here's your ultimate guide to matching spices with different meats using our premium dry spice mixes.
Beef & Lamb – Bold, Earthy, and Aromatic
Beef and lamb hold up well to strong, layered flavours. For these rich meats, robust spice blends work best.
Recommended Spice Blends:
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Bush BBQ Rub – Featuring native pepperberry, bush tomato, and garlic for deep, smoky richness.
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Wattleseed & Black Pepper Blend – Nutty, earthy, and bold—ideal for red meat marinades.
How to Use: Rub generously onto steaks, ribs, or lamb cutlets with olive oil before grilling or roasting.
Try This: Sprinkle our BBQ rub over slow-cooked beef brisket or lamb shoulder and let the spice blend do the heavy lifting.
Chicken – Versatile, Mild & Perfect for Experimenting
Chicken is a blank canvas, making it perfect for aromatic, citrusy, or spicy blends.
Recommended Spice Blends:
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Lemon Myrtle & Herb Seasoning – Adds bright, zesty notes that pair beautifully with grilled or baked chicken.
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Native Herb Sprinkle – A well-rounded blend with native herbs and spices for balanced everyday flavour.
How to Use: Coat chicken thighs or breasts with seasoning before pan-frying or baking. Mix into marinades or yoghurt for flavour-packed sauces.
Try This: Create an Aussie-inspired chicken schnitzel with our lemon myrtle seasoning and a light herb crumb.
Fish & Seafood – Light, Delicate & Fresh
Seafood calls for subtle, fragrant blends that enhance rather than overpower its natural flavours.
Recommended Spice Blends:
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Saltbush & Citrus Zest Rub – Perfect for white fish, salmon, or prawns.
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Lemon Myrtle & Native Thyme – A light, herbal blend with citrus undertones.
How to Use: Dust onto fillets before grilling or pan-searing. Combine with olive oil and lemon juice for a marinade.
Try This: Use our citrus zest rub for seasoning barramundi fillets served with roasted fingerling potatoes.
Pork – Sweet, Savoury & Smoky
Pork works wonderfully with both sweet and smoky flavour profiles.
Recommended Spice Blends:
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Outback Bush Tomato & Smoked Paprika Rub – Sweet, smoky, and tangy all in one.
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Native BBQ Rub with Wattleseed – Brings out the caramelisation in pork belly or ribs.
How to Use: Rub into pork chops, roasts, or sausages before cooking. Ideal for slow cooking or oven roasting.
Try This: Add our smoked bush tomato rub to pulled pork for a truly Australian twist on a BBQ classic.
Plant-Based Proteins – Tofu, Tempeh, & Veggies
Spice blends can transform plant-based proteins into flavour powerhouses.
Recommended Spice Blends:
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Aussie Curry Blend – A warming mix with turmeric, cumin, and bush spices.
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Dukkah with Wattleseed – Perfect for crusting tofu or sprinkling on grilled eggplant.
How to Use: Mix spices into marinades, coat tofu or tempeh, or toss veggies before roasting.
Try This: Make a chickpea and sweet potato curry using our Aussie curry blend and finish with lemon myrtle for a citrus twist.
Tips for Pairing Spices Like a Pro
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Match strength with strength: Use bolder blends for fatty meats and lighter blends for delicate proteins.
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Use spices in layers: Season meats before, during, and after cooking to build complexity.
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Let blends rest: Marinate with dry rubs for at least 30 minutes to allow flavours to penetrate.
Buy Spice Mixes Online – The Easy Way to Flavour
At Australian Bush Spices, we offer a diverse range of dry spice mixes, BBQ rubs, and seasoning blends inspired by Australia’s native landscape. Whether you're looking to experiment with bush spices or upgrade your everyday cooking, our products are:
✅ 100% Australian-made
✅ Vegan and gluten-free
✅ Crafted in small batches for freshness
✅ Easy to order online with fast nationwide delivery
Ready to Cook Like a Pro?
Discover your perfect pairing. Browse our full range of Australian spice blends and BBQ rubs, and bring bold, native flavours into your kitchen.
👉 Buy spice mixes online now and spice up your next dish with a taste of the Australian bush.
