Get a Taste of Australia With These Easy Recipes (2024)

Australian Mains
Australian Food

Syrie Wongkaew

Sydney-based food writer, editor, photographer, and food stylist with a focus on Australian and Thai cuisine.

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Updated on 02/7/20

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Cooking and baking are rarely as difficult as we make them out to be and the foods of Australia and New Zealand are perfect examples of this. When you're looking for quick and delicious homemade foods, there are a few favorites that you should begin with.

From breakfast and appetizers to main dishes and Aussie favorites, let's explore some of the best and easiest recipes these countries have to offer.

01 of 09
For Breakfast: Aussie Breakfast Fry-Up
You could begin your day with the Australian breakfast favorite known as an Aussie breakfast fry-up. It is similar to the bacon and eggs breakfasts enjoyed throughout the world, but the Aussie twist usually includes baked beans.
For a healthier option, consider making your owntoasted muesli. It's a quick snack that's ideal for breakfast and a single batch can last your family for many days, even weeks. Better yet, form your muesli into bars for a quick, nutritious breakfast on the go.
02 of 09
As an Appetizer: Tuna and Chickpea Patties
Australian cuisine is filled with fun appetizers likebeef satay, which grills skewered steak covered in a coconut curry.
Another fun and quick option isa plate of tuna and chickpea patties. These delightful little nibbles use chickpeas rather than potatoes and eggs to create a flavorful patty. The patties are filled with tuna, vegetables, cilantro, parsley, and a little chile pepper. They're fantastic when dipped into the homemade mint-yogurt sauce.
03 of 09
The Side Salad: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Sweet potatoes are known as 'kumara' in Maori and they're a favorite vegetable in New Zealand. Yet, it may surprise you how well they work in a salad.
This unique roasted sweet potato salad recipe places roasted kumara over a bed of romaine, then adds tomatoes, radishes, feta, and pine nuts. It's dressed with a simple combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and it all comes together in just a few minutes.
04 of 09
Soup's On: Curried Carrot and Turnip Soup
As either an appetizer or main course, few soup recipes are as impressive as this curried carrot and turnip soup. You'll also be delighted to know that it's vegan, but don't worry, it's in no way boring.
The soup is creamy because the vegetables are cooked, then pureed. It has an interesting layer of flavors thanks to spices like coriander, curry powder, ginger, and mustard. This is a soup that, while unique, is sure to please anyone at the dinner table.
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See Also
How to Make a Moreish Maori Boil Up Recipe
05 of 09
A Tasty Fish Dish: Pan-Fried Garlic-Lemon Trout
Australia and New Zealand are surrounded by oceans, so it's no wonder that fish makes a regular appearance in the foods.Fish burgersserved with tartar are a fun way to serve almost any dense fish you have and they grill up quickly.
If you're looking for a freshwater fish recipe, this pan-fried garlic-lemon trout is fantastic. It uses New Zealand's prized trout and cooks them up in a tasty dish, complete with grilled cherry tomatoes and buttery mashed potatoes. It's an entire meal!
06 of 09
A Fan Favorite: Aussie Meat Pie
Among the best Aussie and Kiwi foods are two classics that are a staple in manyhouseholds. You can, of course, whip up thebeer-battered fish and chipsand serve it alongside a Thai sweet chili sauce. Or, you can take the more portable route.
What would Australia be without a classic meat pie? This recipe for Aussie meat pie is a favorite for sporting events and working lunches because they're so easy to transport. They're also filled with hearty goodness, including a tomato-based mix of lightly spiced ground beef.
07 of 09
Sunday Tradition: Lamb Roast
When it comes to Sunday dinner, many tables will feature lamb and the traditional lamb roast has long been a favorite.
This recipe is a classic that lightly seasons the preferred cut of meat with rosemary and garlic. It is roasted on a bed of potatoes until it is mouth-wateringly delicious. Really, it's extremely simple to make, but you don't have to tell anyone that little secret.
08 of 09
Kid Favorite: Fairy Bread
Children in Australia come running when they hear that someone's making fairy bread. It's a recipe that's been a popular birthday party treat since the 1920s, and there's no secret to making it. All you need is store-bought sliced bread, butter, and loads of colorful sprinkles.
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09 of 09
Sweet Treats: Pavlova
Everyone loves a little sweet treat every now and then and there are some tried and true favorites in Australia and New Zealand. Among the easiest arejam thumbprint cookies, in which a dollop of your favorite jam (often strawberry) is placed in a well of dough.
If you'd like to get a little fancier, there is the chocolate goodness of theAfghan biscuit, a favorite in New Zealand. More elaborate still are the sought after meringues known as Pavlova. This is the recipe you need to pull out when the occasion calls for a truly impressive dessert. Plus, it's a lot of fun to make.