How to Use Saltbush & Pepperberry in BBQ Cooking (5 Simple Methods)

Saltbush and Pepperberry are two of Australia’s most flavourful native ingredients. They’re aromatic, versatile and incredibly easy to use — especially on the BBQ where heat helps their flavours open up beautifully. Whether you’re cooking steak, chicken, seafood or vegetables, these two native plants make it simple to create rich, Australian bush-inspired meals.

Here are five quick and effective ways to use Saltbush and Pepperberry in your BBQ cooking.

1. Use Saltbush & Pepperberry as a Steak Dry Rub

Few ingredients enhance beef like Saltbush and Pepperberry. Saltbush adds deep savoury notes and helps the meat naturally crust. Pepperberry adds gentle heat with a fruity, floral twist — perfect for richer cuts like ribeye or rump.

The easiest way to use them is with a ready-made blend like Terrablendz Cattle Run Steak Rub, which combines both ingredients for balanced, bold flavour.

How to use:

Coat steak generously on both sides

Let it sit for 2–3 minutes (no marinating required)

Sear on high heat for a charred crust

The result? A steak that’s seasoned, aromatic and naturally full-bodied.

2. Sprinkle on Chicken Before BBQing

Chicken is one of the most versatile BBQ meats, and Saltbush gives it the perfect level of savouriness. A sprinkle of Pepperberry lifts the flavour and adds a light heat that makes chicken taste richer without overpowering it.

 

The easiest option is Terrablendz Dusty Chicken Poultry Rub, which uses Saltbush, Pepperberry and Lemon Myrtle for crispy, aromatic chicken with no prep.

Use it on:

Thighs

Wings

Drumsticks

Whole BBQ chickens

Saltbush also helps chicken skin crisp beautifully on the grill.

3. Season Veggies for More Flavour

Saltbush is naturally herbaceous and savoury, which makes it perfect for BBQ vegetables. Pumpkin, corn, sweet potato, asparagus, mushrooms and zucchini all take on deeper flavour when lightly coated in Saltbush seasoning.

 

Pepperberry adds colour and a mild spice that complements charred vegetables beautifully.

A simple option is Granite Salt & Pepper Seasoning, which brings the best of both ingredients into a single sprinkle.

How to use on veg:

Toss veggies in oil

Sprinkle with the rub

BBQ until lightly charred

It’s fast, simple and balanced.

4. Finish BBQ Seafood with Pepperberry & Lemon Myrtle

Seafood is delicate, and Pepperberry gives it a subtle heat and a stunning colour, while Saltbush gives it a savoury base.

The perfect combination is in Terrablendz Sea Spray Seafood Rub, which blends Saltbush, Lemon Myrtle and Pepperberry for fresh, clean seafood flavour.

Use on:

Salmon

Snapper

Flathead

Prawns

Scallops

Brush on lightly with olive oil and grill — the native flavours do the rest.

5. Add to Homemade Marinades and Dressings

If you like mixing your own marinades, Saltbush and Pepperberry are perfect additions. They dissolve beautifully into oil, yoghurt, lemon juice and sauces.

Quick marinade ideas:

Olive oil + Saltbush + Pepperberry

Yoghurt + Lemon Myrtle + Saltbush

Butter + Garlic + Pepperberry

Terrablendz rubs already balance these flavours, making them ready to mix straight into marinades.

How to Use Saltbush & Pepperberry in BBQ Cooking

Saltbush and Pepperberry are simple to use, but incredible in flavour. They work with high heat, quick cooks and slow BBQ, making them perfect for Aussie grilling. Whether you use a pre-made Terrablendz rub or experiment with your own blends, these native herbs elevate everyday BBQ into something uniquely Australian.