Cooking with Lemon Myrtle: Australian Native Recipes & Ideas

Lemon Myrtle is one of Australia’s most iconic native ingredients, prized for its bright citrus aroma and clean, lemony flavour. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or finishing a dish with a fresh burst of native zing, Lemon Myrtle brings a uniquely Australian character to everyday cooking.

Its versatility is what makes it so powerful in the kitchen. From chicken and seafood to pork, lamb, infused oils, and marinades, Australian Lemon Myrtle pairs beautifully with both light and rich dishes. It’s heat‑stable, aromatic, and instantly lifts a recipe without overpowering it.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to start cooking with Lemon Myrtle — beginner tips, flavour pairings, and a full collection of Australian native recipes. Each recipe below uses Terrablendz Lemon Myrtle seasoning, crafted from premium Australian‑grown leaves for maximum flavour and freshness.

Whether you’re firing up the BBQ, roasting a weekend chicken, or experimenting with infused oils, this pillar brings all your Lemon Myrtle inspiration into one place. Explore the ideas, try the recipes, and bring a little more native flavour into your kitchen.

What Makes Lemon Myrtle So Special?

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is often called the “Queen of the Lemon Herbs” — and for good reason. It contains one of the highest natural concentrations of citral found in any plant, giving it a clean, vibrant lemon aroma that’s brighter, fresher, and more stable than actual lemons.

Unlike citrus zest, which can lose intensity when heated, Lemon Myrtle holds its flavour beautifully during cooking, releasing a steady, aromatic citrus lift that transforms both savoury and sweet dishes. 

Its fragrance is instantly recognisable: crisp, uplifting, and distinctly Australian. This unique combination of purity, strength, and heat stability is what makes Lemon Myrtle such a prized ingredient among chefs, home cooks, and anyone looking to bring authentic native flavour into their kitchen.

Why cooks love it

• Bright, citrusy flavour
• Heat‑stable (unlike many herbs)
• Works in savoury and sweet dishes
• Pairs beautifully with other native herbs like Saltbush and Pepperberry
• Enhances marinades, rubs, oils, and finishing sprinkles

Best food pairings

• Chicken
• Prawns & seafood
• Pork
• Lamb
• Roast vegetables
• Salad dressings
• BBQ rubs
• Infused oils

How to Cook with Lemon Myrtle (Beginner Guide)

Lemon Myrtle is one of those rare ingredients that instantly elevates a dish, yet remains incredibly simple to use once you understand its strengths. Its bright, citrus‑forward aroma behaves differently from traditional herbs, and learning how to work with it opens up a whole new world of flavour.

Whether you’re new to Australian native ingredients or looking to refine your technique, mastering Lemon Myrtle is all about balance, timing, and understanding how its natural oils interact with heat and fat.

Because Lemon Myrtle is naturally potent, a little goes a long way — especially in rubs, marinades, and finishing sprinkles. Its high citral content means it can infuse deeply into meats, seafood, vegetables, and oils with very small amounts, making it one of the most efficient flavour boosters in your pantry.

Unlike lemon zest, which can lose intensity when cooked, Lemon Myrtle holds its brightness beautifully, making it ideal for grilling, roasting, and slow cooking.

This beginner guide breaks down everything you need to know, how much to use, when to add it, the best cooking methods, and the common mistakes to avoid. Once you understand these basics, you’ll be able to use Lemon Myrtle confidently across chicken, seafood, pork, lamb, vegetables, dressings, and even desserts.

It’s an incredibly versatile herb — and with the right approach, it becomes one of the most rewarding flavours in Australian cooking.

How Much Lemon Myrtle to Use

Lemon Myrtle is potent, so a little goes a long way.

• For rubs: ½–1 tsp per 500g meat
• For marinades: ¼–½ tsp
• For finishing: a light sprinkle

Terrablendz Dried Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia Citriodora) is pre‑balanced, making it easier to use without overpowering your dish.

Best Ways to Add Lemon Myrtle

• Dry rubs: Perfect for chicken, pork, and lamb
• Marinades: Combine with olive oil, garlic, and pepper
• Finishing sprinkle: Add after cooking for a fresh citrus lift
• Infused oils: Ideal for salads, seafood, and roasted vegetables
• BBQ seasoning: Enhances smoky flavours beautifully

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much — it’s strong
• Adding early in high‑heat frying (can become bitter)
• Pairing with overly sweet sauces
• Mixing with too many competing herbs

Lemon Myrtle Chicken Recipes

Chicken is the most popular pairing for Lemon Myrtle thanks to its mild, neutral flavour and its incredible ability to soak up aromatics. Unlike stronger meats that compete with seasoning, chicken acts almost like a blank canvas, allowing the bright citrus notes of Lemon Myrtle to shine through without being overshadowed.

The natural oils in the herb infuse beautifully into the meat, especially when used in marinades, dry rubs, or slow roasts, creating a fragrant, zesty lift that feels distinctly Australian.

Whether you’re grilling drumsticks over charcoal, roasting a whole bird for Sunday lunch, or pan‑searing chicken thighs for a quick weeknight meal, Lemon Myrtle enhances the dish with a clean, refreshing flavour that cuts through richness and elevates even the simplest preparation.

It’s this versatility — and the way chicken carries native aromatics so effortlessly — that makes the pairing a favourite among home cooks, BBQ enthusiasts, and chefs alike.

Lemon Myrtle BBQ Chicken – A Flavour‑Packed Australian Classic

A smoky, citrusy BBQ favourite that balances charred edges with bright native flavour.
Read the full recipe → Lemon Myrtle BBQ Chicken – A Flavour-Packed Australian Classic

Lemon Myrtle Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy, juicy drumsticks coated in a fragrant Lemon Myrtle rub — perfect for weeknight dinners or BBQs.
Read the full recipe → Lemon Myrtle Chicken Drumsticks

Lemon Myrtle Roast Chicken: A Taste of Australia

A golden, aromatic roast infused with native herbs for a uniquely Australian twist on a classic.
Read the full recipe → Lemon Myrtle Roast Chicken: A Taste of Australia

Try Terrablendz Dried Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia Citriodora) today!

 

 

Lemon Myrtle Seafood Recipes

Lemon Myrtle’s citrus brightness makes it a natural match for seafood, especially prawns and delicate white fish. Its clean, lemony aroma enhances the natural sweetness of seafood without overwhelming it, creating a balance that feels fresh, light, and unmistakably Australian.

When used in marinades, rubs, or finishing sprinkles, Lemon Myrtle lifts the flavour of prawns, snapper, barramundi, and flathead with a vibrant zing that cuts through richness and complements the ocean‑fresh taste.

The herb’s heat stability also makes it ideal for grilling, pan‑searing, or barbecuing seafood, allowing its aromatic oils to infuse gently into the flesh. Whether you’re brushing prawns with garlic butter on the BBQ or seasoning a fillet before roasting, Lemon Myrtle adds a bright, native twist that elevates even the simplest seafood dish.

Lemon Myrtle Prawns with Garlic Butter

A simple but flavour‑packed dish combining garlic butter richness with native citrus notes.
Read the full recipe → Lemon Myrtle Prawns With Garlic Butter: Aussie Seafood Favourite

Lemon Myrtle Pork & Lamb Recipes

Lemon Myrtle works beautifully with both pork and lamb, bringing a bright citrus lift that cuts through the natural richness of these meats.

Pork’s gentle sweetness pairs effortlessly with Lemon Myrtle’s clean, aromatic notes, creating a balanced flavour that feels fresh without losing depth. Whether you’re searing medallions, grilling chops, or roasting a shoulder, the herb infuses into the meat and enhances every bite with a zesty, native twist.

Lamb, with its bold and earthy character, benefits just as much from Lemon Myrtle’s refreshing brightness. The herb helps lighten the fattiness of lamb while complementing its savoury depth, especially when paired with other native ingredients like Saltbush and Pepperberry.

Together, they create a uniquely Australian flavour profile that feels both rustic and refined. From BBQ lamb roasts to slow‑cooked cuts and grilled cutlets, Lemon Myrtle adds an aromatic layer that elevates the dish without overpowering it.

It’s this versatility — the ability to enhance both the sweetness of pork and the richness of lamb — that makes Lemon Myrtle such a powerful ingredient across a wide range of native‑inspired recipes.

Lemon Myrtle Pork Medallions (Lemon Pepper Style)

Tender pork medallions coated in a zesty Lemon Myrtle crust — quick, clean, and full of flavour.
Read the full recipe → Lemon Myrtle Pork Recipe: Lemon Pepper Pork Medallions

BBQ Lamb Roast with Lemon Myrtle, Saltbush & Pepperberry

A bold, aromatic roast that celebrates the best of Australian native herbs.
Read the full recipe → BBQ Lamb Roast with Lemon Myrtle, Saltbush & Pepperberry

Creative Lemon Myrtle Recipe Ideas

Lemon Myrtle is exceptional in infused oils because its aromatic compounds dissolve beautifully into fats, creating a fragrant, versatile oil that elevates almost any dish. When steeped gently in warm olive oil, the herb releases its bright citrus notes, resulting in a clean, zesty infusion that can be used as a dressing, marinade, or finishing drizzle.

This oil works wonders on seafood, grilled vegetables, salads, and even warm bread. It adds a subtle native twist without overwhelming the base flavours, making it a staple for cooks who love simple, high‑impact ingredients.

A Lemon Myrtle infused oil also acts as a flavour booster in marinades, helping aromatics penetrate deeper into meats and vegetables. 

It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to bring Australian native flavours into everyday cooking.

Zesty Lemon Myrtle Olive Oil Infusion

A fragrant oil perfect for salads, seafood, and roasted vegetables.
Read the full recipe → Lemon Myrtle Recipe Ideas: Zesty Lemon Myrtle Olive Oil Infusion

More Ways to Use Lemon Myrtle

Lemon Myrtle is one of the most adaptable native ingredients you can keep in your kitchen, and once you understand its versatility, it becomes a go‑to flavour booster for far more than just meats and marinades.

Its bright, citrusy aroma works beautifully in everyday cooking, adding freshness, depth, and a uniquely Australian twist to simple dishes. A small pinch can transform roasted vegetables, elevate a salad dressing, or bring a clean, zesty lift to creamy sauces and dips.

It blends effortlessly into breadcrumb coatings, compound butters, and infused oils, making it an easy way to add native flavour without needing complex techniques or long preparation.

Because Lemon Myrtle is heat‑stable and naturally aromatic, it performs just as well in quick weeknight meals as it does in slow‑cooked dishes or BBQ favourites.

It can brighten a soup, enhance a marinade, or act as a finishing sprinkle that ties a dish together. And its versatility doesn’t stop at savoury cooking — Lemon Myrtle is equally at home in desserts, baked goods, and sweet syrups, where its clean citrus notes add a refreshing twist that feels both familiar and distinctly Australian. 

Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or looking to elevate your everyday cooking, Lemon Myrtle offers endless opportunities to bring native flavour into your kitchen.

Exciting Ways to Use Lemon Myrtle

• Sprinkle over roast veggies
• Add to salad dressings
• Mix into breadcrumb coatings
• Add to damper or savoury scones
• Use in BBQ marinades
• Combine with salt for a finishing blend
• Stir into compound butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lemon Myrtle taste like?

Bright, citrusy, and clean — similar to lemon zest but more aromatic.

Can I use Lemon Myrtle instead of lemon zest?

Yes. Use sparingly, as it’s stronger than fresh lemon.

Is Lemon Myrtle good for BBQ cooking?

Absolutely. It pairs beautifully with smoky flavours and works well in rubs and marinades.

How much Lemon Myrtle should I use in a marinade?

Start with ¼–½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Does Lemon Myrtle work in desserts?

Yes — it’s great in shortbread, cheesecakes, and syrups when used lightly.

Final Thoughts: Start Cooking with Lemon Myrtle Today

Lemon Myrtle is one of the most versatile native ingredients in Australia, bringing brightness and depth to everything from chicken and seafood to infused oils, vegetables, desserts, and BBQ rubs. Its clean citrus aroma has a way of lifting a dish without overpowering it, making it a favourite among home cooks and chefs alike.

With just a small amount, you can transform everyday meals into something uniquely Australian. Explore the recipes, experiment with new ideas, and bring a little more native flavour into your kitchen

Lemon Myrtle Recipes to Try

• Lemon Myrtle BBQ Chicken
• Lemon Myrtle Chicken Drumsticks
• Lemon myrtle Roast Chicken
• Lemon Pepper Pork Medallions
• Lemon Myrtle Prawns With Garlic Butter
• BBQ Lamb Roast with Lemon Myrtle, Saltbush & Pepperberry
• Zesty Lemon Myrtle Olive Oil Infusion

For other recipes using Australian native herbs, BBQ Rubs & Seasoning check out the below:

More Recipes → Terrablendz recipe Page