Simple BBQ Seafood with Noosa Black Garlic
Few seafood dishes capture the flavour of the Australian coast quite like grilled Moreton Bay bugs.
In this beautifully simple recipe, sweet bug meat is grilled until lightly charred, then finished with rich Black Garlic Butter made using Noosa Black Garlic Cloves. As the butter melts into the warm seafood, it creates an irresistible combination of sweet, buttery and umami flavours.
With just a handful of ingredients, this dish proves that simple seafood done well can be truly extraordinary.
Perfect for summer BBQs, coastal entertaining or indulgent seafood feasts.
Recipe Details
Serves: 2–4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
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Moreton Bay bugs, split in half and cleaned
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250 g unsalted butter, softened
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2–3 Noosa Black Garlic Cloves, mashed
To serve:
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lemon wedges
-
lime segments
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fresh coriander
-
simple green salad
Method
1. Prepare the bugs
Using a sharp knife, split the Moreton Bay bugs lengthways and clean thoroughly.
Pat dry with paper towel.
2. Make the black garlic butter
In a bowl, mash the Noosa Black Garlic Cloves into the softened butter until well combined.
Set aside.
3. Grill the bugs
Preheat a BBQ or grill to medium-high heat.
Lightly brush the bug meat with olive oil.
Place the bugs flesh side down onto the grill and cook for 1–2 minutes, until grill marks appear.
Turn the bugs over.
4. Add the black garlic butter
Spread a generous layer of black garlic butter over the bug meat.
Close the BBQ lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the butter to melt into the seafood.
5. Optional finishing touch
For extra caramelisation, briefly finish the bugs with a culinary torch to lightly char the butter.
Serve
Serve immediately with:
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fresh lemon and lime wedges
-
coriander
-
a simple fresh salad
Serving Suggestions
These grilled Moreton Bay bugs are perfect for:
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summer BBQs
-
seafood platters
-
beachside entertaining
-
special occasion dinners
Pair with crisp Chardonnay, Riesling or chilled rosé.
Why Black Garlic Works with Seafood
Noosa Black Garlic Cloves deliver mellow sweetness and rich umami flavour that complements the natural sweetness of shellfish.
When blended into butter, they create a luxurious black garlic butter sauce that elevates grilled seafood with minimal effort.