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Fire Pit Feasts: Cooking Over Flame in the Aussie Winter

25
Jun

There’s a special kind of magic to winter in Australia. The cool, crisp air, the early sunsets, and the irresistible pull to gather around something warm, preferably with great food and even better company. Enter the fire pit: no longer just a decorative backyard feature, but a full-blown cooking destination that combines heat, heart, and hospitality.

Cooking over open flame has deep roots in Aussie culture, from bush cook-ups to beach bonfires, and winter is the perfect time to bring that ritual home. Whether you’re planning a slow Sunday lunch or a spontaneous midweek meal under the stars, fire pit cooking brings a rustic charm that turns any dinner into an event. Here’s how to make the most of it this season.

Why Fire Pit Cooking Works So Well in Winter

Cooler weather naturally invites longer cooks and heartier meals, and fire pit setups are ideal for low and slow cooking styles. The fire provides ambient warmth, and the food acts as the main event, making it more than just dinner — it becomes a social experience. With the right setup and fuel, you can create restaurant-worthy dishes right in your own backyard.

Firebrand’s range of wood charcoal briquettes, lump and ironbark is designed for consistent, clean and long-lasting burns — a must when you’re cooking outdoors in winter. 

Paired with our durable fire pits, including options with hanging arm accessories, you’ve got a cooking solution that’s both practical and wildly impressive.

Set Up: Grilling Over the Pit    

Ensure your fire pit has a safe cooking grate, plate or hanging accessory designed for cooking before embarking on your outdoor cook-up. Some safety grills that come with your fire pit are great for keeping odd sparks at bay, but may not make for a great cooking experience. 

What fuel should you use? Typically, when you think of a fire pit, you think firewood—but not all firewood is made equal. If you’re planning to grill food over your pit and want to ensure the fuel doesn’t disrupt the flavour of your food or, worse, contain toxic chemicals, look for food-safe firewood. Like our premium ironbark, it is naturally sourced and seasoned to perfection, making it preferred for cooking. Beware the humble servo wood! It’s great for keeping you warm, but it may contain unknown chemicals or toxins that may be unsafe to cook food with. 

Don’t be shy about mixing your fuel types as well. You could try mixing some of our all-natural wood charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal with bulkier ironbark pieces to ensure a consistent and long-lasting heat source that’s safe to cook over.

Easy Wins: Skewers That Bring the Heat

Skewers are a brilliant starting point for fire pit cooking. They’re easy to prep ahead, cook fast over high heat, and can be made to suit any taste or diet. Plus, they look impressive sizzling over the open flame.

Here are a few crowd favourites:

  • Lamb & Rosemary Skewers – Classic Aussie flavour, boosted with lemon zest and garlic. Perfect with yoghurt and cucumber dip on the side.
  • Halloumi & Veggie Skewers – Thick cubes of halloumi, zucchini, capsicum and red onion. Brush with olive oil and oregano before grilling.
  • Chilli Garlic Prawns – Shell-on prawns marinated in oil, garlic, and chilli flakes. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime and crusty bread.

Metal skewers hold up best over fire, just like our Stainless Steel Skewers. But if you’re in a pinch, soaked Paddle Style Bamboo Skewers work — just rotate carefully and keep an eye on the flame.

Foil-Pouch Feasts: No Dishes, Big Flavour

Perfect for midweek meals or quick camping eats, foil pouches are a game-changer. They lock in moisture and flavour, require no pans, and allow you to cook everything — meat, veg and all — in one tidy packet.

Try these combos:

  • Chicken thighs, sweet potato, red onion, rosemary and olive oil
  • Sliced beef rump, capsicum, mushrooms, soy and sesame
  • Mixed root veg, chickpeas, cumin and garlic for a hearty vego version

We recommend using double layers of foil lined with greaseproof paper to prevent food from sticking to the foil. Seal tightly and place the pouches directly on a bed of glowing coals. Cook for around 30–40 minutes, turning once or twice. Unwrap at the table for maximum effect (and minimal mess).

Hanging Cooks: The Centrepiece of Your Winter Cookout

For those ready to take their fire pit game to the next level, hanging cooks are where it’s at. The Hellrazr NOMADA Live Fire Cooking BBQ and Firepit is specifically designed to support large cuts of meat suspended over flame, creating that dramatic, primal cooking style that’s surprisingly simple to pull off.

Here’s what works beautifully:

  • Whole chicken or spatchcock – Brined and trussed, to ensure it doesn’t fall apart while hanging over the coals. Baste regularly using your favourite marinade to keep the meat moist.  Add a pan below for drippings to make a gravy that will complement your meal. 
  • Lamb shoulder – Marinated in lemon, garlic, oregano and olive oil. Let it hang for a few hours over a low flame for meat that melts.
  • Beef brisket or tri-tip – Seasoned generously, smoked and suspended for a hands-off slow cook that delivers every time.

Pair it with a cast iron pot nestled beside the coals — think smoky baked beans, rich tomato stew, or buttery corn — and you’ve got a complete meal cooked entirely outdoors.

Fuel, Gear & Fire Management Tips

If you’re planning to cook over flame regularly, your gear matters. A few essentials:

 

Start with a two-zone fire — coals to one side, flames to the other — so you can sear, simmer, and rest your food as needed.

Gather, Cook, Repeat

Fire pit feasting is more than just a trendy way to cook — it’s about connecting with people, slowing down, and enjoying the simple pleasure of food cooked over real flame. Whether you’re flipping halloumi skewers, baking damper in the coals, or hanging a whole lamb over fire, you’re not just making dinner — you’re making memories.

 

Ready to fire it up this winter? Explore Firebrand’s full range of fire pits, charcoal, and accessories to transform your backyard into a winter cook’s paradise.