Barbecued Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Chili Butter
Sweet Moreton Bay bugs grilled with a spicy garlic chili butter, showcasing a prized Australian seafood delicacy. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced, small red chili, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1 lb total) Moreton Bay bugs, halved
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 425°F). Rinse 4 halved Moreton Bay bugs and pat dry.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small red chili, cooking gently for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Remove butter mixture from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp sea salt, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 4: Place Moreton Bay bug halves shell side down on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes until the flesh turns opaque and edges begin to curl.
- Step 5: Flip bugs flesh side down and baste generously with half of the garlic chili butter. Grill for another 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from grill, brush with remaining butter, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Barbecued Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Chili Butter take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Barbecued Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Chili Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Barbecued Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Chili Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Barbecued Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Chili Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Barbecued Moreton Bay Bugs with Garlic and Chili Butter?
Australian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
