We’ve compiled a list of pairing ideas for each meat to inspire you when deciding on condiments and garnishes. Remember, delicious, well-cooked meat speaks for itself so you can always simply add herbs and flaky salt and let the meat itself shine!  

Beef:

Herbs – Rosemary, oregano, parsley, mint

Leaves – English spinach, rocket, watercress

Produce- Caramelised Onions, roasted garlic bulbs, roasted vine tomatoes

Sauces – Gravy, Horseradish Crème, Peppercorn Sauce, Steak Diane, Texas Style Barbecue Sauce

Drizzles – Chutneys, Chimichurri, Salsa Verde, Herb Butter

Sprinkles – A pinch of flaky salt adds extra flavour and a little contrast on dark meat.

Outside the box idea: Make it surf & turf by pairing prawns, bacon-wrapped scallops or other seafood on the same platter. Try this Beer Sauce which complements both meats!

Lamb:

Herbs – Rosemary, oregano, parsley, mint, thyme

Leaves – Arugula, microgreens

Produce- Onions, garlic bulbs, charred lemons, pomegranate wedges. Try mixing pomegranate, herbs, Pickled Onion, crumbled feta and pomegranate molasses for a delicious topping!

Sauces – Gravy, Tzatziki, labne or other yogurt-based sauces, Pea Pesto, Mint Sauce, Mint Jelly, Pea Puree.

Drizzles –  Gremolata, mint chimichurri, Date Chutney, Salsa Verde   

Sprinkles – Crispy chickpeas, Dukkah, crumbled feta

Outside the box: Try a Loaded Hummus or whipped feta as your ‘sauce’

Pork & Ham:

Herbs – Rosemary, oregano, parsley, dill, thyme

Leaves – Rocket, watercress

Produce – Citrus, cherries, pineapple flowers, apples, pears, pomegranate – Fruit pairs beautifully with pork and ham.

Sauces – Mustard Sauce, Apple Sauce, Cranberry Sauce, Peach Mustard, Plum Sauce  

Drizzles – Chutney, Apple Chimichurri

Sprinkles – Poppy seeds, chopped nuts, crispy fried herbs

Outside the box: With a roast ham, use a ribbon & piece of fabric or paper to tie a bow around the bone for a nice touch!

Chicken:

Herbs – Rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, coriander, dill, tarragon, chives

Leaves – Rocket, watercress, fennel fronds

Produce- Make a Complimenting Salsa with Fresh Fruit, or tomatoes and cucumber.  Pickled Onion, spring onion curls, pickled jalapeno slices, lemon and lime slices/ wedges, even figs.

Sauces – Alabama White Sauce, Peruvian Green Sauce, Tzatziki,

Drizzles – Basil Pesto, Herb Oil, Lemony Chermoulah, Red Pepper Jam     

Sprinkles – Sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, crumbled feta, fried herbs  

Outside the box: Pile up chicken on a creamy sauce like a green sauce, mayo, whipped feta or romesco – this helps the chicken look great on a platter and makes sure guests don’t miss out on the delicious sauce!

Fish:

Herbs – Oregano, thyme, parsley, dill, chives

Leaves – Rocket, watercress, fennel fronds

Produce- Slice lemons or limes into wedges or thin rounds. Make a Complimenting Salsa with fresh fruit, or tomatoes and cucumber. Try pickled onion or fennel, spring onion curls, pickles/ salsas, Olives, roasted vine tomatoes

Sauces – Avocado Aioli, Tartare, Romesco, Pesto – serve on the side

Drizzles – Gremolata, Herb Oil, Chermoula, Garlic Herb Butter

Sprinkles – Crispy breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, fried capers  

Outside the box: Roast your salsa for a more wintery condiment – toss together cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, balsamic glaze, pinch of brown sugar, salt and pepper and oregano. Roast at 180°C/350°F until soft and jammy. Another delicious flavour pairing is roasted fennel, orange, olives and fried crumbled halloumi. Also pairs well with other meats!

Tips:

Keep the plate clean! Using negative space and arranging the meat neatly can make a huge difference  

For a touch of green or freshness simply forage in your veggie garden!

·         If you can fit it in, include your condiments (sauce, gravy, relish) on the same platter so guests don’t miss out!