The 10 most popular recipes of 2022 in Australia
This year as the world opened up again and our thirst for travel was quenched, we found joy in making exotic dishes like dahl, fish tacos and drunken chicken, all which earned a spot in Australia’s most Googled recipes of 2022.
Whether you’ve cooked up a storm and tried all of these recipes or simply dabbled in the odd meal, let’s count down the recipes you searched for most, Australia. How many did you make?
10
Lamb stew
Last year, lamb shanks made the top searched list and in 2022, lamb stew rounds out the list. Try a slow-cooked traditional Irish lamb stew with onions and carrots, or lean on your spice drawer for Middle Eastern flavours for an aromatic meal, perfect served with rice.
Got leftovers? Lamb stew makes for great pie filling, jacket potato topping or a tasty twist on a shepherd's pie.
Lamb stew recipes
09
Buttercream icing
With baking gaining popularity over the past few years, everyone has been searching for the perfect buttercream icing to layer onto their cakes.
Start with a base of butter and icing sugar or add egg whites for a Swiss meringue buttercream, which gives a more textured finish. From classic vanilla on red velvet to peanut butter and chocolate banana, the flavour combinations are endless.
Buttercream icing recipes
08
Egg salad
We attribute the comeback of this retro salad to chef Adam Liaw’s egg salad bruschetta. Create the classic recipe using hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, lemon juice and a little curry powder for an easy lunch you can prep ahead.
But the options are endless when it comes to this retro favourite. Enjoy it in a sandwich, atop jacket potatoes, grilled fish or served with tortilla chips.
Egg salad recipes
07
Fish tacos
Who doesn’t love a fish taco? Gaining popularity for its punchy flavours, ease and convenience, this dish originating from Mexico is easy to customise to your liking.
Grilled or fried fish. Crunchy slaw or tangy pickles. Salsa, guacamole or both.Best made with a firm fish, such as cod, basa or snapper, that’s marinated with a spice blend like paprika, cumin and chilli powder, fish tacos are sure to rank highly in your household, too.
Fish taco recipes
06
Jaffle
Toasties are great, but what about the jaffle? This year the retro toasted sandwich with sealed sides and a gooey centre was trending in a big way, but with a modern, more-is-more twist.
Aussies couldn't resist fillings like baked beans or repurposing leftovers like mac and cheese or bolognese. Comfort food, quick and wallet-friendly? It’s a true triple threat.
Jaffle recipes
05
Fish patties
Australian cooks love fish patties for their ease and convenience. Even better, they can be whipped up on a stove or air fryer for a healthier version.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers like Fresh Idea’s expert Nikki P’s confit salmon or mashed potato. Make classic fish patties with breadcrumbs, seasonings, eggs and potato or spice it up with Thai red curry paste, tinned fish and herbs. Don’t forget the chilli sauce!
Fish patties recipes
04
Mashed potato
As one of the most popular side dishes of all time, it’s no wonder mashed potatoes comes in at number four — no one can resist a creamy mash with their meal.
We’ll have this crowd favourite on the menu year-round with roast dinners, salmon, or sausages, scooped up with lashings of rich gravy. To achieve the fluffiest, best mashed potato, opt for floury potato varieties such as King Edward or Russet. Now that you’ve mastered the original recipe, you can get creative with additions like cream, mustard, garlic confit and herbs.
03
Drunken chicken
This Asian noodle-based dish hit the most searched list thanks to its tender fall-apart meat and rich sauce.
The name, drunken chicken, comes from poaching the chicken in a brine of rice wine and chicken stock — leaving you with a rich umami flavour and aroma. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make at home. Simply pair with soft noodles and you’re good to go.
02
Homemade ezy sauce
This homemade recipe doubles as pickling liquid and flavour enhancer for sauces, soups and stews. You’ll find star ingredients like cloves, ginger, vinegar and pepper in this recipe which make for its unmatched taste and aroma.
Sitting at number two, the homemade version has been trending since the original was taken off the shelf. Easy to make and versatile, you can understand its appeal. Will you be adding it to your cooking repertoire?
01
Dahl
Scooped up with a soft Naan bread or paired with fluffy rice, this spicy Indian lentil-based dish made with aromatic spices and coconut milk has been the most sought after recipe this year for being affordable, versatile and nutritious.
This easy vegan dish can be made in a slow cooker so you can set and forget. To increase your veg intake, add cauliflower, spinach or potato to your dahl.
Want more?
Browse our most popular recipes of 2022
From the crowd-favourite spinach cob loaf to chicken pesto pasta, homemade sausage rolls and the trendy baked feta pasta, discover the top 10 recipes you loved most on our site this year. If that’s not enough, check out last year’s most searched recipes to see what’s changed, what’s still trending and which recipes you’ll put back into rotation.