Braai South Africa, the hearty BBQ experience

📜 The history of the Braai – BBQ in South Africa

In South Africa, braai is much more than just a barbecue—it's a social ritual that connects people across cultures. The term "braai" comes from Afrikaans and simply means "to barbecue," but the meaning goes much deeper.

A braai isn't just a barbecue, but a tradition celebrated with friends, family, and open fires. Typically, the food is grilled over wood or charcoal to preserve the unique smoky flavor. While gas grills are popular in many countries, a true braai is unthinkable without open flames.

🥩 Local specialties – What goes on the grill?

• Boerewors: A long, seasoned sausage made from beef and pork.
• Karoo lamb chops: Succulent lamb chops from the Karoo region, often seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
• Snoek Braai: Grilled South African fish with a sweet and savory apricot marinade.
• Potjiekos: A traditional stew, slowly cooked over the fire in a cast-iron cauldron.
• Roosterkoek: Grilled flatbreads that go perfectly with meat and fish.

🔥 The perfect preparation – How do you make a braai?

The secret of an authentic South African braai lies in the perfect embers, the right marinade and the selection of high-quality ingredients.

The barbecue: The Braai

• A real braai is powered by wood or charcoal, never gas.
• The fire is lit early to ensure even embers.
• The meat is cooked slowly and patiently to ensure it remains juicy and aromatic.

🍖 3 original recipes for your South African braai

1️⃣ Boerewors – South African grilled sausage

• 1 kg minced beef
• 500 g minced pork
• 2 tsp coarsely ground coriander
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 meters of sausage casing (natural casing)

Preparation:

1. Mix the minced meat with the spices, garlic and red wine vinegar.
2. Soak the natural casing in warm water and then fill it with the meat mixture.
3. Form the boerewors into a long spiral and grill them on the braai over medium heat.
4. Turn regularly until the sausage is evenly browned.

2️⃣ Karoo Lamb Chops – South African Lamb Chops

• 6 lamb chops
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 sprigs of rosemary, chopped
• Juice of half a lemon

Preparation:

1. Marinate the lamb chops with garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary and lemon juice.
2. Let it steep for at least an hour to allow the flavors to absorb.
3. Grill the chops on the hot grill for 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

3️⃣ Snoek Braai – Grilled South African fish

• 1 whole snoek (alternatively mackerel)
• 3 tbsp apricot jam
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Rinse the snoek with cold water and pat dry.
2. Mix the apricot jam with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and lemon juice.
3. Brush the fish generously with the marinade.
4. Grill over indirect heat, brushing regularly with the marinade.
5. After about 15-20 minutes the fish is perfectly cooked.

🔥 Are you ready for your own South African braai?

Write in the comments which dish you would try first!

➡️ Next stop on the BBQ world tour: Argentina 🇦🇷 – The art of asado!