Contents
- 1 The ultimate barbecue recipe guide
- 1.1 Choosing the right grill
- 1.2 Understanding the marinades
- 1.3 Getting the right meat
- 1.4 Cooking techniques
- 1.5 Side dishes and accompaniments
- 1.6 Final touches and presentation
- 1.6.1 1. Jan Braai’s Chicken Caesar Salad
- 1.6.2 2. Kati Auld’s Best Damn Potato Salad
- 1.6.3 3. Jan Braai’s twist on a traditional umngqusho
- 1.6.4 4. Justin Bonello’s ultimate braai salad
- 1.6.5 5. Jan Braai’s perfect braaibroodjies
- 1.6.6 6. Jan Braai’s ostrich burger on the braai
- 1.6.7 The Incredible Chakalaka Soup with Boerewors Balls
- 1.6.8 Prepare to Be Amazed: Justin Bonello’s Tomato Bruschetta with Brandy Flambéed Ostrich Steak on a Spade
- 1.6.9 9. How to Make Jan Braai’s Braaied Rump Steak with Garlic Butter
- 1.6.10 10. Jan Braai’s Lamb Curry Sosaties: A Dish to Impress
- 1.6.11 11. Jan Braai’s Garlic and Peri-Peri Chicken Drumsticks: Simple and Delicious
- 1.6.12 12. Daniela Bonoro’s Beer in the Bum Chicken: A Unique Twist
- 1.6.13 13. Sarah Duff’s Chicken Kebabs with Spicy Peanut Satay Sauce
- 1.6.14 14. Jan Braai’s Chicken Tikka Masala on the Braai
- 1.6.15 15. Justin Bonello’s amazing crayfish dish
- 1.6.16 16. Kati Auld’s mouthwatering braaied snoek with spicy sauce
- 1.6.17 17. Grilled Kuta with Cashew Nut Paste by Justin Bonello
- 1.6.18 18. Sticky Sweet and Sour Pork Chops by Kati Auld
- 1.6.19 19. Sarah Duff’s delicious vegetarian braai kebabs
- 1.6.20 20. Jan Braai’s incredible puttanesca pasta in a potjie
- 1.6.21 21. The ultimate blueberry muffin potjie
- 1.6.22 22. A Tasty Twist on Breakfast: Braai Muesli
- 1.6.23 23. Carrot Cake in a Potjie
- 1.6.24 24. Braaied banana and pineapple with ice cream and syrup
- 1.6.25 25. Jan Braai’s flambéed peaches on the braai
- 1.7 Braai condiments
- 1.8 Braai gadgets
The ultimate barbecue recipe guide
Barbecues, also known as braais, are a beloved tradition in many cultures. They bring people together and create a sense of community. But when it comes to planning the perfect barbecue, there are a few key factors to take into account. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your next barbecue is a success.
Choosing the right grill
One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right grill. There are many options to consider, including gas, charcoal, and electric grills. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them carefully. Gas grills are convenient and easy to use, while charcoal grills give your food a distinct smoky flavor. Electric grills are a great option for those who live in apartments or have limited outdoor space.
Understanding the marinades
Marinades are a crucial part of any barbecue. They add flavor and help to tenderize the meat. When it comes to marinades, there are endless possibilities. From spicy sriracha to tangy teriyaki, the choice is yours. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new.
Getting the right meat
The quality of your meat can make or break your barbecue. It’s important to choose fresh, high-quality cuts. Whether you’re grilling steak, chicken, or seafood, make sure it’s fresh and free from any signs of spoilage. Consider marbling, which is the fat content within the meat. Marbling is important because it adds flavor and tenderness to the meat. Look for cuts with even marbling throughout.
Cooking techniques
There are many cooking techniques you can use to elevate your barbecue game. Grilling, smoking, and indirect heat cooking are just a few examples. Grilling is perfect for quickly cooking smaller cuts of meat, while smoking is great for larger cuts that require a slower cooking process. Indirect heat cooking is a method where the food is cooked away from the heat source, allowing for a more gentle and even cook. Experiment with different techniques to find the ones that work best for you.
Side dishes and accompaniments
No barbecue is complete without a variety of delicious side dishes and accompaniments. From classic potato salad to refreshing coleslaw, there are endless options to choose from. Consider the seasonality of the ingredients and try to incorporate fresh, local produce whenever possible. Don’t forget about vegetarian and vegan options as well. Grilled vegetables or a flavorful quinoa salad can be a hit even with meat lovers.
Final touches and presentation
The final touches and presentation of your barbecue can make all the difference. Take the time to garnish your dishes with fresh herbs, and consider using colorful plates and serving platters. Create a beautiful tabletop with vibrant flowers and stylish table linens. Remember, barbecue is not just about the food – it’s about the experience. Pay attention to the details and create a festive and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to hosting the ultimate barbecue. Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy a day filled with delicious food and great company. Happy grilling!
If you want to impress as the ultimate ‘Braai Master,’ it’s essential to have a collection of amazing braai recipes at your disposal. Lucky for you, I’ve gathered some of the best recipes from top chefs and cooking celebrities across the country. Get ready for an explosion of flavors from culinary geniuses like Jan Braai, Justin Bonello, Jane Anne Hobbs Rainer, Ryk Neethling, Bryan Habana (kind of), the Cape Wine Braai Masters, and more.
Preparing the perfect feast is now just a few clicks away. Enjoy these sensational recipes for National Braai Day and elevate your grilling game.
1. Jan Braai’s Chicken Caesar Salad
Why settle for a boring salad when you can have this mouthwatering chicken caesar salad? It’s a classic dish that can be enjoyed as a main meal or as a refreshing accompaniment to your braai.
2. Kati Auld’s Best Damn Potato Salad
When it comes to potato salad, there are countless variations to choose from. Some people swear by adding hard-boiled eggs, while others insist on roasting the potatoes instead of boiling them. But let me tell you about a potato salad recipe that goes beyond the ordinary.
3. Jan Braai’s twist on a traditional umngqusho
Are you ready to take your BBQ game to the next level? Then I have the perfect suggestion for you: try serving braaied meat with a side of umngqusho. This traditional Xhosa dish, beloved by Nelson Mandela himself, combines samp and beans for a truly authentic South African flavor.
4. Justin Bonello’s ultimate braai salad
Guess what? You can actually braai a salad! I know, it sounds crazy, but trust me, it’s a challenge worth taking on. And let me tell you, the results are absolutely delicious.
5. Jan Braai’s perfect braaibroodjies
The braaibroodjie, which is basically a toasted sandwich cooked on the braai, is hands down the best part of any braai. Seriously, it’s so good that some South Africans even grill meat just so they have an excuse to make these heavenly treats. Lucky for you, I’ve got Jan Braai’s recipe for the most incredible, cheesy braaibroodjies.
6. Jan Braai’s ostrich burger on the braai
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to beef, look no further than ostrich meat. Jan Braai swears by it, and some scientists even claim it’s the key to staying forever young. Whether that’s true or not, what I can guarantee is that these grilled ostrich burger patties will take your braai to new heights. Prepare for a taste sensation that will leave you flying high!
The Incredible Chakalaka Soup with Boerewors Balls
Okay, I have to admit, this recipe is not your typical braai dish. But let me tell you, Jane Anne Hobbs Rainer has cooked up a mind-blowing twist on a beloved South African classic. And it involves our all-time favorite, boerewors. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this.
Prepare to Be Amazed: Justin Bonello’s Tomato Bruschetta with Brandy Flambéed Ostrich Steak on a Spade
Hold on to your hats because this recipe will blow your mind! No need for a traditional grill here. Justin Bonello has a crazy idea that involves a spade. I know, it sounds weird, but just wait until you taste it. This is going to be a game-changer.
9. How to Make Jan Braai’s Braaied Rump Steak with Garlic Butter
This recipe is great for when you’re having a braai with a lot of people and you’re cooking different kinds of meat. Steaks are special and require really hot coals to sear the outside while keeping the inside juicy and medium rare.
10. Jan Braai’s Lamb Curry Sosaties: A Dish to Impress
This dish is a classic South African recipe, so it’s perfect to serve when you have guests from other countries and you want to impress them!
11. Jan Braai’s Garlic and Peri-Peri Chicken Drumsticks: Simple and Delicious
When it comes to drumsticks, simplicity is key. This recipe for peri-peri and garlic chicken drumsticks doesn’t waste time with unnecessary frills and instead focuses on perfectly cooking the drumsticks.
12. Daniela Bonoro’s Beer in the Bum Chicken: A Unique Twist
Let me tell you about a fantastic braai recipe that I just have to share. This recipe uses a brilliant technique that guarantees tender, juicy, and succulent chicken every single time. And the best part is, it’s also really fun to look at!
13. Sarah Duff’s Chicken Kebabs with Spicy Peanut Satay Sauce
Sarah Duff, the former food editor at Getaway, has an amazing recipe to spice up your chicken kebabs. She adds peanuts to create a delicious twist.
14. Jan Braai’s Chicken Tikka Masala on the Braai
A tandoori oven is a special kind of oven made of clay. It’s heated by a fire made from wood or charcoal. The food is cooked by the flames and heat from the coals. It also gets a unique flavor from the smoke created when meat juices drip onto the coals. This recipe for chicken tikka masala is Jan Braai’s favorite, and it’s bound to become your favorite too. It features a spicy tomato sauce and just four simple steps to follow.
15. Justin Bonello’s amazing crayfish dish
This simple crayfish recipe from Justin Bonello is a timeless classic that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
16. Kati Auld’s mouthwatering braaied snoek with spicy sauce
While many believe that there’s only one way to braai a snoek – open, on the grill, with apricot jam – Kati Auld has a different approach that adds a burst of delicious flavor.
17. Grilled Kuta with Cashew Nut Paste by Justin Bonello
Prepare to be delighted by this unique take on a beloved South African seafood dish. The star of the show? Cashew nut paste.
18. Sticky Sweet and Sour Pork Chops by Kati Auld
Get ready for juicy and flavorful pork chops that will leave your taste buds begging for more. This simple marinade ensures tender meat with a delectable sticky caramelized glaze. Pair it with a side of roasted garlic potato salad for a meal that will have you coming back for seconds.
Pork chops are absolutely perfect for a summer braai. Just imagine the sizzling sound as they hit the grill, and the mouthwatering aroma that fills the air. It’s a true delight.
19. Sarah Duff’s delicious vegetarian braai kebabs
Now, when it comes to vegetarian braais, you might think there aren’t many options beyond stuffed mushrooms and butternuts in foil. But let me introduce you to a fantastic alternative: vegetarian sausage braai kebabs. They are packed with flavor and will satisfy even the most devoted meat lover.
20. Jan Braai’s incredible puttanesca pasta in a potjie
Have you ever experienced the joy of making potjie? It’s truly something special. The slow cooking process, the tantalizing smells that waft from the pot, and the crackling sound of the fire. It’s like a symphony for your senses. And let me tell you, there’s no better recipe to master than puttanesca pasta. This Italian classic cooked in a potjie is absolutely divine.
21. The ultimate blueberry muffin potjie
Picture this: a giant blueberry muffin cooked in a potjie. It’s a breakfast dream come true. This delightful treat is guaranteed to impress your fellow campers in the morning. Just imagine biting into a warm, soft muffin bursting with juicy blueberries. It’s pure bliss.
22. A Tasty Twist on Breakfast: Braai Muesli
Don’t fancy cold, fatty chops for breakfast? Well, I’ve got a scrumptious alternative for you: a warm and toasty muesli with a twist!
23. Carrot Cake in a Potjie
Have you ever found yourself craving a slice of cake to enjoy with your tea while out in nature? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you!
24. Braaied banana and pineapple with ice cream and syrup
I have a recipe that you need to approach with caution because if you serve it to someone, they will absolutely love you.
25. Jan Braai’s flambéed peaches on the braai
I’ve got a dish that might look fancy, but it’s really easy to make. It’s a win-win situation.
Braai condiments
- Apricot chutney
- Mozambican super hot peri-peri sauce
Braai gadgets
From jars to woks to grids, I’ve compiled a list of must-have braai gadgets that will make you look cool next to your braai. Whether you’re by the pool, on the patio, or just hanging out in the garden with your friends, these gadgets will impress.
Don’t forget to check out Jan Braai’s ultimate braai kit and his top 10 braai tips for the big day.