Traditional South African Braai: Your Ultimate Guide to Perfect Barbecue

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Beef Spareribs
  • 4 Chicken Thighs
  • 4 Boerewors Sausages
  • 4 Corn on the cob
  • 1 cup Barbeque Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Clean the ribs and chicken thighs, then pat dry.
  3. Season the ribs, chicken, and boerewors sausages with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine the barbeque sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, and brown sugar in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
  5. Brush the mixture over the ribs, chicken, and sausages.
  6. Place the corn on the cob, ribs, chicken, and sausages on the grill. Cook the ribs and chicken for about 30-40 minutes, and the sausages for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  7. Baste the meat with the remaining sauce mixture every 10 minutes during grilling.
  8. Grill the corn on the cob for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
  9. Once everything is cooked, remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Grill - A barbecue or grill to cook the meat and corn
  • Basting Brush - To brush the sauce mixture onto the meat
  • Tongs - To flip and handle the meat on the grill
  • Knife - To clean and prepare the meat
  • Cutting Board - To chop and prepare ingredients
  • Bowl - To mix the barbeque sauce and marinade
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the salt, pepper, paprika, and brown sugar
  • Grill Brush - To clean the grill grates before and after cooking
  • Platter - To serve the cooked meat and corn

Recipe variations

  • Use pork ribs instead of beef spareribs
  • Replace chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts
  • Substitute boerewors sausages with lamb chops
  • Try different flavors of barbeque sauce such as honey mustard or smoky chipotle
  • Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the grill for extra flavor and texture
  • Marinate the meat in a different marinade of your choice before grilling
  • For a vegetarian option, grill vegetable skewers with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms
  • Experiment with different spice rubs or marinades for a unique flavor profile
  • Serve the braai with a side of garlic bread or grilled potatoes
  • Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top before serving

Recipe overview

This Braai recipe brings the heart of South African grilling right into your backyard. A Braai is not just a barbecue; it's a social event that centers around food cooked over an open fire. Our recipe features traditional ingredients like Beef Spareribs, Chicken Thighs, and Boerewors Sausages, all basted with a tangy, vibrant, homemade Braai sauce. We've also included Corn on the Cob to round out your meal. Expect a feast that's full of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of South Africa. This recipe requires a bit of preparation, but the succulent, flame-kissed results are well worth the effort. Happy grilling!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use different types of meat according to your preference. However, the cooking times may vary depending on the cut and thickness of the meat.
  2. Can I substitute the barbeque sauce with another sauce? Certainly! If you prefer a different sauce, feel free to substitute it. Just make sure the flavor complements the meat well.
  3. Is it necessary to marinate the meat beforehand? No, it is not necessary to marinate the meat beforehand. The sauce mixture used during grilling will provide enough flavor to the meat.
  4. Can I grill the meat on a charcoal braai instead of a gas grill? Absolutely! You can use a charcoal braai instead of a gas grill. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
  5. What can I serve with the braai? You can serve the braai with various side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or a fresh green salad. It pairs well with bread rolls or garlic bread too.
  6. Can I make this recipe in advance? While it is best to enjoy the braai immediately after grilling, you can prepare the sauce mixture and marinate the meat in advance to save time. Just make sure to refrigerate the marinated meat until you are ready to grill.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill or barbecue is essential for cooking the braai recipe.
  • Basting Brush - Used to brush the sauce mixture onto the meat during grilling.
  • Tongs - Ideal for handling and flipping the ribs, chicken, and sausages on the grill.
  • Grill Brush - Necessary for cleaning the grill grates before and after use.
  • Platter - A large serving platter for presenting and serving the cooked meat and corn.
  • Knife - Needed for cutting the cooked meat into portions if desired.
  • Corn Holders - Optional but helpful for holding and eating the grilled corn on the cob.

Origin stories

In the vast plains and rugged landscapes of South Africa, the tradition of the Braai was born. A Braai is not just a method of cooking food over an open fire - it is a social event deeply embedded in the South African culture. The term 'Braai' itself is Afrikaans for 'barbecue' or 'roast,' and it represents a true communal event where families and friends gather, sharing stories and camaraderie around the fire. The word has even inspired a public holiday, known as National Braai Day, celebrated annually on September 24. This is a day where South Africans of all racial and socio-economic backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage. The art of Braai is a testament to the country's diversity, a melting pot of culinary practices from African, Dutch, French, and Indian influences, uniting people over the shared love for grilled meat and vibrant conversation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.