Discover the ultimate South African barbecue experience with this traditional Braai recipe. Learn how to grill boerewors, juicy steaks, and tender chicken to perfection. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe captures the rich flavors and unique techniques of authentic Braai. Elevate your grilling game and enjoy a true taste of South Africa!

Ingredients:

- Boerewors (South African sausage)

- Steaks (your choice of cuts, e.g., ribeye or sirloin)

- Chicken pieces (e.g., drumsticks or thighs)

- Olive oil or vegetable oil

- Garlic cloves, minced

- Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Paprika and cumin (optional for additional flavor)

- Lemon wedges for serving

- BBQ sauce or chutney (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:

  - In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary or thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Marinate the Meats:

  - Rub the marinade all over the boerewors, steaks, and chicken pieces. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Grill:

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and ashed over. For a gas grill, set the burners to medium-high.

Grill the Boerewors:

  - Place the boerewors on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

Grill the Steaks:

  - Place the steaks on the grill and cook to your desired doneness, about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.

Grill the Chicken:

  - Place the chicken pieces on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 20-25 minutes.

Serve:

  - Transfer the grilled meats to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or chutney if desired.

Enjoy:

  - Pair your Braai with traditional South African sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or pap (cornmeal porridge) for a complete meal.

Enjoy your authentic South African Braai!

Nutritional values

This traditional South African Braai (BBQ) recipe includes a variety of meats, seasonings, and optional sauces, creating a rich and flavorful outdoor feast. Each element contributes to a delicious, smoky meal with a combination of textures and flavors.

Boerewors (South African Sausage)

 - Calories: 340 kcal

 - Protein: 15 grams

 - Fat: 30 grams

Benefits: Boerewors is a spiced sausage made with beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned with spices like coriander and nutmeg. It is flavorful and a staple of South African braais, providing a savory and aromatic taste.

Steaks (Ribeye or Sirloin)

 - Calories: 291 kcal

 - Protein: 26 grams

 - Fat: 21 grams

Benefits: Ribeye and sirloin steaks are rich in protein and healthy fats. The steaks can be grilled to your desired doneness, providing a tender and juicy texture with a bold, meaty flavor.

Chicken Pieces (Drumsticks or Thighs)

 - Calories: 157 kcal

 - Protein: 25 grams

 - Fat: 6 grams

Benefits: Chicken drumsticks or thighs are ideal for grilling due to their rich flavor and juiciness. They are packed with protein and can be seasoned with various spices to enhance their taste.

Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil

 - Calories: 884 kcal

 - Fat: 100 grams

Benefits: Used to marinate and grill the meat, oil helps lock in moisture and adds richness to the food. Olive oil is heart-healthy, providing beneficial fats.

Garlic Cloves (Minced)

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

Benefits: Garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the meat, enhancing its overall taste. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (Chopped)

 - Calories: 131 kcal (for rosemary)

 - Carbohydrates: 20 grams

Benefit: Rosemary and thyme bring fresh, aromatic flavors to the meats. They are rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Benefits: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the meat. Black pepper provides a mild heat, while salt balances and boosts the natural flavors.

Paprika and Cumin (Optional for Additional Flavor)

 - Calories: 282 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 54 grams

Benefits: Paprika and cumin add a smoky, earthy note to the meat. Both spices contain antioxidants and may offer digestive benefits.

Lemon Wedges (For Serving)

 - Calories: 29 kcal

 - Vitamin C: 53 mg

Benefits: Lemon wedges provide a bright, tangy flavor that complements the rich and smoky taste of grilled meats. It also helps balance the fattiness and adds a refreshing twist.

BBQ Sauce or Chutney (Optional)

 - Calories: 175 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 42 grams

Benefits: BBQ sauce or chutney adds sweetness and complexity to the dish. Chutney, often made with fruits and spices, offers a tangy and spicy contrast to the grilled meats.

This South African Braai features a combination of boerewors, steak, and chicken, marinated with garlic, herbs, and spices, then grilled to perfection. The addition of optional sauces like BBQ or chutney provides sweetness and spice, while lemon wedges add brightness. A perfect meal for a summer gathering, this braai delivers a variety of textures and flavors. Serve with sides like grilled vegetables or salads for a complete outdoor feast.