The braai is such a local favourite that it is incorporated into many weekly family meals and is an undisputed favourite for when you have company or go on holiday. Whether you’re a braai expert, or just starting to figure it out, new tips and recipes are always welcome.
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When it comes to braaing there are hundreds of options, many strong opinions, and often many family traditions that get passed along. And while we all respect tradition, sometimes we do need some new braai ideas. Trying new braai recipes is an excellent way to discover new tricks and family favourites. To help pick the right recipes for you, we’ve divided them into relevant categories.When it comes to braaing there are hundreds of options, many strong opinions, and often many family traditions that get passed along. And while we all respect tradition, sometimes we do need some new braai ideas. Trying new braai recipes is an excellent way to discover new tricks and family favourites. To help pick the right recipes for you, we’ve divided them into relevant categories.When it comes to braaing there are hundreds of options, many strong opinions, and often many family traditions that get passed along. And while we all respect tradition, sometimes we do need some new braai ideas. Trying new braai recipes is an excellent way to discover new tricks and family favourites. To help pick the right recipes for you, we’ve divided them into relevant categories.
When it comes to braaing there are hundreds of options, many strong opinions, and often many family traditions that get passed along. And while we all respect tradition, sometimes we do need some new braai ideas. Trying new braai recipes is an excellent way to discover new tricks and family favourites. To help pick the right recipes for you, we’ve divided them into relevant categories.
1. Quick and Easy braai tips and recipes
There’s no rule that says you must stand behind the braai for seven hours to create super tasty food. Many of the best braai recipes are actually very quick and simple.
- There's nothing wrong with a braai breakfast broodjie at any time of the day! It requires minimal braai time and easy ingredients. Absolutely delicious for breakfast, lunch or a late-night snack.
- Hamburgers are also very easy. And you can make them super tasty by investing in quality meat and making your own patties. The secret to success will be in the patty. Some people prefer extra spice, others prefer more herbs, or just want to keep it very plain. It’s your choice.
- To make these an extra success use delicious homemade burger buns. But if those aren’t on hand, you can just lightly butter and toast any buns on the braai.
- Your burger toppings are important! Make sure you have a good selection from tomatoes to pickles and cheese. That way everyone can build their own burger to suit their own taste.
- Boerie rolls! These are a firm favourite and also easy to make. Again, the quality of the boerewors will make all the difference. If you’re not sure what to buy, any decent butcher shop will be able to give excellent advice.
- When it comes to toppings for your boerie roll you can keep it simple with mustard and tomato sauce, or you can get a little creative with fried mushrooms or onions. Toppings are limited only by your taste and imagination.
- When it comes to toppings for your boerie roll you can keep it simple with mustard and tomato sauce, or you can get a little creative with fried mushrooms or onions. Toppings are limited only by your taste and imagination.
- Pro Tip: ask around! We bet you can get some easy and amazing recipes from friends, family, colleagues and even random people on Facebook.
There are plenty of easy braai recipe ideas out there with excellent instructions. Just search around a bit until you find the ones that appeal to you.
2. Gourmet braai recipes
If you’re in the mood to impress your guests, and yourself, there are many ways to turn a braai into gourmet cuisine.
- Ingredients are going to make the biggest difference. If you’re going gourmet, you’ll want to invest in specialised breads, cheeses, chutneys, and spices to add some flair.
- The idea behind a gourmet braai is that you’re not doing any of the ‘typical’ braai recipes. You can still stick to favourite dishes (such as a boerie roll), but with more interesting flavours and presentation.
- Put a gourmet spin on your traditional side dishes and include sides such as a Mexican Salad, or homemade cornbread.
- A delicious potjie is always impressive and there are loads of recipes to choose from. A potjie takes a while to cook, so you’ll often have to start preparing well in advance.
- Serve your potjie with anything from pap or rice to baked potatoes, couscous or luxury breads. Spruce things up with herbs/complementary flavours in the side dishes.
- Take a look at this post to help guide you with your next potjie.
- Adding seafood to your braai is a quick way of upping your gourmet game! Think oysters, mussels, prawns, and crab. This is a sure way to turn your braai into a top-notch culinary experience.
- Sometimes, gourmet food is very simple - such as the perfectly braaied steak. This is something most of us need to practise before we get it right, but thankfully there are many handy tips to be found. If you master the art of the perfect steak, you’ll become a household legend.
- Gourmet braai tips: a lot of the ‘gourmet’ depends on your condiments. Make sure you have a good selection of flavoured butters, breads, cheese (use camembert on burgers, for example), chutneys, various pickles, different chilli sauces etc. Shop around for the perfect luxury braai condiments.
- To really impress, why not add a few impressive cocktails into the mix? This will give your braai that extra, luscious flair.
3. The alternative/vegan braai
Yes, there are some incredible vegan braai options! If you, or some of your guests, are vegan or vegetarian, we are lucky enough to be braaing in an age where all options are available.
Pro-Tip: if you’re in charge of the braai, but not sure what the difference is between vegan and vegetarian, check out this handy post. This way you’ll at least know what to avoid, which is a good start.
- There are plenty of plant-based burger patties and sausages available in most grocery stores. Double-check the instructions, but most can be braaied exactly the same way as meat.
- Tip: if you’re braaing meat & vegan use separate grills or braais to avoid cross contamination.
- Tip: if you’re braaing meat & vegan use separate grills or braais to avoid cross contamination.
- There are plenty of interesting vegan braai options and many of them are actually really easy to make.
- Tip: If you’re going to make pineapple or mushroom skewers, make extra for the ‘carnivores’ as well! From experience, we know that these quickly fly off the plate as everyone loves them.
- Tip: If you’re going to make pineapple or mushroom skewers, make extra for the ‘carnivores’ as well! From experience, we know that these quickly fly off the plate as everyone loves them.
- For a host of vegan braai options, take a look at this post. But, this list gives you an idea of the endless ingredients and flavours you can work with: onions, sweet pepper, mielies, vegan mayonnaise, mushrooms, all herbs, avocado, potatoes, delicious mixed vegetables braaied to perfection.
- Vegan South Africa has excellent resources to find all things vegan as well as more recipes.
- Tip: make sure all condiments are also vegan friendly.
- Tip: make sure all condiments are also vegan friendly.
- Pasta! This is a winner for vegetarians or vegans and is easy to do on a braai. Take a look at these amazing recipes. All you need is a skillet and the pasta can be done on the braai.
4. Braaibroodjie perfection
No matter what type of braai you’re having, braaibroodjies are an intrinsic part of the braai experience. There are many ways to get creative with braaibroodjies.
- If you opt for store-bought braaibroodjies (some are amazing!) you can add your own flair to them with a bit of extra cheese, chilli or spice.
- If you want to go all-in and make your own, take a look at these ideas.
- For those who want to take their braaibroodjies to the next level and turn them into a delicacy, we suggest taking a look at these recipes.
5. Pap ideas
No braai is complete without an indecent amount of pap. You’ve probably already perfected your own recipe, but if you’re looking for new ideas, consider the following:
- Make savoury pap for extra flavour
- Or try an extra creamy version.
- The deep fried pap balls with cheese sound amazing!
- Go big and make a paptert with fillings such as biltong, cheese, and mushroom.
We hope the above ideas have inspired you to dust off your braai or simply try something new. Braaiing is such a big part of South African culture and new ideas and recipes are constantly popping up. Whether you’re sticking to traditional favourites or trying your hand at some gourmet recipes, we wish you happy braaiing all year round!
If you’re looking for more ideas, download our Summer Braai Recipe eBook for a little inspiration.
Braaing remains a favourite South African tradition.
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