There are few things more specific to South Africa than lighting a fire and having a braai. It’s a pastime that South Africans from all walks of life enjoy. But, even though most South Africans would class themselves as top braai masters, we can all stand to learn a new trick or two to improve our braai skills. And, wouldn’t we all love a few tips on how to save money when hosting a braai … so we can braai more often?
So, we spoke to top chef, Benny Masekwameng to get his best tips on how to braai on a budget. Whether you’re looking to do a more traditional, meaty braai, or a contemporary, nutritious vegan braai, finding new and exciting flavours may be difficult. These tips will help you save money on your menu but will still provide your guests with an unforgettable five-star experience.
Presentation is key:
When it comes to hosting a braai on a budget, presentation is key. If you display your braai meat in an appetising way it will go a long way to helping your guests enjoy the experience that much more. For a breathtaking display, create a platter with the available spread you have. Layout the products on a wooden board or an oven tray. To enhance aesthetics, simply cut and grill some veggies and add them to your layout. Voila! You’ll be ready to set and present your meal.
Invest in premium tasting meat:
You don’t have to blow your budget on meat. Chef Benny advises that the simplest way to get premium tasting meat without paying the price is to buy beef chuck. For a quick braai, simply ask your butcher to cut it into thin slices and all that’s left is for you to quickly braai it. But if you have time, braai it whole, low and slow.
Also read: Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Braai in SA
Braai the juiciest meat on a budget:
Getting the juiciest braai meat ever is simple says Chef Benny. Here he shares a four-ingredient hack for the best braai meat. Add and mix tomato sauce, soy sauce, fruit chutney and olive oil. Once mixed, add and massage onto your meat, then braai to perfection.
Don’t forget the side dish:
Listen, we know the meat is the star of the show, but don’t forget the side dish. It will add some variety to your meal. A South African favourite for a braai is the potato salad as a side dish. Here’s a trick to make it even tastier: slice your par-cooked potatoes and toss them in a hot pan with olive oil. Add some salt and pepper, then lower your heat and add in your sliced onions. Allow your onions to caramelise slowly to infuse with the potatoes and that will give it a delicious flavour.
Also read: 5 Cooking Tips for Those Days When You’re Feeling Lazy
Kiddie’s corner:
Braais can be fun for both adults and children. Create a section for the kids where they can be entertained while you keep an eye on them. Offer them some toys, crayons, games, and you can even provide them with ingredients to make their own skewers and act as junior braai masters.
Wrap it up:
We all know that great meals end with a delicious dessert. Chef Benny believes this trick will help you add that last punch to your guests’ braai experience. All you need is some fruit and your fire. Grill your fruits on the stand and once they are ready, serve them with either ice-cream, cream or custard.
Or, try your hand at a South African fondue. Another method to cater for those with a sweet tooth is to make a so-called South African Fondue. All you need is a small pot that can be placed at a low-heat section of the fire. Toss in a few chocolate pieces and melt them in some cream in the pot. Grab your fruit skewers or some marshmallows on a stick, gather your guests around the fire, dip and enjoy!
Use the right tools for the job:
Lastly, don’t forget to use the right tools for the job. Buy the best tools you can afford and they’ll go a long way to helping you ensure your braai meat is cooked to perfection.
To get the party started and the fire roaring quickly, use good quality firefighters like BIC firelighters, which are designed to ignite quickly and burn for longer, helping you avoid waste and saving in the long run.
Just like any good chef needs a decent set of knives to get things done in the kitchen, a pro braai master needs a good braai set with all the right tools. Whether you’re looking to braai the perfect steak, flip those chops with ease, or keep a handle on the boerewors, a braai set will have just the utensil for the job. To get the job done right, we love the MegaMaster 3-piece Braai Set.
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