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BUSINESS NEWS - South Africans take their braais seriously, and rightly so – a braai is more than just a way to cook; it's a cultural tradition that brings family and friends together. While every braai master has their tricks, these five hacks can take your braai game to the next level.
1. Use an onion to clean the grill
Keeping your braai stand clean is essential for great-tasting food, but scrubbing a greasy grill can be tedious. Instead of using harsh chemicals or metal brushes, grab a halved onion.
Heat the grill and use a fork to hold the onion, then rub it over the hot grates. The onion’s natural acids cut through grease and charred residue, leaving your grill spotless and adding a subtle flavour to your next braai.
2. Create dual heat zones for better control
Mastering heat control is essential to perfect cooking on braai stands. Create dual heat zones on your grill by piling more coals on one side.
The hotter side is ideal for searing steaks, chops, and burgers, while the cooler side is perfect for slower-cooking sausages, chicken, or vegetables. This method gives you greater control over cooking times and ensures all your food is perfectly cooked without burning.
3. Add wood chips for a smoky flavour
While charcoal does an excellent job of providing heat, adding wood chips can infuse your food with incredible smoky flavours.
Soak the chips in water for 30 minutes before sprinkling them over your hot coals. Popular options include oak or fruitwoods like apple and cherry. Each type imparts a unique flavour, enhancing everything from steak to chicken.
4. Use goil for easy veggie braais
Vegetables are a braai staple, but they can easily slip through the grates or cook unevenly. Solve this problem with aluminium foil.
Wrap your veggies in a foil parcel with olive oil, garlic, and your favourite herbs. Place the parcel on the braai, turning occasionally, for perfectly cooked and flavourful veggies every time. This hack also keeps your braai stand cleaner, saving you time on post-braai cleanup.
5. Repurpose a muffin tray for condiments and marinades
Serving condiments and marinades at a braai can quickly become messy. Keep things organised by repurposing a muffin tray. Fill each compartment with different sauces, spices, or marinades, giving guests easy access while keeping your braai area neat. Bonus tip: use a separate tray to hold cooking oil, a basting brush, and tongs for a more efficient setup.
Elevate your braai game
A successful braai isn’t just about the food, it’s about the experience. By incorporating these hacks, you’ll not only improve your cooking skills but also make your braai sessions more enjoyable and stress-free.
So, fire up that braai stand, put these tips to the test, and become the ultimate braai master in your circle.
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