Cookbook:Braai (Zambian Barbecue)
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Braai (Zambian Barbecue) | |
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Category | Zambian recipes |
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Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment | Techniques | Cookbook Disambiguation Pages | Recipes
Braai is a traditional Zambian barbecue that brings people together for a delightful outdoor cooking experience. This method of grilling is popular in Zambia, especially during social gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
[edit | edit source]- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds beef, cut into skewer-friendly pieces
Equipment
[edit | edit source]- Grill or braai stand
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Plastic wrap
Procedure
[edit | edit source]- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable oil, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the beef pieces to the marinade and toss them until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to enhance the flavors.
- If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Preheat the grill or braai stand to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated beef pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook the beef for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Once the beef is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes, tips, and variations
[edit | edit source]- You can use different cuts of beef, such as sirloin, ribeye, or rump, for the braai. Ensure the pieces are cut into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- For added flavor, you can add other spices or herbs to the marinade, such as thyme, rosemary, or ginger.
- If you prefer, you can also marinate chicken, pork, or lamb using the same marinade and grilling method.
- Braai is traditionally served with side dishes like nshima (maize meal porridge), salads, or grilled vegetables.