Easy Braai Sauce (Southern African BBQ) Recipe 

This braai sauce recipe is not only delicious but also allows you to customize it with your preferred ingredients, making it a healthier option. Its versatility, quick preparation, and ease of use make it a fantastic choice for any occasion.

Easy Braai Sauce (Barbecue)

This South African barbecue sauce is a blend of sweetness and savory, with a slight tang and mild zing to it, loads of depth and character, making it perfect for all types of meats!  

We love this homemade braai sauce for just about any type of meat because it pairs so well and it elevates the taste without any nasties added. The beauty ofcourse, lies in your ability to customize the flavor to your liking as you taste, add, and season along the way. Made from scratch with notes of sweetness and warm spices, this is the best braai sauce that you could ever share with your family!

An easy homemade braai sauce that's not only affordable but also incredibly versatile and delicious, providing every reason to whip it up regularly. Plus, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes! Now all that's left, is for you to make it and enjoy or take it to your local group for a real conversation starter in a warm sense of community 🙂 Just a reminder to let everyone know that it's not a prego sauce but a braai sauce! 

South Africans love a good braai and we will braai any place, any time, we just need a fire or open flame, meat and yes, you guessed it, this braai sauce for a traditional South African style of barbecue. 

Braai Sauce

Great for basting or as a topping and if you understand the power of how to use sauces in the kitchen then you will love this sauce!  Sauces don't only add saucy goodness to food, most are quick, easy and very useful at re-purposing. 

It takes 5 minutes to get all the ingredients into a saucepan and then about 15 minutes to simmer and the taste is off the charts sensational!  It can turn any recipe into the most awesome dishes!

Ingredients

Don’t be overwhelmed about the number of ingredients just get them in the saucepan, and you will be rewarded with buckets of flavor! 

• Tomato sauce (ketchup): Provides a rich tomato base and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Adds depth of flavor and richness to the sauce, enhancing its color and texture.
• Apple cider vinegar: Infuses a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the sauce and adds brightness to every bite.
• Seasoning: A proprietary blend of herbs and spices, carefully selected to enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
• Molasses: Imparts a deep, caramelized sweetness and a hint of bitterness, adding complexity to the sauce.
• Honey: Contributes natural sweetness and a luscious texture, complementing the tangy and smoky notes of the sauce.
• Liquid smoke: Provides a subtle smokiness that evokes the flavors of outdoor grilling, enhancing the authenticity of the braai experience.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, caramelizing beautifully when grilled and creating a delightful glaze on meats.

How To Make Braai Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and seasoning.
2. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Transfer the braai sauce to a clean jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
8. Use the sauce immediately as a marinade, basting sauce, or dipping sauce for grilled meats, or store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Serving Ideas 

Some ideas on serving this braai sauce with a huge authentic flavor!

• Different meat cuts from short rib to african sausage. Different parts of the world, different recipes but for us, its the worcestershire sauce that makes this sauce fit even for our South African braai masters 🙂 
• Serve this braai sauce with these foolproof fall-apart ribs on our cherished South African Tradition, Heritage Day! Seriously good ribs, easy recipe for any time of the year. 
• Stay open to other food types and textures like grilled pineapple, peaches and vegetables including red pepper and others. 

FAQ

How can I make my braai sauce thicker? 

If you simmer it for the full time, it should not need thickening but if you've added too much liquid and need to thicken it, simply try these tricks: 

• make a slurry with Maizena (cornstarch) and water (paste)
• add tomato paste

What can I add for heat? 

I always add a pinch from any of these; paprika, cayenne, chili flakes and my absolute favorite for even more umami is the Asian Gochujang paste!

Easy Braai Salads 

As the saying goes, you can’t have a braai without a salad, here are some great salad ideas!

• Potato Salad
• Tomato Cucumber Salad
• Raw Carrot Salad
• Pesto Pasta and Chicken Cold Salad
• Greek Salad
• Berries Prosciutto And Cheese Salad
• Red Cabbage Salad
• Tomato Cumber Salad
• Mediterranean Salad

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