5 Tips for Seasoning Braai Meat Like a Pro

Since the time of the cave dweller, men (and more recently, women) have been lighting fires and cooking juicy meat for their families. In South Africa braai culture is as much part of our heritage as our game reserves, cave paintings and Jerusalema.

To be identified as a professional braaier in this country is almost as prestigious as being chosen for an Olympic team. And knowing what seasoning to use to make the perfect meaty meal is one way your worth is measured. Robertsons is here to help you go for the Gold by bringing you five tips and ideas for spicing braai meat. We have gone to the ends of the earth to source the purest herbs and spices to ensure that when you’re seasoning meat, you are doing so masterfully.

5 Brilliant Tips for Seasoning Braai Meat

1. Play with pepper
2. Coarse salt, of course
3. Save time with a pre-mixed blend
4. A little pat works wonders
5. Add uber umami

1. Play with Pepper

Black pepper is not the only way to add a little zing to your braai meat. Don’t get stuck in your way, try different varieties of pepper. If you are braaing chicken you cannot go wrong with the zesty flavour of Robertsons Lemon Pepper. It has a punchy citrus flavour with a zingy twist that ignites the umami flavours of meat it is paired with.​

Robertsons White Pepper is another culinary treat that brings a delicate, mild flavour that works best when rubbed into fish or dusted over prawns or crayfish before slow roasting them on the coals.​

For bold heat go with Robertsons Cayenne Pepper on steaks, beef sosaties and lamb chops. This fiery chilli pepper is perfect if you enjoy your braai meat a little spicier.​

Top Tip: Cayenne pepper can do you the world of good. It contains calcium, magnesium, potassium as well as vitamins A, E, C, B6 and K.

2. Coarse Salt, of Course

When it comes to salt, the best braai tip we can give you is to use coarse salt rather than table salt. Our Robertsons Atlantic Sea Salt is brought to you from the cold waters of the Atlantic and is available in a handy grinder. When you use coarse salt to season meat, the larger grains distribute more easily and cling better to the meat’s surface, nudging you towards the title of braai king amongst your friends.​

3. Save Time with a Premixed Blend

No time to test complicated combinations of spices? No problem. We at Robertsons know that when a craving for braai meat strikes, there is no time like the present. We draw from our years of expertise in the spice craft to create mouth-watering spice combinations, so you don’t have to.

Robertsons Braai & Grill All-in-One is exactly what it promises to be. With perfectly balanced flavours from coriander, paprika, celery and thyme, you’ll be doing your red meat a favour with this one. Not a meat eater? No problem! Try our Mushroom Steaks for a deeply flavourful, and intensely savoury vegetarian grill.​

Another hot contender is Robertsons Braai & Grill Spicy BBQ with its layers of smoky paprika, onion, garlic and cumin It’ll transform shortribs into a tender, sticky feast, complemented by a delicious side of pap and chakalaka. And if it’s a buttery and spicy steak you’re after, look no further than our sensational grilled ribeye recipe.​

4. A Little Pat Works Wonders

Another clever meat seasoning tip is to pat the meat dry before seasoning. Grab a paper towel and use it to absorb moisture off the meat before seasoning it. This improves the contact between the braai grid and the surface of the meat and allows the meat to sear, rather than steam, on the coals.

A drier cut of meat also holds on to seasoning better, ensuring the added flavour does not fall into the coals but sticks to the surface of the meat.

Top Tip: Remember to season meat from above to get an even distribution of your delicious spices. Besides, it makes you look like a pro!

5. Add Uber Umami

If reading this has whetted your appetite for a good old South African braai, hold on! We have one more meat seasoning tip to share. To add notes of melt-in-your-mouth umami to your meat try pairing it with other sources of this flavour.

Robertsons Garlic Flakes, for example, or tomato paste or soy sauce. Even Marmite can add savoury flavour layers and awaken the natural umami taste of meat. For another source of umami try Robertsons Masterblends Rosemary & Garlic with its a combination of onions, chillies and garlic.​

Need More Braaispiration?

If you are a passionate braai connoisseur there is so much you can do with herbs and spices to create the perfect meat seasoning. For braaispiration check out: 5 Secret Spice Combinations for the Perfect Braai where we divulge our best meat and spice pairings for a braai that will take your tastebuds on an adventure.​

Robertson’s Famous For Flavour

Don't miss the chance to enter Robertson's Famous For Flavour Competition! Robertson's is inviting South Africans to enter the 'Famous for Flavour' competition to stand a chance to win their share of close to R300 000 in prizes including cash prizes of up to R20 000. This is a great opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and creativity by using Robertson's spices and herbs in your recipes. So, whether you're an experienced chef or an amateur cook, join the competition and let your taste buds take the lead!