South African Braai Beef Skewers
Tender beef chunks marinated in garlic, vinegar, and herbs, then grilled over high heat until charred and smoky. A classic South African braai that tastes like an open-fire cookout in minutes.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 48g
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck or sirloin, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Mince the 4 garlic cloves until pieces are smaller than a grain of rice—about the size of pencil-tip dots.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, pour 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- 3
Stir the marinade with a wooden spoon until the salt dissolves and all ingredients are evenly mixed, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Add the 2 pounds of beef chunks to the bowl and stir with the wooden spoon until every piece is coated with marinade.
- 5
Let the beef sit in the marinade for 10 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the grill.
- 6
Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat for 5 minutes, until the grates are too hot to hold your hand above for more than 1 second.
- 7
Thread the marinated beef chunks onto metal skewers, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart so heat reaches all sides, using about 4 pieces per skewer.
- 8
Place the skewers on the hot grill grates and cook for 3 minutes without moving them—the beef will develop a dark, charred crust on the bottom.
- 9
Turn each skewer once and cook for 2 more minutes on the second side until the outside is dark brown and charred, and the meat is firm to a firm poke.
- 10
Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a clean cutting board or serving platter.
- 11
Let the beef rest for 3 minutes before serving—this keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Tools you’ll need
- large mixing bowl
- wooden spoon
- grill or grill pan
- metal skewers (4)
- cutting board or platter
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