Mastering the Christmas Braai- A Step-by-Step Guide for South Africans

Think about where you’re braaiing. Do you need a compact balcony setup or a large freestanding braai for the backyard? Woolworths stocks a range of portable braais perfect for travel and built-in options ideal for outdoor kitchens.

Always check for ventilation. Place the braai on a stable, flat surface away from low-hanging trees or open windows. Keep a metal tray under the grid to catch dripping fat. Store your firelighters and wood nearby, but never too close to the flames.

If you use charcoal, stack your coals in a pyramid with two firelighters at the base. Light and let it burn until the coals turn a light shade of grey. Wood lovers can try dry hardwood like kameeldoring or Rooikrans for rich aroma and steady heat.

Skip the wire brush. Loose bristles can stick to grids and end up in your food. Use a scraper or an onion half while the grid is still hot.

Season your meat early. Marinate steak, chicken or sosaties the night before. Try our marinated cuts for convenience. Our sweet chilli marinated chicken thigh kebabs or BBQ pork ribs need no extra work.

If you’re going the homemade route, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and herbs for lamb. For chicken, yoghurt-based marinades work best to tenderise and lock in moisture.

The meat might take centre stage, but your sides bring it all together. Grab ready-made Woolworths favourites like tangy coleslaw, potato salad or spicy chakalaka or cook your own mielies, dusted with parmesan and brushed with herb butter. For starch, serve pap or garlic bread. If you’re watching time, garlic & cheese filled roosterkoek delivers that perfect golden crunch with minimal fuss.

Christmas Day? Grill free range lamb chops and serve with baby potatoes and green salad. New Year’s Eve? Stick with quick braai hits like beef skewers and garlic flatbreads. Casual beach braai? Pack chicken wings, wors rolls and Woolworths iced tea bottles for a fuss-free setup.

Finish with dessert. Serve peppermint crisp tart in glass jars, or go light with Woolies lemon loaf cake and fresh fruit.

Always braai with a cooler nearby, both for drinks and to keep salads fresh. Use wooden boards and enamel bowls for serving. Clear away packaging before you start to keep your prep area clean and organised.

Most importantly, stay close to the fire. Rotate meat regularly. Use tongs, not forks, to avoid piercing and drying out your cuts. Let the meat rest before serving to lock in the juices.

Shop Woolworths for braai meats, desserts, spices and braai tools online or in store. Our quality ingredients, ready-to-braai options and festive extras help you master every moment around the fire. Let this be the year your braai becomes everyone’s favourite. Do all your Christmas shopping for food, decorations and more now.