Heritage Day, celebrated on the 24th of September in South Africa, is a day to embrace the country’s rich cultural diversity. It’s also famously known as “Braai Day,” where South Africans gather with friends and family to enjoy the ultimate national pastime – the braai. This year, why not elevate your braai by trying out a unique recipe that combines local flavours with a twist? Gresham Madhan from KwaZulu-Natal shares a mouth-watering Braaied Snoek recipe that’s perfect for this special occasion.
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Snoek, a fish found along the Western Cape and Northern Cape coasts, is a braai favourite due to its distinct, smoky flavour when grilled. By incorporating Amarula Cream into the baste and sauce, this recipe adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with the snoek’s natural taste.
Braaied Snoek Recipe
Ingredients
Snoek:
- 1.5 kg snoek cleaned and dried
Baste:
- ½ cup 125ml Amarula Cream
- 2 Tbsp 30ml olive oil
- 2 Tbsp 30ml canned crushed pineapple
- 2 Tbsp 30ml light soy sauce
- 1 tsp 5ml salt
- 1 tsp 5ml milled black pepper
- 1 tsp 5ml garlic powder
- 1 tsp 5ml onion powder
- ½ tsp 2.5ml ground cumin
- ½ tsp 2.5ml ground coriander
- ½ tsp 2.5ml chilli flakes
Sauce:
- ½ cup 125ml Amarula Cream
- 2 tsp 10ml soy sauce
- 1 tsp 5ml brown sugar
- 1 tsp 5ml lemon juice
- 2 tsp 10ml butter
- 1 tsp 5ml apricot jam
To Serve:
- Grilled lemon or lime wedges
- Fresh herbs
- Crispy potato wedges
- Seasonal green salad
Instructions
Prepare the Snoek:
- Ensure the snoek is clean and dried. This will help the baste adhere properly to the fish.
Make the Baste:
- Combine all the basting ingredients and generously brush the snoek. For the perfect braai, place the fish on the grid and cook it over medium heat, turning occasionally until the snoek is fully cooked. If braaing is not an option, cook under a hot grill and serve on a platter.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small pan, combine the sauce ingredients. Cook for 3–4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Drizzle the snoek with the sauce, garnish with grilled lemon or lime wedges, and fresh herbs. Serve alongside crispy potato wedges and a fresh seasonal salad.
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Heritage Day is all about celebrating South African culture, and nothing says South African like a braai. This Braaied Snoek recipe not only highlights local flavours but also introduces an Amarula-infused twist that will make your braai stand out. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or joining a community braai, this dish will be a delightful addition to the menu, paying homage to the traditions and tastes that make South Africa special.
For more mouth-watering braai ideas, check out The Great Marula Menu with The Lazy Makoti and J’Something, which features a variety of unique recipes designed to inspire your next gathering.
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