Shisa Nyama
South African Township Braai
Shisa Nyama, meaning 'burn the meat' in Zulu, is more than just a meal; it's a vibrant social tradition and a cornerstone of township gatherings. This recipe outlines the essentials for a classic braai (barbecue) featuring a variety of grilled meats, served with traditional accompaniments like pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5kg Beef steaks (e.g., sirloin, rump, or a braai-specific cut)
- 1kg Pork chops
- 1kg Chicken pieces (e.g., thighs, drumsticks, wings)
- 1kg Boerewors (South African farmer's sausage)
- Generous amount, to taste Braai spice (a South African all-purpose braai seasoning)
- For serving Pap (Maize porridge)
- For serving Chakalaka (Spicy vegetable relish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Braai Fire: Start your braai (barbecue) by building a wood fire. Allow the wood to burn down until you have a bed of glowing coals. This typically takes about 45-60 minutes. The coals should be covered in a fine layer of white ash, indicating they are at the right temperature for grilling. Aim for medium-high heat.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 2
Season the Meats: While the fire is preparing, generously season all the prepared meats (beef, pork, chicken, and boerewors) on all sides with braai spice. Ensure an even coating. For tougher cuts of beef, you can also add a marinade or rub a day in advance for extra flavor and tenderness.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Grill the Meats: Once the coals are ready, arrange the seasoned meats on the braai grid. Start with the thicker cuts like beef steaks and pork chops, as they will take longer. Grill for approximately 10-15 minutes per side for steaks and chops, adjusting for thickness and desired doneness. Chicken pieces will likely take 20-30 minutes in total, turning frequently. Boerewors should be grilled until nicely browned and plump, about 15-20 minutes, being careful not to burst the casing. Use tongs to turn the meats, avoiding piercing them unnecessarily. The goal is a beautiful char and juicy interior.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 4
Rest the Meat: Once cooked to your liking, remove the meats from the braai and let them rest on a platter for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 5
Serve Communally: Arrange the grilled meats on a large platter. Serve immediately with freshly prepared pap and chakalaka. Shisa Nyama is best enjoyed hot, shared amongst friends and family, fostering a lively and communal dining experience.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Shisa Nyama translates to 'burn the meat' in Zulu, referring to the desired char on the grilled meat.
- ✓This is a highly social event; prepare to eat, drink, and converse.
- ✓A true township tradition, often enjoyed on weekends and holidays.
- ✓Ensure your braai spice is of good quality; it's the primary seasoning.
- ✓Keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage flare-ups from dripping fat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Incorporate other grilled items like lamb chops, fish, or vegetables.
- Offer a variety of sauces and relishes alongside chakalaka.
- Experiment with different braai spice blends or marinades.
- Serve with other South African staples like samp and beans or potato salad.