Inspired by the rich, smoky undertones of traditional Braai sauces, this recipe blends spice, umami, and sweetness for a marinade that penetrates deeply into your meat of choice. It’s the kind of sauce that turns ordinary chops, ribs, or steaks into something memorable.
There’s nothing quite like gathering around the fire for a weekend braai—especially when you’ve got a marinade that’s been doing the heavy lifting overnight. This homemade braai marinade combines pantry staples with fresh aromatics for a deeply layered flavour that brings out the best in your grill. Make it ahead, marinate overnight, and serve up smoky perfection.
For Red Meat Lovers (Steak, Chops, Ribs)
🔥 Intro:
When it comes to steak, lamb chops, or ribs on the braai, bold, smoky flavour is a must. This marinade is tailored specifically for red meat, combining umami-rich mushrooms with spices and acidity to tenderize and flavour every bite. Let it do its magic overnight for juicy, caramelised perfection over the coals.
✅ Adjustments:
- Keep original ingredients as-is for maximum flavour.
- Optional: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika or chipotle paste for added depth.
💡 Tip:
For steaks, blot off excess marinade before grilling to get a beautiful sear.
Vegetarian/Vegan Braai Marinade
🌱 Intro:
Braais aren’t just for meat-lovers! This vegan-friendly marinade brings layers of flavour to plant-based proteins like tofu, mushrooms, eggplant, and veggie skewers. It’s deeply savoury, a little sweet, and loaded with umami—perfect for bringing excitement to your next fire-cooked meal.
✅ Adjustments:
- Omit Worcestershire sauce (unless using a vegan version).
- Ensure ketchup and soy sauce are vegan.
- Replace liquid pectin with 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed into 2 tbsp water if needed for thickness.
💡 Tip:
Use this marinade on large mushrooms or thick slices of aubergine, and grill until deeply charred.
Low-Sugar / Diabetic-Friendly Braai Marinade
🧂 Intro:
Looking to keep things light without sacrificing flavour? This low-sugar marinade brings a punch of taste with no added sugars. Perfect for health-conscious grillers, it keeps the tang and spice, leaving the sweetness behind—but not the flavour.
✅ Adjustments:
- Replace 3 tbsp brown sugar with 1 tbsp sugar-free sweetener (e.g., erythritol or stevia blend).
- Double the mushrooms for enhanced umami.
- Optional: Add a dash of balsamic vinegar for natural sweetness.
💡 Tip:
Taste before adding extra salt—sugar-free versions often accentuate saltiness.
Ultimate Braai Marinade: Bring Big Braai Energy to the Table
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup onion minced
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 4 large mushrooms chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp liquid pectin optional-omit if marinating more than a day in advance
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Simmer the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
💡 Tips:
- Let meat marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours before grilling.
- Bring marinated meat to room temperature before placing it on the braai.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—many ingredients already contribute saltiness.