South Africa's braai culture is known all around the world. One of the most popular dishes to braai is snoek - a long, slender fish commonly found in the waters around the southern tip of Africa. Braaing snoek is a skill that takes time to perfect, but with the right tips and tools, you can enjoy a deliciously charred and succulent snoek at your next braai.
Choosing Your Snoek
Purchasing the perfect snoek is the first step to a successful and tasty braai. Look for a fresh snoek that is firm to the touch and has clear, shiny eyes. A strong fishy smell is good, but if it smells sour or ammonia-like, it's best to avoid it. Typically, a snoek weighing around 1-1.5 kg is perfect for braaiing.
Cleaning and Prepping Your Snoek
Before braaiing your snoek, you need to make sure it's cleaned and prepped correctly. Using a filleting knife, remove the head and tail of the snoek. Slice open the belly from the anus to the gills and remove any internal organs.
Next, remove the scales from the remaining flesh using a scraper or the back of a knife. Rinse the snoek under cold running water, pat dry the flesh, and make sure there are no remaining bones.
Braaing Your Snoek
Once your snoek is cleaned and prepped, it's time to start braaiing. Preheat your braai to medium heat and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can also wrap your snoek in aluminium foil with butter, lemon, and herbs for extra flavor and moisture.
Place the snoek on the grill, skin-side down, and braai it for about 10 to 12 minutes. Using a fish braai grid or a wooden plank will make flipping and removing the snoek from the grid much easier. Once the skin is crispy and the meat is fully cooked, carefully remove the snoek from the braai.
Additional Tips:
- If you don't have access to fresh snoek, you can use frozen snoek. However, make sure it's thoroughly defrosted before braaiing.
- To add extra flavor, baste the snoek with your choice of marinade or sauce while braaiing.
- Pair your braaied snoek with a traditional South African side dish like mieliepap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).
In Conclusion
Braaiing snoek is a delicious and beloved South African tradition. With the right preparation and cooking methods, you can impress your guests with a perfectly braaied snoek that is juicy, flavorful, and tender.
