10 Sep Perfecting Your Braai Day: Affordable Meat Choices for the Grill

On 24th September, South Africans will gather to celebrate National Heritage Day, also known as National Braai Day. This beloved tradition unites friends and family around a fire to enjoy great company and even better food.

While the braai is a staple in South African culture, choosing the right cuts of meat can elevate your Heritage Day celebrations. This year, why not make your braai unforgettable by selecting some delicious lesser known Wagyu cuts?

Let’s have a look at some underrated meat choices that will take your braai to the next level.

Flank Iron Steak

Flank Iron steak, cut from the beef’s flank primal cut, is known for its bold flavour and distinct grain. Though it can be a tougher cut, marinating the steak before grilling helps tenderise the meat and infuses it with rich, smoky flavours.

Cooked quickly over high heat, flank steak should be grilled to medium-rare and sliced thinly against the grain to keep it tender. This versatile cut can be served on its own or paired with zesty salsa or grilled vegetables for a delicious meal.

Skirt Steak

Skirt steak, a long and flat cut from the plate, is prized for its robust flavour. While it’s a bit chewier than other cuts, the taste more than compensates. Skirt steak loves high heat, so grilling it hot and fast for 3-4 minutes on each side will result in a beautifully seared exterior with a juicy, pink interior.

Marinating is key for skirt steak, as it tenderises the meat and locks in flavour. Pair this cut with grilled mielies or vegetables for a truly satisfying braai.

Rump Tail

Often overlooked but packed with flavour, rump tail (also known as tri-tip) is a versatile cut that can be roasted, fried, or braaied to perfection. Known for its even cooking and tenderness, rump tail is best grilled over hot coals, especially with its fat cap intact to enhance the flavour.

Marinating the rump tail with a blend of orange juice, rosemary, garlic, and ginger creates a delightful mix of flavours. Grill it fat-side down for a golden, crispy exterior, and serve with a crisp salad or potatoes to complement the richness of the meat.

With these Wagyu selections on your grill, you’re guaranteed to make this Braai Day one to remember.

Elevate Your Braai

Whether you’re serving flank iron steak, skirt steak, or rump tail, these Wagyu cuts will ensure your braai is a memorable one. Each cut offers a unique combination of flavours and textures that are perfect for grilling, making them ideal choices for a festive occasion like Braai Day.

At Blake’s Fine Foods, we offer premium-quality meats to make your braai a culinary celebration that honours South African tradition. As one of the backbones of Cape Town’s culinary scene, we supply premium ingredients to some of the city’s most renowned eateries. Contact us today to bring home the best cuts for your next braai.