How does braaivleis or braai compare to western grilling?
Braai and grilling are two methods of preparing meat and similar food products outdoors, and it involves the application of heat. Although western grilling and South African braai are mostly similar methods of preparing meat, especially for an outdoor gathering, there are still distinctions between the two modes of food preparation. This article compares braai to grilling.
Braii
Braii is of South African origin and is also known as braaivleis. Braaivleis is a combination of two Afrikaans words. Braai means to roast or barbeque, while vleis means meat. Braaivleis was shortened as braai and is popularly known as braai too.
During a braai, raw meat and food products are cooked over an open flame to give the unique braai taste. The major distinction between a braai and grilling is the way the meat and other products are prepared.
Braii involves the cooking of meat over an open flame that is mostly from wood. Wood and charcoal are the typical sources of fuel for a braai. With the increased worldwide call for a greener society, more persons are switching to gas as the major source of fuel for their braais. However, a lot of wood sand charcoal braais still hold till date.
Because braai requires wood and charcoal as sources of fuel, it takes a longer time to prepare the meat and other food products. The meat cooked during braais can range from slightly cooked to well cooked, depending on one's preferences.
Because South African love spicy foods, a lot of spice is typically added to meat prepared during braais. Braais are associated with different seasons. One doesn't need a specific occasion to organize braai. Every occasion is braai worthy, from a good day to family gatherings. Several food items can also be cooked on a braai; they include lamb, corn and salmon.
Western grilling
Western grilling is another way of cooking meat outdoors on a grill. The major difference between this form of meat preparation and braai is the fact that grilling does not require an open flame, and one does not need to get charcoal or wood as fuel. Because grilling is fueled by gas, it takes a shorter time to prepare meat according to the western grilling style. The way the meat is cooked according to the western grilling cooking type determines how cooked the final result will be.
Although western grilling is not carried out routinely, it is close to braai. Western grilling is known to be carried out at festivities without the extra spicing synonymous with braais. When compared to braai, western grilling can be a bit bland.
Braai could thus be described as the more traditional and colorful version of western grilling, as it is based on the culture and traditions of the South Africans. While braai can be practiced daily, western grilling is reserved for certain special days. Both braai and western grilling are, however, ways of cooking meat and other food items for roasting.
