Does seafood deserve a spot on the grid?
There are few things more Namibian than a braai. The fire is going, the meat is marinating, someone is arguing about which wood is better, and there is always someone who knows the best build for a braai. Namibia is famous for its quality meat, and for good reason. We have some of the best beef and game meat around, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who disagrees.
But there is something worth remembering. We have the Atlantic coastline right on our doorstep and we have access to an impressive variety of seafood. Namibia has a lot to offer beyond the usual cuts of meat. From snoek to kingklip to calamari, there is a whole other side to the braai that deserves a little more attention.
And no, this is not a campaign to replace your choppie. It’s an invitation to give your braai a bit more variety.
Surf or turf? Why not both?
A great braai does not have to be an either-or situation. You can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak and still make room for a few seafood favourites.
Seafood brings different flavours, textures and cooking options to the table. It works well as a main attraction, a starter while the meat finishes cooking, or something a little different for guests who want an alternative.
It can also be surprisingly simple. You do not need complicated recipes, a cupboard full of ingredients or professional chef skills to make seafood work on the braai. In a lot of the cases, a little seasoning, some heat and a squeeze of lemon are all you need.
What seafood works best on the braai?
Seafood, much like meat, has different cuts and ways of cooking. And to no one’s surprise, very often seafood does wonders over hot coals.
Snoek: A braai favourite for very good reason
Snoek has earned its place in Southern African food culture. Its distinctive flavour and firm texture make it a popular choice for the braai, especially when prepared with a good marinade.
Snoek flek is a practical option for braaiing. Cook it over moderate coals, keep an eye on the heat, and avoid turning it too often. A traditional apricot-based glaze is a popular pairing, but chilli, garlic and lemon can work just as well for something different.
Calamari: Quick, easy and made for sharing
Calamari is a great option when you want something that cooks quickly and adds variety to the braai. It’s not just for having fried with a side of chips next to the ocean.
The key is high heat and short cooking time. Cook it for too long and it can become tough and chewy. Season it simply with garlic, lemon, black pepper and a little oil, then cook it quickly over a very hot grill.
Serve it with a dipping sauce, and you have a starter that will disappear in minutes.
Prawns: Small effort, big flavour
Prawns are another excellent addition to a seafood braai. They work well with garlic butter, lemon, chilli or a simple seafood seasoning.
Thread them onto skewers to make handling easier, and cook until the flesh turns opaque and the prawns are cooked through. Be careful to not keep them on the heat for too long as they can dry out, much like a braaibroodjie, prawns are best watched closely.
Kingklip and other firm fish
If you are looking for something that can stand in as the main dish, firm fish such as kingklip can be a good choice.
Use a well-oiled grill or a fish basket to help prevent sticking, and handle the fillets carefully. A little lemon, butter, garlic and seasoning goes a long way without overpowering the fish.
Fish cooks faster than many cuts of meat, so it is worth keeping it away from the hottest part of the fire if your coals are particularly hot.
The secret to a better seafood braai
Cooking seafood over the fire does not need to be intimidating. A few simple tips can make all the difference.
- Get your coals right. You want a manageable heat rather than uncontrolled flames. Seafood can cook quickly, so a fire that is too hot can leave you with burnt outsides and undercooked flesh.
- Don’t overcomplicate the seasoning. Seafood has its own flavour. Lemon, garlic, butter, herbs, black pepper and a good seafood spice blend are all useful starting points.
- Watch the cooking time. This is one of the biggest differences between cooking seafood and meat. Calamari and prawns need relatively little time, while thicker fish portions may take longer. Check that everything is cooked through without leaving it on the fire unnecessarily.
- Use the right equipment. A fish basket or skewers can make seafood easier to handle. For delicate fillets, a clean, well-oiled cooking surface is important for an easy cook.
- Keep frozen seafood frozen until you’re ready to cook it. Defrost seafood safely in the refrigerator, rather than leaving it out in the sun or at room temperature. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to help it brown properly.
Seafood doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions
One of the biggest misconceptions about seafood is that it is complicated, expensive or only suitable for a special dinner.
In reality, there are options for different budgets, occasions and cooking styles. Whole fish, fillets, portions, calamari, prawns and other seafood products all offer different possibilities, depending on what you are planning and how many people you are feeding.
The important thing is to explore what is available and find the products that work for you.
Consider Seacore for your next braai
As Namibians, we know good food. We know our meat, our fires, and that a braai is about more than what is on the grill. It’s about gathering around the fire, sharing a meal and making time for your loved ones.
So, the next time you plan a braai, keep the choppie and the boerewors, just bring out the seafood as well. You might find the thing that your meal has been missing.
At Seacore Food Market, we believe in making the most of the seafood available to us, with a variety of products to suit different tastes, meals and budgets.
Visit Seacore Food Market in Swakopmund or Windhoek and find your next catch for the braai.
Because in Namibia, we have good reason to be proud of what goes on the grid, whether it comes from the land or the sea.
Seacore Food Market — A Catch For All.
