5 must-have dishes for your Christmas BBQ

A barbecue is not complete without steak of some kind, and Angus and Wagyu are usually at the top of our list if we’re entertaining. Whether your guests are hankering for tomahawk, sirloin, ribeye, fillet, or just plain old beef patties, it pays off to be prepared with a few different cuts that you can quickly chuck on the grill. Best of all, with the exquisite marbling present on such premium products, all the steaks need are a few pinches of salt to let the flavours shine through. Easy-peasy!

Of course, what would a traditional Christmas meal be without a succulent turkey as the crowning glory of the BBQ spread? And before you wrinkle your nose at whatever dry, stringy hunk of poultry you have in mind, know that a well-prepared turkey can actually be one of the most delectable and satisfying entrées to tuck into. You’ll have to start with purchasing a premium quality turkey that’s minimally processed and contains no added MSG and artificial flavourings to ensure that every bite bursts with natural flavours and goodness.

And equally paramount to is choosing a good quality bird is how you cook it. If you have never tried barbecuing a turkey, perhaps now is the time to try. Though oven-roasting is the more conventional method of cooking the large bird, firing it up on the grill delivers crave-worthy smokey flavours and an irresistible contrast of texture between the crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, moist meat. Plate it up with some roasted winter veggies and you have yourself a showstopping entrée that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!

Give boring sausages a pass and try boerewors instead, the South African answer to plain hot dogs and wieners. South African in origin and spiced with a melange of herbs (including coriander, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice), boerewors are usually grilled over charcoal to enhance the bold yet well-balanced flavour profile. When made properly, the high proportion of fat content coarsely grounded into the beef sausage creates a distinctive white-speckled appearance that meat lovers know all too well indicates juicy meat flavours and succulent mouthfuls. What tops it off is the distinctive spiral shape that adds just the playful touch that your festive barbecue cookout needs!

Is there anything more soul-nourishing than a hearty mash-up of sliced potatoes, heavy cream, butter, and ooey-gooey cheese, baked to golden perfection? This classic cheesy potato-based dish is simple in essence, lightly seasoned with just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a dash of delicate herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives. Yet, when all the ingredients and flavours marry together, it becomes an indulgent comfort food of the highest calibre. The subtle yet rich and creamy dish juxtaposes exceptionally well against boldly-flavoured and umami-rich smoked meats, making it the perfect side dish to your Christmas barbecue.

Give your Christmas meal a South African spin this year and whip up a Malva pudding for the guests! A traditional sweet pudding that contains apricot jam as its flavour highlight, the Malva pudding bears a spongy and soft texture that pairs perfectly with a dollop of custard or ice cream. Exceedingly simple to make with only nine ingredients to its name—sugar, eggs, apricot jam, flour, baking soda, salt, butter, vinegar, and milk—the Malva pudding is the perfect finisher to a hearty meal, its lightness complementary to the rich meats of your Christmas barbecue.