National Dish South Africa: Sosaties (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Sosaties, one of South Africa’s most treasured dishes! These marinated meat skewers bring together tender lamb or beef, fruity sweetness and a fragrant blend of spices for a taste that is unmistakably South African. Steeped overnight in a curried apricot marinade and then grilled over the coals, they carry a wonderful smoky depth that makes them the star of any braai. Bring the warm, sunny flavours of the Cape straight to your own garden or kitchen.
About Sosaties
Sosaties are a traditional South African national dish, prized for their unique flavour and their use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. These delicious skewers are usually made from tender lamb or beef, steeped in an aromatic marinade of fruit and spices. In this way they unite the sweet and the savoury tastes of South Africa, delighting locals and visitors alike. Grilling or baking the sosaties intensifies the aromas and gives the dish a deliciously smoky note.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 400 g lamb or beef, cubed
- 1 onion, cut into chunks
- 2 large apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup white wine or vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: wooden skewers for grilling
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for sosaties it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients to get the best flavour. Visit a local butcher for well-trimmed lamb or beef, and pick out ripe, fragrant apricots at a market or greengrocer. Most of the remaining ingredients — the spices, mustard and brown sugar — are easy to source at a regular supermarket, and any specialist items can also be ordered online.
Preparing the dish
The preparation of the sosaties is key to the overall impression the dish makes. Begin by cutting the meat into even cubes and placing them in a bowl. Prepare the marinade by mixing all the liquid ingredients, the sugar and the spices together thoroughly. This allows the meat to take up the flavours of the marinade to the full, becoming tender and wonderfully tasty.
Step-by-step instructions
- Marinate the meat in the prepared mixture for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
- Thread the marinated meat, onions and apricots alternately onto the wooden skewers.
- Grill the sosaties over the coals, or bake them in the oven at 180 °C for 20–25 minutes, until the meat is cooked through.
- Serve the sosaties hot, perhaps with a side of rice or a fresh salad.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Sosaties are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as long as you keep an eye on the ingredients. Avoid products such as soy sauce or other sauces that might contain gluten. When it comes to alcohol, you can simply replace the wine or vinegar with a lactose-free stock or fresh lemon juice. That way, people with particular dietary needs can enjoy these delicious skewers too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians there are easy ways to adapt the traditional sosaties. Instead of meat, you can make vegetable skewers using an assortment such as peppers, courgettes and mushrooms. Marinated and grilled in the same way, they make a delicious treat. Try adjusting the marinade with soy sauce, agave syrup and spices to intensify the flavour and create a plant-based version.
More tips and tricks
To make your sosaties even tastier, experiment with different spice combinations. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, for example, to give the marinade a special character. The length of the marinating time also has a big influence on flavour; the longer the meat steeps, the more aromatic it becomes. Be sure to turn the sosaties regularly so they cook evenly on all sides.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The great thing about sosaties is their versatility. You can adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your own preferences. Like it sweeter? Add extra dried fruit or a little more sugar. If you prefer things hotter, work some chilli or pepper into the marinade. This keeps the dish endlessly interesting, so every batch becomes a new experience — much like the slow-cooked comfort of a Potjiekos.
Ingredient substitutions
If you find yourself missing individual ingredients when making sosaties, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of lamb or beef you can use chicken breast, which marinates and grills just as well — the same idea behind Chicken Sosaties. In place of apricots, peaches or pineapple are also a tasty option, adding a fruity sweetness. Be creative and try out different fruits and vegetables to build your own unique skewers.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs nicely with sosaties and underlines the flavours of the dish. A crisp white wine or a lightly chilled rosé harmonises beautifully with the sweet and savoury notes of the skewers. For those who prefer to stay alcohol-free, a fruity cocktail or a sparkling water with a hint of lime makes a refreshing choice. The right drink can enrich the whole dining experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a big part when serving sosaties. Arrange the skewers on a large platter and garnish them with fresh herbs or lemon slices for an inviting look. You might also offer a selection of dips or sauces in small bowls, giving guests plenty of choice. Together, the appearance and the flavour create an unforgettable experience for everyone at the table.
A bit of history
The roots of sosaties reach deep into South African culture. Originally inspired by Cape Malay and Dutch settlers, they have developed over the years into a much-loved dish. In South Africa they represent the diversity and the many cultural influences of the country. Today they are a favourite braai dish, often served at festivals and gatherings where they bring people together — a proud example of South African cuisine alongside classics such as Bobotie.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Sosaties
In summary, Sosaties are not just a delicious dish but a truly cultural experience. The blend of tender meat, fruity flavours and aromatic spices makes them a must for any braai or special occasion. Let yourself be inspired by the variety of ingredients and the creative possibilities this dish offers. Enjoy the flavours of South Africa and let this traditional recipe win you over.
