Easy Braai Recipe for Fish Recipe

A Simple Braai Recipe that Always Works. Here is something magical about this easy braai recipe for fish.

Maybe it’s the smell of the fire. Maybe it’s the sound of the sea nearby. Or maybe it’s because someone always stands next to the braai, pretending to be the “official braai master,“ even though they are mostly just holding tongs and looking important.

If you live in South Africa, you know the rule:
If there is fire… There must be food.

And fish on the braai is one of the easiest and most delicious things you can make.

This braaied cod recipe with a sweet sauce is simple, juicy, and packed with flavour. It is the kind of dish that works perfectly for a relaxed weekend braai with friends or family.

The best part?
It looks fancy… but it is actually super easy to make.

So let’s light the fire and get cooking.

Why Cod Works Perfectly on the Braai

Cod is one of the best fish for braaiing because it has firm white flesh. This means it does not fall apart easily when cooking on the grill.

It also has a mild flavour, which makes it perfect for soaking up sauces and spices.

When cooked properly on the braai, cod becomes:

• juicy
• slightly caramelised on the outside
• flaky
• smoky from the fire

And when you add a sweet braai sauce mixture, something magical happens.

Suddenly, everyone at the table asks the same question:

“Wait… how did you make this?”

That is always a good sign.

The Secret: A Simple Sweet Sauce

The sauce for this braai-fish is where the magic happens.

It is a combination of sweet and slightly tangy flavours that soak into the cod while it cooks.

How to prepare the easy braai recipe for fish.

Before cooking, you want to prepare the fish so it holds together nicely on the grill.

1. Rinse the cod lightly with cold water.
2. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
3. Brush the braai grid with your preferred oil to prevent the fish from sticking and keep it juicy.

Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 large cod, descaled and cleaned.

Sauce:

½ cup soft Butter
½ cup Mayonnaise
½ cup Apricot Jam
2 Lemons (juice only)
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 Garlic cloves crushed
1 tbsp Fish Spice

Mix very well.

The sauce should taste slightly sweet and tangy.

If you taste it and say, “ooooh that’s good…,“ then you did it right.

Instructions

1. Prepare the braai for medium heat.
2. Place the Cod skin down on the braai grid.
3. Brush the meat generously with the sauce, making sure it is well covered.
4. Place the fish on a braai grid or in foil.
5. Braai for about 30 minutes, then wait until the sauce bubbles on top of the fish.
6. Brush more sauce halfway through cooking.
7. As soon as the fish feels firm on top, turn the grid around for only one minute.
8. Some sauce will drip, but it will give the fish a beautiful color.
9. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Serve with classic braai sides like:

• roasted potatoes
• fresh salad
• braai bread
• grilled vegetables

This fish also pairs beautifully with a cold white wine or crisp beer.

Because let’s be honest…

Standing around a braai without a drink feels suspicious. 😄

An easy braai recipe for fish worth sharing

One of the best things about braai food is how it brings people together.

Friends gather around the fire. Someone tells stories. Someone else insists they are the braai expert.

And before you know it, the table is full of good food and laughter.

This braaied cod with a sweet-and-tangy sauce is exactly the kind of dish that belongs in those moments.

Simple, delicious, and made for sharing.

So next time you light the fire, try this recipe.

Just be prepared for people asking for seconds.

FAQ

Can you cook cod on a braai?

Yes. Cod is perfect for the braai because its firm flesh holds together well and absorbs smoky flavour from the fire.

How long does cod take on the braai?

Cod usually takes about 20–30 minutes total, depending on thickness.

Should fish be wrapped in foil on the braai?

You can cook fish directly in a braai grid or on foil. Foil helps keep delicate fish from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

What sauce works best with braai fish?

A sauce with sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavours works best. Braai sauce, honey, mustard, and smoked paprika create a delicious laze.

What sides go well with braaied fish?

Popular braai sides include roasted potatoes, salads, braai bread, grilled vegetables, and corn on the cob. In our household, there is freshly baked bread spread with butter, apricot jam, and grated Gouda cheese.

How do you like your fish? Let me know.