Name: Braaied Snoek with Apricot Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 1 whole snoek (about 1.5kg), cleaned; ½ cup apricot jam; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional); Salt to taste; Fresh lemon wedges for serving; N/A

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

How To Make Braaied Snoek with Apricot Glaze the Master Chef Way

Step-by-step Braaied Snoek with Apricot Glaze

Step 1: Clean the fish and score it deeply on both sides – this allows the glaze to penetrate the flesh.
Step 2: Mix the apricot jam, melted butter, lemon juice, and chilli flakes in a small saucepan and heat gently until combined.
Step 3: Place the fish on a well-greased fish grid over medium-hot coals.
Step 4: Brush the fish generously with the glaze every 5 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Step 5: Cook for 15-20 minutes until the flesh flakes easily with a fork and the skin is nicely charred.

Serving suggestion for Braaied Snoek with Apricot Glaze

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Traditional ways: Serve with a simple green salad, crusty bread, and lemon wedges.

Modern twists:

Fusion: Use honey instead of apricot jam
Low-carb: Add fresh garlic to the glaze
Extra veg: Wrap in foil with lemon slices
Spice level: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika

Master Tips for Success

Score deeply: Scoring helps the glaze penetrate the flesh and ensures the fish cooks evenly.
Don't over-cook: Fish dries out quickly – 20 minutes is usually enough.
Coals: Use coals that are medium-hot – if too hot, the glaze burns. If too cool, the fish steams.
Make-ahead: Snoek is best eaten fresh off the grid. Leftovers can be flaked and used in salads.

The Heritage of Braaied Snoek with Apricot Glaze

Snoek has been a staple of the Cape coast for centuries, prized by the Khoi people who caught them in the cold Benguela current.

It was historically salted and preserved for long sea voyages, becoming a vital food source.

Today it's a braai favourite, especially in the Western Cape where fresh snoek is readily available.

👉 Browse all 100 Master Chef South African recipes for more inspiration and cooking ideas.