South African Braai Beef Skewers

Step 1

Mince the 4 garlic cloves until pieces are smaller than a grain of rice—about the size of pencil-tip dots.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, pour 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.

Step 3

Stir the marinade with a wooden spoon until the salt dissolves and all ingredients are evenly mixed, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add the 2 pounds of beef chunks to the bowl and stir with the wooden spoon until every piece is coated with marinade.

Step 5

Let the beef sit in the marinade for 10 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the grill.

Step 6

Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat for 5 minutes, until the grates are too hot to hold your hand above for more than 1 second.

Step 7

Thread the marinated beef chunks onto metal skewers, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart so heat reaches all sides, using about 4 pieces per skewer.

Step 8

Place the skewers on the hot grill grates and cook for 3 minutes without moving them—the beef will develop a dark, charred crust on the bottom.

Step 9

Turn each skewer once and cook for 2 more minutes on the second side until the outside is dark brown and charred, and the meat is firm to a firm poke.

Step 10

Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a clean cutting board or serving platter.

Step 11

Let the beef rest for 3 minutes before serving—this keeps the meat juicy and tender.