From Steak to Stir-Fry: Delicious South African Recipes with Monkey Gland Sauce

South African cuisine is known for its rich flavours, vibrant ingredients, and bold culinary fusions. Among its many celebrated sauces, Monkey Gland Sauce stands out as a unique and versatile condiment, beloved by South Africans for its distinctive sweet and tangy taste. Despite its unusual name, this sauce has nothing to do with monkeys but has become an essential ingredient in South African kitchens and a staple at braais (barbecues) across the country.

In this article, we will explore how Monkey Gland Sauce can elevate a range of dishes, from sizzling steaks to mouth-watering stir-fries. Discover how this iconic South African sauce can be the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

The Origins of Monkey Gland Sauce

Before diving into the recipes, it’s worth understanding the history behind this intriguing sauce. Monkey Gland Sauce was first created in South Africa in the 1950s, likely inspired by the global fusion of flavours prevalent at the time. Its name may stem from the trend of exotic, catchy names to attract attention, but the sauce itself has gained a reputation for its exceptional flavour.

The sauce typically combines a variety of ingredients, such as tomato sauce, chutney, Worcestershire sauce, onions, garlic, and vinegar, resulting in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste. It is commonly used to complement grilled meats, particularly steak, but its versatility allows it to be used in many other dishes as well.

1. Grilled Steak with South African Monkey Gland Sauce

One of the most classic uses of Monkey Gland Sauce is as a topping for grilled steak. The sweet and tangy flavours of the sauce perfectly balance the savoury richness of a juicy, grilled steak, making it a must-have at any South African braai. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 2-4 steaks (sirloin, ribeye, or rump)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Monkey Gland Sauce

Instructions:

1. Season your steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Preheat your grill or braai to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the steaks to your desired doneness (medium-rare or medium is ideal for most cuts).
4. In the final few minutes of grilling, brush a generous amount of Monkey Gland Sauce onto the steaks, allowing it to caramelise slightly.
5. Remove the steaks from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, and serve with an extra drizzle of Monkey Gland Sauce on top.

This simple recipe highlights how the rich flavours of South African Monkey Gland Sauce can enhance a classic steak, making it a hit at any gathering.

2. South African Beef Stir-Fry with Monkey Gland Sauce

Monkey Gland Sauce isn’t just for steaks. It can also be used as a stir-fry sauce, bringing its bold flavours to a quick and easy meal. This South African-inspired beef stir-fry is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef strips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup Monkey Gland Sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. In the same pan, add the onions and peppers, sautéing them until they are soft.
5. Return the beef to the pan and stir in the Monkey Gland Sauce and soy sauce.
6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

This dish combines the best of South African flavours with a quick and convenient cooking method. The sweet and tangy notes of the Monkey Gland Sauce pair perfectly with the savoury beef and crisp vegetables.

3. Monkey Gland Sauce Burger

If you love burgers, then adding Monkey Gland Sauce is a must-try for a South African twist. This sauce brings a whole new depth of flavour to the humble burger, adding a deliciously sweet and tangy kick.

Ingredients:

• 4 beef burger patties
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, and onion slices for garnish
• 1 cup Monkey Gland Sauce

Instructions:

1. Grill or pan-fry the burger patties to your liking.
2. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a pan.
3. Assemble the burgers by adding a patty to each bun, followed by a generous spoonful of Monkey Gland Sauce.
4. Garnish with lettuce, tomato, and onion slices for added freshness and texture.

This burger recipe is ideal for anyone looking to spice up their usual routine and experience a taste of South Africa with every bite.

South African Monkey Gland Sauce is an incredibly versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, from steaks to stir-fries and even burgers. Its distinctive blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavours make it an excellent addition to both traditional South African meals and more modern recipes. By incorporating Monkey Gland Sauce into your cooking, you can bring the rich and diverse flavours of South African cuisine to your table, no matter where you are.