What Is an Argentinian Asado BBQ Grill? Our Let’s Braai Guide

At Let’s Braai, we have a passion for BBQ’ing the Southern African way, and are always on the lookout for grilling traditions that honour fire, flavours and conviviality. Like a South African braai, an Argentinian Asado is much more than a meal, much more than just cooking food. This isn’t just a way to grill meat, it is a national ritual in Argentina, a celebration of fire, flavours, family and friends.

Asado is much more than just a barbecue in Argentina. It’s much more than just a meal! It’s a social event, a way of life, and a cultural tradition bringing friends and family together around the grill. The flames, crackling embers, smoky flavors and delicious aromas… It’s a social event. 

What Is an Argentinian Asado Grill?

Argentinian BBQ is known as ‘asado’. In Argentina, “asado” refers to the traditional method of slow-grilling or roasting meats (beef, pork, chorizo, chicken, …) and vegetable over an open fire.

Asada refers to both the method of grilling meat and the social event that surrounds it. It’s a national ritual that brings people together, often lasting for hours: slow-cooked meats and good company. It’s a cultural institution.

The Art of Argentinian Asado and Grilling Technique

The Parilla is at the heat of the Argentinian Asado, it is a crucial element of the experience, a heavy-duty, adjustable barbecue grid perfect for slow-cooking meat over hot coals with precision. Whether you’re doing steak, pork ribs or whole cuts, its adjustable height lets you control the cooking temperature like a pro. This allows you to move the meat closer, or further from the heat lifting it up high off the embers. It offers the versatility to cook fast or slow.

It will allow to simultaneously grill different cuts of meat.

Argentinian beef is the start of the show. Asado often involves minimal seasoning, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine. It’s more common to add sauces after the meat is cooked

The parrilla is the traditional Argentine grill, typically featuring a V-shaped grate over a firebox. This design allows for precise control over heat and fat drainage, ensuring meats are cooked to perfection. While wood is the preferred fuel, charcoal can also be used.

The Fire 

Traditionally, the fire is lit with wood and what sets this grill apart is the predominant use of hardwoods.

The wood used has to be primarily very dry. And it has to be a hardwood so that the embers it produces will sustain the heat, and are of better quality. The concept is to use very dense wood with slow-burning properties to give a unique smokiness to the meat. The Asado maintain an open-flame, providing an authentic grilling experience.

Our LET’S BRAAI Asado BBQ Grill with ember maker and stand

Discover Asado BBQ Grill / Argentinian Asado Barbecue grill, inspired by the traditional Argentine way of grilling over open flames and elevate your outdoor cooking game.

Key features –

• Mild Steel Asado Braai table/Stand: A solid and sturdy stand for serious fire cooking.
• Stainless Steel Asado BBQ/Braai Grid (10kg – 700X430X650mm) : Heavy-duty, adjustable Asado barbecue grid, perfect for slow-cooking meat over hot coals with precision. The adjustable height lets you control the cooking temperature like a pro. This allows you to move the meat closer, or further from the heat lifting it up high off the embers. You have the versatility to cook fast or slow.
• 304 Stainless Steel Asado Embermaker (420X250X242mm): Made from durable 304-grade stainless steel, the embermaker allows you to build your fire separately and feed coals under your braai grid as needed—ensuring steady, even & consistent heat.

FUEL OPTION at LET’S BRAAI

The key to all successful Argentine Asados (and braais!) is the fire. Much like a South African braai, the priciple is to keep your wood fire producting quality embers during the whole process.

As we’ve seen, Argentinian Asados are traditional wood rather than charcoal.

At LET’S BRAAI, we offer various types of Southern African hardwood: Kameeldoring (Camelthorn), Sekelbos (Sickelbush), Rooikrans and Mopane. You can find our full range of braai wood here. Our wood is Ready to Burn Certified.

We also offer premium Restaurant Grade Namibian Lumpwood Charcoal