Equipment
- Metal wire snips/Pliers
- Stainless steel wire
- 1 Asado cross
- 1 pair thick heat-resistant gloves
- 1 cleaver
- Chopping Board and large table to work on
Ingredients
Goat Al Asador:
- 1 whole goat (approx. 10-20 kg)
- Olive Oil
- Salt (We used Olssons Red Gum Smoked Salt)
Basting Brine:
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 4 rosemary sprigs, leaves removed
- 750 ml water
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 125 g salt
- 125 ml red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 100 g sugar
- 2 lemons
- Onion
- Bay Leaves
- Peppercorns
- Any other garden herbs you might have
- Butter
- Can of Beer
Method:
Basting Brine Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Use a herb brush throughout the cook to apply to the goat regularly.
Goat Asado Instructions:
1. Build the Fire Pit
- Create a pit with the fire concentrated on one side to generate indirect heat. Use cinder blocks or rocks if available to focus the heat.
- Maintain a steady base of glowing coals throughout the cooking process.
- Use your hand, near where the meat is located to test the heat. You should be able to hold for 5-7 seconds. Any less than 5 seconds, the heat is too hot. You need to keep this temperature consistent through the cook.
2. Butcher & Secure the Goat on the Asado Cross
- Use a cleaver to carefully split the sternum and open the ribcage.
- Break the inner clavicle bones to allow the ribs to stay open.
- Remove any loose pieces inside the chest cavity and separate the bones between the hind legs to flatten the goat.
- Use stainless steel wire to secure the legs to the crossbars. Be careful not to tighten the wire too much to avoid tearing the meat.
- For additional stability, tie wires through the mid-back of the goat and around the crossbars.
3. Cook the Goat on the Asado Cross
- Position the goat on the cross with the bone side facing the fire.
- Cook the bone side for 5-6 hours, then flip it and cook the skin side for 1 hour to finish.
- Baste the goat regularly using the herb brush and basting brine
- Adjust the height and angle of the cross throughout the cook to ensure even heat distribution.
Tip: When the shoulders start to bleed and the skin becomes soft, and the rib cage is golden brown, it’s time to flip the goat. Cooking will take about 5-7 hours depending on the size of the goat.
4. Serving the Goat
- Once the goat reaches an internal temperature of 62-65°C and is tender, remove it from the cross.
- Cut the wires, carve the goat into pieces, and serve on a platter.
Cooking Tips
- Monitor the fire closely and adjust as needed to avoid overcooking.
- Flexibility with timing is key—if the goat needs more time, let it cook slowly for the best results.
CHIMI RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
- Fire-roasted red capsicum
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Oregano
- Red Onion (Optional)
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Smoked paprika (Optional)
- Red chilli flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Roast the capsicum over an open flame until the skin is blackened and blistered. Let it cool, peel off the charred skin, and finely chop.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped capsicum with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, a lot of olive oil, vinegar, onion, lemon juice
- Season with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes to taste (optional).
- Stir well and let it sit for a bit to let the flavours meld.