Tanzanian Spiced Beef Skewers

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into bite-sized cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 2g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, vegetable oil, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated beef onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Tanzanian Spiced Beef Skewers with kachumbari (tomato and onion relish) and your choice of side dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, for the best results. Trim any excess fat before cutting into cubes to ensure even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Serve the Mshikaki skewers with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
• If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chili powder in the marinade.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat, such as lamb or chicken, to create variations of this dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Tanzanian Spiced Beef Skewers as a main course alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be enjoyed as part of a larger Tanzanian feast, accompanied by traditional dishes like Ugali (maize porridge) or Pilau (spiced rice).

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve the kachumbari relish in a separate bowl, allowing guests to add it to their skewers as desired. This visually appealing presentation will entice everyone to dig in.