Grilled Spiced Meat Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have replaced the traditional Vietnamese nem nướng with grilled spiced meat skewers inspired by Nigerien cuisine. The original dish features Vietnamese flavors and ingredients, while our version incorporates the unique spices and flavors of Niger. Additionally, we have introduced a spicy peanut sauce to complement the grilled meat, adding a distinct element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Nem nướng, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into cubes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• For the peanut sauce: For the peanut sauce:
• 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts
• 2 red chili peppers, seeded and chopped 2 red chili peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic 2 cloves of garlic
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Water (as needed) Water (as needed)
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 7g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground ginger, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the meat cubes to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat 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 meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   While the meat is grilling, prepare the peanut sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peanuts, chopped chili peppers, garlic, lime juice, and a splash of water. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Once the meat skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the grilled spiced meat skewers with the spicy peanut sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or lamb — Choose lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. If using beef, opt for sirloin or tenderloin. For lamb, leg or shoulder cuts work well.
• Roasted peanuts — If you can't find roasted peanuts, you can roast raw peanuts in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool before using.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.
• Adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference.
• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the meat marinade.
• Serve the skewers with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of tanginess.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices in the meat marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the grilled spiced meat skewers with a side of couscous or rice to complete the meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle the peanut sauce over them, and sprinkle some chopped peanuts and chili flakes for an appealing presentation. Serve with a vibrant salad or steamed vegetables for a colorful plate.