Mishkaki (East African Meat Skewers)

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 50 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • Beef sirloin steak, in 1-inch cubes
  • 80 g fresh coriander, finely chopped
Mishkaki (East African Meat Skewers)

Photo: Tcg1111 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Special equipment

  • Metal skewers
  • Grill
  • Ziplock bag

Procedure

  1. Whisk together the vinegar, oil, water, thyme, spices, ginger paste, and garlic paste to make a marinade.
  2. Add the meat and toss well, then transfer everything to a large ziplock bag. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours.
  3. Take the meat out of the refrigerator, and give it at least an hour to come to room temperature.
  4. Thread the meat on the skewers.
  5. Preheat a charcoal grill for some time.
  6. Grease the grill grate, and place the skewers on the grate. Cook until medium-done (internal temperature of 65°C / 145°F).
  7. Serve hot with fresh coriander.

Notes, tips, and variations

  • If you would like to use wood skewers, soak them in water for an hour before using. This prevents them from burning.
  • You could also broil the skewers in the oven instead of grilling.