Brochettes (Beef Skewers)
Brochettes are a popular street food in Burundi, consisting of marinated meat (typically beef or goat) grilled on skewers over charcoal. They are often seasoned with a flavorful spice mix and served with accompaniments like plantains or rice.

🧂 Ingredients
- 470 g Beef(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium Onion(cut into chunks for skewers)
- 2 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Ground ginger
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp White pepper(ground)
- 1 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(for brushing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine paprika, ground ginger, garlic powder, white pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the spice rub.
💡 Tip: Ensure all spices are well combined. - 2
Add the beef cubes to the spice rub and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
💡 Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. - 3
Thread the marinated beef cubes and onion chunks alternately onto skewers.
- 4
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: Ensure the grill is clean before placing the skewers. - 5
Grill the brochettes for 15-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and has a slight char. Brush with olive oil during the last few minutes of grilling.
💡 Tip: Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of the meat and your preferred level of doneness. - 6
Serve hot, often with fried plantains, rice, or a side salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for added color and flavor.
- ✓Adjust the spice levels to your preference. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute beef with lamb, chicken, or goat meat.
- A marinade can be made with crushed tomatoes, diced onions, garlic, chili, and olive oil for a different flavor profile.