Kenyan Mshikaki with Kachumbari and Ugali
Tender, marinated cubes of beef or chicken grilled on skewers (mshikaki), served with a fresh tomato and onion salsa (kachumbari) and a side of ugali.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef or Chicken (cubed)
- 1/2 cup Yogurt
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 8-10 Wooden Skewers
- 3 medium Tomatoes(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Red Onion(finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 2 cups Maize Flour (for Ugali)
- 4 cups Water (for Ugali)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Mix well to create the marinade.
- 2
Add the cubed beef or chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
⏱️ 2 hours to overnight - 3
Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
- 4
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the mshikaki for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
⏱️ 8-12 minutes - 5
While the mshikaki are grilling, prepare the kachumbari. In a bowl, combine finely chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and mix well.
- 6
Prepare the ugali. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Gradually add maize flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened to your desired consistency.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
Serve the hot mshikaki with the fresh kachumbari and ugali.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Marinating the meat overnight will result in more tender and flavorful mshikaki.
- ✓Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference.
- ✓Ensure the grill is hot before placing the skewers to achieve good searing.
🔄 Variations
- Add chunks of bell peppers and onions to the skewers along with the meat.
- Serve with a side of chapati instead of ugali.