Zimbabwean Beef and Vegetable Skewers (Nyama Yakagochwa)
Tender cubes of marinated beef threaded onto skewers with colorful vegetables, then grilled to perfection. This dish, often referred to as 'Nyama Yakagochwa' (grilled meat), is a popular choice for gatherings and barbecues in Zimbabwe.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Beef sirloin or other steak cut(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 large Bell peppers (various colors)(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large Red onion(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 16 small Mushrooms(whole or halved if large)
- 2.5 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil(plus more for brushing)
- 1 tsp Garlic(minced)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt(for seasoning beef and vegetables)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
💡 Tip: Ensure all marinade ingredients are well combined. - 2
Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
💡 Tip: Marinating for longer periods will result in more tender and flavorful beef. - 3
While the beef marinates, prepare the vegetables by cutting them into bite-sized pieces similar in size to the beef cubes.
- 4
Thread the marinated beef and prepared vegetables (bell peppers, onion, mushrooms) onto the skewers, alternating between meat and vegetables. Do not pack too tightly to allow for even cooking.
💡 Tip: Using two skewers per kebab can help with stability on the grill. - 5
Lightly brush the assembled skewers with a little reserved marinade and a drizzle of olive oil. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt.
💡 Tip: Ensure all sides of the skewers are lightly coated. - 6
Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: For medium-rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). - 7
Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: These skewers are delicious served with sadza, rice, or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a good quality cut of beef like sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin for the best results.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the skewers; this ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- ✓Adjust the vegetables based on preference and availability. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn on the cob pieces also work well.
🔄 Variations
- Marinate the beef with different spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a spicier kick.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or halloumi cheese instead of beef.