Entree: Kenya – Coastal Swahili Kenya – Mishkaki (Grilled marinated skewered meat in Swahili coastal style)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 12 min

Additional 2 hrs

Total 2 hrs 12 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) beef sirloin or flank, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1/4 cup (60 g) natural peanut butter (smooth)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, approx. 0.5 oz (15 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) grated fresh ginger (about a 1-inch piece)
- 2 tsp (10 ml) ground coriander
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
- 2 tsp (10 ml) curry powder or Swahili masala
- 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
- 1/2–1 tsp (2.5–5 ml) cayenne or chili powder, to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce (optional, for umami)
- 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 8–10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime or lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the peanut butter, vegetable oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, cumin, curry powder, paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
4. Preheat a grill or charcoal barbecue to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly. Grill the skewers 3–5 minutes per side, turning, until nicely charred at the edges and cooked to your preferred doneness.
5. Remove from the grill, let rest 2–3 minutes, then garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime or lemon wedges, chapati, pilau rice, or a simple salad.