Brochettes (Rwandan Grilled Goat Skewers with Pili-Pili)
Local name: Imishikaki
In short: Marinated goat cubes grilled on skewers with onion and green pepper, served with grilled plantain and a lime and chili sauce called pili-pili. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 480 kcal
Brochettes are Rwanda's favorite night out. Goat is the classic meat, cut into cubes, marinated in lemon and garlic and grilled over charcoal until browned. Bars and roadside grills serve them on the skewer, often with grilled plantain and a bowl of pili-pili, a sharp chili sauce. Beef works just as well. Eat them with your fingers, with a cold drink, in the late afternoon or evening.
Instructions
- Mix the oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, paprika and pepper in a large bowl. Add the meat, toss well, cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Mix the chilies, lime juice, oil and salt for the pili-pili in a small bowl and set aside.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the meat onto skewers, alternating with onion and pepper chunks.
- Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high. Grill the skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until browned all over and the meat reaches at least 63°C (145°F).
- Brush the plantain halves with oil and grill for 4 minutes per side until marked and soft.
- Rest the skewers for 5 minutes, then serve with the plantain and the pili-pili.
Tips
- Goat can be tough, so cut it small and marinate it for several hours. The lemon juice helps tenderize the meat.
- A hot, clean grill grate stops the meat from sticking. Oil it lightly with a folded paper towel just before cooking.
Questions and answers
Can I use lamb instead of goat?
Yes. Lamb is milder and cooks slightly faster, so check it after 10 minutes.
Can I cook brochettes in the oven?
Yes. Broil on a rack 10 cm (4 in) from the heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until the meat reaches 63°C (145°F).
How hot is pili-pili?
As hot as you make it. Two small chilies give a medium heat. Seed them for less fire, or add more for a stronger sauce.
How long does it take to make Brochettes (Rwandan Grilled Goat Skewers with Pili-Pili)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Brochettes (Rwandan Grilled Goat Skewers with Pili-Pili)?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 41 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
