Mishkaki (Tanzanian Marinated Beef Skewers)
In short: Beef cubes marinated in garlic, ginger, cumin and lemon, threaded on skewers and grilled over a hot fire until charred and juicy. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Mishkaki are marinated beef skewers sold at evening street stalls and grill spots all over Tanzania, often cooked over a charcoal brazier. The meat is soaked in garlic, ginger, lemon and warm spices, and traditionally tenderized with grated raw papaya. The skewers are eaten with a squeeze of lemon, kachumbari and chapati. This version works on a grill, grill pan or oven broiler.
Instructions
- Mix the garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, oil, papaya, if using, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the beef and turn it until every cube is coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight if you are not using papaya.
- Soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Thread the beef onto them, leaving a little space between the cubes.
- Heat a grill to medium-high and oil the grate lightly. Cook the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until charred in spots and the beef reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Rest for 3 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges, kachumbari and chapati.
Tips
- Papaya contains an enzyme that softens meat fast. Use only a spoonful and do not marinate longer than 4 hours with it, or the beef turns mushy.
- For extra flavor, brush the skewers with a little leftover marinade, boiled for a minute, during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
Questions and answers
Can I use chicken or goat for mishkaki?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs cook in 10 to 12 minutes and must reach 74°C (165°F). Goat is also traditional and benefits from an overnight marinade.
Can I cook mishkaki in the oven?
Yes. Lay the skewers on a rack over a tray and broil on high for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them every 3 minutes.
Can I freeze marinated mishkaki?
Yes. Freeze the raw, skewered meat in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual.
How long does it take to make Mishkaki (Tanzanian Marinated Beef Skewers)?
About 40 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mishkaki (Tanzanian Marinated Beef Skewers)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 41 g of protein, 3 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
