Muchomo (Ugandan Grilled Pork Skewers)
In short: Cubes of pork marinated with garlic, ginger and lemon, threaded on skewers and grilled over charcoal. A Ugandan roadside favorite served with kachumbari. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 380 kcal
Muchomo is the Ugandan name for meat roasted over charcoal, usually served on skewers, and pork, beef and goat are all common. The meat gets a simple marinade of garlic, ginger, lemon and black pepper, then is turned over the coals until browned and charred at the edges. A plate comes with kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad, salt, chili and a side of roasted plantain called gonja, and it is a classic evening street food.
Instructions
- Mix the garlic, ginger, lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper and chili flakes in a large bowl. Add the pork and turn until coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours.
- Make the kachumbari: mix the tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, coriander and salt in a bowl. Cover and chill until serving.
- Light a charcoal grill and let the coals burn down until covered in gray ash, or heat a gas grill or ridged pan to medium-high. Oil the grate well. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
- Thread the pork onto skewers, alternating with chunks of onion and green pepper.
- Grill for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until browned and charred at the edges. The thickest piece must reach at least 63°C (145°F), and shoulder is more tender a little beyond that.
- Rest the skewers for 5 minutes and serve hot with the kachumbari, salt and chili on the side, and roasted plantain if you like.
Tips
- Pork shoulder has enough fat to stay juicy on the grill. If you use a leaner cut such as loin, cook it a little less so the cubes do not dry out.
- Cut the cubes to the same size and leave small gaps between them on the skewer, so heat reaches every side and they brown instead of steaming.
Questions and answers
What is muchomo?
It is Ugandan roasted meat, usually pork, beef or goat grilled on skewers over charcoal and eaten with kachumbari and roasted plantain.
Can I use beef or goat instead of pork?
Yes. Use sirloin or boneless goat leg in the same marinade. Goat is leaner and benefits from the full 12 hours of marinating and slightly lower heat.
How do I cook muchomo without a grill?
Use the broiler. Place the skewers on a rack 10 cm (4 in) from the heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 minutes. A ridged grill pan also works.
How long does it take to make Muchomo (Ugandan Grilled Pork Skewers)?
About 45 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Muchomo (Ugandan Grilled Pork Skewers)?
About 380 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 380 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
