Nyama Choma (Kenyan Grilled Goat or Beef Ribs)
In short: Goat or beef ribs rubbed with garlic, ginger and lemon and grilled slowly over charcoal until tender and charred, Kenya's favorite meal to share. It takes about 1 h 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 35 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Nyama choma means roasted meat in Swahili, and in Kenya it is more than a meal. It is how friends and families gather on weekends, at roadside butcheries and in backyards. Goat is the classic choice, though beef is just as common. The meat is salted, cooked slowly over coals until the fat renders and the outside chars, then chopped on a board and eaten with ugali and kachumbari. The seasoning is simple so the meat and smoke come through.
Instructions
- Mix the salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, lemon juice and oil. Rub the mixture all over the meat, cover and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge.
- Set up a two-zone charcoal fire, with the coals banked on one side. Aim for gentle heat of about 160°C (325°F) on the cool side.
- Put the meat bone-side down on the cool side, close the lid and cook for 60 to 75 minutes, turning every 20 minutes, until nearly tender.
- Move the meat over the hot coals and grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until crisp and charred. The meat should be tender and pull from the bone, and read at least 63°C (145°F).
- Rest for 10 minutes. Chop the meat into bite-size pieces on a board, sprinkle with coarse salt and serve with ugali, kachumbari and chili sauce.
Tips
- No grill? Roast the marinated meat covered with foil at 160°C (325°F) for 1 hour 30 minutes, then broil for 5 to 8 minutes per side to char it.
- Season generously with coarse salt just before eating, as Kenyan cooks do. Keep the marinade simple so the smoky meat stays the star.
Questions and answers
What cuts are best for nyama choma?
Goat ribs, leg or shoulder, and beef short ribs or brisket pieces all work well. Lamb is a good substitute. Meat on the bone stays juicier.
What do you serve with nyama choma?
Ugali and kachumbari are the classic partners, often with sukuma wiki or roasted maize on the side.
Can I marinate the meat overnight?
Yes, for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
How long does it take to make Nyama Choma (Kenyan Grilled Goat or Beef Ribs)?
About 1 h 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nyama Choma (Kenyan Grilled Goat or Beef Ribs)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 3 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
