Nyama Choma (Tanzanian Grilled Meat)
Local name: Nyama choma
In short: Goat or lamb chops rubbed with garlic, ginger and lemon, then grilled until charred outside and juicy within, and served with kachumbari. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Nyama choma, Swahili for grilled meat, is Tanzania's favorite social meal. Friends gather at a bar or butcher's grill, order goat or beef by the kilo and eat it from a wooden board with their hands. The seasoning is simple, usually just salt and lemon, so the quality of the meat matters. This home version adds garlic and ginger and works on a charcoal grill, grill pan or broiler. Serve with kachumbari and ugali.
Instructions
- Mix the garlic, ginger, lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Rub the mixture over the meat, cover and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
- Heat a charcoal grill until the coals are covered in gray ash, or heat a grill pan or oven broiler on high.
- Grill the chops for 6 to 8 minutes per side, turning once, until charred in spots and the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Rest the meat on a board for 5 minutes. Chop it into bite-size pieces through the bone with a heavy knife, if you like.
- Squeeze lemon over the meat and serve at once with kachumbari, ugali or roasted plantains.
Tips
- Goat is lean and can turn tough. Marinate it overnight and cook only to medium, then rest it before cutting.
- Beef short ribs also work. Simmer them in salted water for 90 minutes first, then grill for 10 minutes to char.
Questions and answers
What cut of meat is used for nyama choma?
Goat is the classic choice, followed by beef ribs and shoulder. Bone-in cuts give the best flavor, and fatty pieces stay juicy over high heat.
What do you serve with nyama choma?
Ugali and kachumbari are standard, and roasted green bananas or plantains and chili sauce are common too. Cold drinks complete the occasion.
Can I cook nyama choma in the oven?
Yes. Use the broiler on high with the rack near the heat, or roast at 220°C (425°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until browned.
How long does it take to make Nyama Choma (Tanzanian Grilled Meat)?
About 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nyama Choma (Tanzanian Grilled Meat)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
