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Nyama Choma

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Nyama Choma is a popular East African dish, especially in Kenya, consisting of meat (beef, goat, or chicken) marinated with spices and grilled over an open flame. It is often served with accompaniments like Kachumbari, Ugali, or fried plantains.

Ingredients

  1. 2 lbs (900g) beef, goat, or chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
    4 cloves garlic, minced
    1-inch piece of ginger, minced
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    1 tablespoon soy sauce
    1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
    1 tablespoon ground cumin
    1 tablespoon paprika
    1 teaspoon ground coriander
    1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
    1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
    Salt to taste
    Extra oil for basting
    Lemon wedges for serving
    Kachumbari (tomato and onion salad) (optional)
    Ugali (cornmeal porridge) (optional)
    Fried plantains or chapati (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine into a smooth marinade.

  1. Marinate the meat: Add your choice of meat (beef, goat, or chicken) to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  2. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the charcoal to burn down to a medium heat before grilling. You can also use a gas grill or a grill pan if needed.
  3. Grill the meat: Thread the marinated meat onto skewers (if using) or place directly on the grill. Grill the meat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Be sure to baste the meat with oil or the remaining marinade while grilling to keep it juicy and flavorful. The meat should have a nice char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside.
  4. Serve: Once the meat is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Nyama Choma hot with a side of Kachumbari, Ugali, or fried plantains. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Spicy Nyama Choma: Add more heat to the marinade by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding finely chopped fresh chilies.
  • Nyama Choma with Tofu: For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu for the meat. Marinate and grill the tofu just like you would with the meat.
  • Nyama Choma with Coconut Milk: Add a tablespoon of coconut milk to the marinade for a richer, tropical flavor. This works particularly well with chicken.
  • Mixed Meat Nyama Choma: Combine different meats like beef, goat, and chicken on the same skewer for a variety of flavors in one meal.
  • Storage: Leftover Nyama Choma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to store the grilled meat separately from any sides or sauces.
  • Reheating: Reheat the Nyama Choma by placing it on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some of the smoky flavor. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

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