Prepare your taste buds for a culinary safari! Delve into the aromatic world of Kenyan cuisine, where flavors and spices weave together to create a tapestry of deliciousness. One iconic dish that captures the essence of Kenyan grilling is the sizzling Nyama Choma. Learn how to make this mouthwatering delight below:
Nyama Choma Recipe:

Ingredients
- Goat or beef meat cut into chunks
- Oil
- Kosher or sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Skewers for grilling (wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Directions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and the juice of two lemons. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Meat:
Place the beef chunks in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or, for best results, overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
Skewering the Meat:
Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers. Ensure that the pieces are not too close to each other for even cooking.
Grilling:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill.
Grill the meat, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Nyama Choma is often served medium to medium-well.
Baste the meat with any remaining marinade during grilling for added flavor.
Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let the meat rest for a few minutes.
Serve Nyama Choma hot with your favorite side dishes. It’s often accompanied by a side of Kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salsa) and Kenyan-style Sukuma Wiki (sauteed collard greens).
Recipe courtesy of What4eats: Nyama Choma Recipe (Kenyan grilled meat) | Whats4eats