West African Brochettes (Meat Skewers)

  • Total time - 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Preparation - 15 minutes
  • Marinating time - 2 hours
  • Cooking time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Senegal
A generous serving of West African meat skewers on a plate.

Brochettes are the essence of grilling in West Africa. Their secret lies in the rich and flavorful marinade, which gives the meat incredible tenderness and taste. This recipe is simple, but thanks to the mix of spices, onion, and peanut butter, it transforms a simple barbecue into an exotic experience.

Ingredients

For the marinade and skewers

  • 1 kg beef (e.g., sirloin), cut into cubes
  • 0.5 cups peanut butter, unsalted and sugar-free
  • 0.25 cups water
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • salt and black pepper
  • wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, minced onion, garlic, ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until a smooth paste forms.

Step 2: Marinate the meat

Add the cubed meat to the bowl with the marinade and mix well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare and grill the skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the meat onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

Heat a grill or a heavy-bottomed grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the Brochettes hot, preferably with Jollof rice or a fresh salad. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over them for a refreshing finish.