Entree: Madagascar – National Cuisine – Masikita (Grilled Malagasy skewered marinated meat, traditionally made with zebu or beef)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 12 min

Additional 4 hrs

Total 4 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) beef sirloin or zebu, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil or peanut oil
- 1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (6 g) kosher salt, or to taste
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (about 45 g)
- 1 small hot pepper (such as bird’s eye), minced (optional) (about 5 g)
- 12–16 bamboo skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
- Lime wedges for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional) (2 tbsp / 8 g)

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine vegetable oil, garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, neutral oil, brown sugar, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until sugar dissolves and flavors are blended.
2. Add the beef cubes and sliced green onions to the marinade, mixing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Thread the marinated meat onto soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so heat circulates evenly.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the skewers 3–5 minutes per side (about 8–12 minutes total) until charred at the edges and cooked to desired doneness, basting once with reserved marinade during cooking (discard any marinade used with raw meat).
6. Remove from the grill and let rest 3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges.