Entree: Cameroon – National Cuisine – Soya (Spiced grilled beef skewers typical of Cameroonian street barbecue)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 3 hrs

Total 3 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

- 1 1/2 lb (680 g) beef (flank, sirloin, or rump), trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1/3 cup (45 g) roasted peanuts, finely ground
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 2 tsp (10 g) paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) cayenne or hot chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground ginger
- 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1 tsp (5 g) bouillon powder or 1/2 bouillon cube, crumbled (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tbsp / 15 ml)
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin for serving
- 1 medium tomato, sliced thin for serving
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes before grilling
- Vegetable oil for brushing, as needed
- Fresh bread, steamed plantain, or cassava for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground roasted peanuts, paprika, cayenne, ground ginger, onion powder, salt, bouillon powder, vegetable oil, and lime juice to form a thick paste. Adjust heat and salt to taste.
2. Add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the spice-peanut rub. Cover and refrigerate to marinate at least 1 hour, preferably 3–4 hours.
3. Thread marinated beef cubes onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces. Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high or heat a grill pan until very hot.
4. Brush skewers lightly with oil and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, turning to develop char and cook to desired doneness (about 8–10 minutes total for medium). Baste once with a little oil if dry.
5. Remove from grill and let rest 2 minutes. Serve hot with sliced raw onions and tomatoes, and with bread or plantains on the side.