Entree: Ghana – Ghanaian Street Food – Chichinga (Spiced grilled meat skewers commonly sold as Ghanaian street food)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (700 g) beef top round or sirloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp (30 g) ground roasted peanuts (or peanut powder)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground ginger
- 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp (5 g) curry powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) white vinegar or lime juice
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch (12 mm) rounds for skewering and extra slices for serving
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced for serving
- 1-2 fresh hot peppers (scotch bonnet or habanero), sliced, optional for serving
- 12–16 bamboo skewers, soaked 30 minutes in water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine vegetable oil, ground roasted peanuts, smoked paprika, ground ginger, garlic powder, cayenne, curry powder, salt, pepper, and vinegar or lime juice to form a thick paste.
2. Add beef cubes to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3–4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Thread marinated beef cubes onto soaked bamboo skewers, alternating with onion rounds if desired, leaving a small space between pieces for even cooking.
4. Preheat a grill or cast-iron grill pan over high heat until very hot and lightly oiled. Brush excess marinade off skewers if it threatens to burn.
5. Grill skewers 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium (total 8–10 minutes), turning to achieve even charring; cook a minute or two longer if you prefer well done.
6. Transfer to a plate and rest 3 minutes. Serve hot with sliced onions, tomatoes, and hot pepper on the side; squeeze fresh lime if desired.