How to make tasty mishikaki at home

Mishikaki, a deliciously spiced and grilled meat skewer dish, is a popular street food in Kenya, and it is very popular on the Kenyan coast.

It is similar to kebabs and can be made with chicken or beef, offering a satisfying meal with a delightful blend of spices and charred goodness.

The best part is that you do not need many ingredients to make it at home.

Here's how you can make a tasty mishikaki with just a few simple ingredients, all without using pork.

Ingredients

·500g chicken or beef (cut into small chunks)

·1 large onion (finely chopped)

·2 cloves garlic (minced)

·1 tablespoon ginger (grated or minced)

·1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil

·2 tablespoons soy sauce

·1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

·1 teaspoon ground cumin

·1 teaspoon paprika or ground coriander (optional for extra flavour)

·1 teaspoon ground black pepper

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·1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat, optional)

·Salt to taste

·Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, ground cumin, paprika or ground coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Stir well to ensure all the spices and flavours mix. This will be your marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the meat

Cut the chicken or beef into bite-sized chunks, then add it to the marinade. Mix well to coat the meat evenly, ensuring that every piece gets a good amount of seasoning.

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

For best results, leave it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to develop fully.

Step 3: Prepare the skewers

If you are using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid them burning during cooking. Once the meat has marinated, skewer the chunks of meat onto the wooden sticks. Try not to overcrowd the skewers so that the meat cooks evenly.

Step 4: Grill the mishikaki

Heat a grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. You can also use a grill pan or even an oven broiler if you do not have access to a grill. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.

Step 5: Serve

Once the mishikaki are cooked, remove them from the skewers and serve them with your favourite sides, like rice, chapatti, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a squeeze of lemon or a side of spicy dipping sauce for extra zest.

Tips for the best mishikaki

1. Chicken or beef?

While chicken is the most common meat used for mishikaki, beef also works wonderfully, providing a different texture and richness. You can use any cut of meat, though tender cuts like chicken breast or sirloin work best for grilling.

2. Vegetarian option

You can also substitute the meat with vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Marinate the vegetables in the same way and skewer them for a delicious plant-based mishikaki.

3. Spicy touch

Adjust the heat level according to your taste. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or chilli flakes to the marinade.

Making mishikaki at home is easy, and you do not need a lot of ingredients to create a delicious meal.

With just a few simple spices and fresh meat, you can enjoy a flavourful, grilled dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Plus, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility, whether you choose chicken, beef, or even vegetables, mishikaki can easily be tailored to suit your taste. Enjoy!