Kamundele de Matonge (Kinshasa Spiced Beef Skewers with Pili-Pili & Grilled Plantains) – Authentic Congo, Dem. Rep. Recipe
From Kinshasa’s vibrant Matonge music quarter: smoky spiced beef skewers with sweet grilled plantains.
- Country of Origin
- 🇨🇩 Congo, Dem. Rep. (Central Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Bite-sized beef sirloin cubes, Char-grilled ripe plantains (makemba), Sliced onions and tomatoes, Ginger, Garlic
Ingredients for Kamundele de Matonge (Kinshasa Spiced Beef Skewers with Pili-Pili & Grilled Plantains) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) bite-sized beef sirloin cubes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups char-grilled ripe plantains (makemba), washed and trimmed
- 1 cup sliced onions and tomatoes
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with ginger
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Congo, Dem. Rep. seasoning (garlic, nutmeg, white pepper, lime juice, soy-oil baste)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Whisk together ginger, garlic, nutmeg, white pepper, lime juice, soy-oil baste, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Congo, Dem. Rep. marinade.
- Coat bite-sized beef sirloin cubes and char-grilled ripe plantains (makemba) thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
- Sear bite-sized beef sirloin cubes and char-grilled ripe plantains (makemba) for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
- Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with sliced onions and tomatoes, and serve immediately.