Mishkaki ya Ng’ombe & Ugali (Dar es Salaam Tamarind-Ginger Marinated Beef Skewers) – Authentic Tanzania Recipe

Ingredients for Mishkaki ya Ng’ombe & Ugali (Dar es Salaam Tamarind-Ginger Marinated Beef Skewers) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) char-grilled marinated beef sirloin skewers, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups smooth white cornmeal ugali, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup garlic-sautéed collard greens (sukuma wiki)
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with tamarind paste
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Tanzania seasoning (grated ginger, garlic, cumin, lime juice)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together tamarind paste, grated ginger, garlic, cumin, lime juice, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Tanzania marinade.
2. Coat char-grilled marinated beef sirloin skewers and smooth white cornmeal ugali thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
4. Sear char-grilled marinated beef sirloin skewers and smooth white cornmeal ugali for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with garlic-sautéed collard greens (sukuma wiki), and serve immediately.