Muchomo & Gonja (Ugandan Roadside Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Beef Skewers & Roasted Plantain) – Authentic Uganda Recipe

Ingredients for Muchomo & Gonja (Ugandan Roadside Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Beef Skewers & Roasted Plantain) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) marinated beef sirloin skewers basted in garlic-lemon butter, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups sweet caramelized roasted plantains (gonja), washed and trimmed
• 1 cup fresh tomato-onion kachumbari
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with ginger
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Uganda seasoning (garlic, curry powder, fresh lemon juice, bird’s eye chili)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together ginger, garlic, curry powder, fresh lemon juice, bird’s eye chili, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Uganda marinade.
2. Coat marinated beef sirloin skewers basted in garlic-lemon butter and sweet caramelized roasted plantains (gonja) 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 marinated beef sirloin skewers basted in garlic-lemon butter and sweet caramelized roasted plantains (gonja) for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with fresh tomato-onion kachumbari, and serve immediately.