Nyama choma means roasted meat in Swahili and is one of Kenya’s most loved communal dishes. A simple seasoning lets the smoke and charcoal do the memorable work.
Use a well-marbled cut, season it simply, and cook it over a two-zone fire so the exterior chars while the center stays juicy.
Let the grilled meat rest before slicing. The short pause keeps the juices in the meat and makes the slices easier to serve family-style.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with kachumbari, lime wedges, ugali, sukuma wiki, or warm flatbread. Eat it with your hands for the traditional communal experience.
Recipe Notes
The meat can be seasoned several hours ahead. Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days and rewarm gently so the slices do not dry out.
Kenyan Nyama Choma with Kachumbari
Smoky charcoal-grilled meat served with bright Kenyan tomato-onion kachumbari and lime.
Equipment
- Charcoal grill
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Nyama Choma
- 2 lb beef short ribs or sirloin cut into large pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for brushing
- 2 tsp kosher salt divided
- 1 tsp ground black pepper freshly ground
Kachumbari
- 3 ripe tomatoes diced
- 1/2 red onion finely diced
- 1 jalapeno minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice about 1 lime
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
Season and Grill:
- Pat the meat dry. Rub it with oil, salt, and pepper, then let it stand at room temperature while the grill heats.
- Build a hot two-zone charcoal fire. Grill the meat over direct heat until browned and lightly charred, then move it to the cooler side and cook until tender and the center reaches your preferred doneness.
Make Kachumbari and Serve:
- Toss the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Let the salad stand for 10 minutes.
- Rest the meat for 10 to 20 minutes, slice across the grain, and serve with the kachumbari and lime wedges.
Notes
- A meat thermometer is useful because different cuts and grill temperatures cook at different speeds.
- For a more traditional presentation, grill bone-in pieces and let guests cut their own portions.
Nutrition
Calories: 590kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 48gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g