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A platter of Kenyan nyama choma grilled meat with kachumbari, greens, and lime.

Kenyan Nyama Choma with Kachumbari

Smoky charcoal-grilled meat served with bright Kenyan tomato-onion kachumbari and lime.
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rest 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

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
Calories: 590kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Kenyan
Keyword: Kachumbari, Kenyan BBQ, Nyama Choma