Ghanaian Chichinga (Spicy Beef Skewers)
Ghana's street food king — spiced beef skewers grilled over coals and coated in spiced ground peanuts.
About This Recipe
Chichinga is Ghana's answer to suya — spiced beef or goat skewers grilled over charcoal and rolled in a mixture of ground roasted peanuts and spices before serving. The 'chichinga man' is found at every street corner and market in Accra, and the smell of grilling meat and roasting peanuts drifting through the air is one of the most evocative aromas of Ghanaian urban life.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 500 gbeef sirloin, cut into cubes
- 1 tspground ginger
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- 1 tsponion powder
- 1 tsppaprika
- 1/2 tspcayenne pepper
- 1 tspsalt
- 2 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 cuproasted groundnuts (peanuts), finely ground
- 1/2 tspcayenne (for coating)
Instructions
- 1
Marinate the beef
Combine beef cubes with ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and oil. Mix well. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- 2
Thread the skewers
Thread beef onto skewers.
- 3
Mix the coating
Mix ground peanuts with cayenne and a pinch of salt.
- 4
Grill
Grill over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- 5
Coat and serve
Roll hot skewers in the spiced ground peanut mixture. Serve immediately with sliced onion and tomato.
Pro Tips
- →
The peanut coating is applied after grilling — roll while the meat is still hot.
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Charcoal grilling is optimal for the smoky flavor.
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Don't skip the peanut coating — it's what makes chichinga distinct.
Variations
- •
Make with goat meat for a more traditional flavor
- •
Add liver or kidney pieces to the skewer
- •
Serve with spicy pepper sauce
Storage
Best eaten immediately. Can be refrigerated for 2 days and reheated.
History & Origin
Chichinga is common across the Sahel region of West Africa, brought to Ghana by Hausa traders. It has become embedded in Ghanaian urban food culture over generations, and the chichinga man is as much a part of Accra evenings as traffic and music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference from Nigerian suya?
They're very similar — both use beef with peanut-based spice coatings. Chichinga uses a slightly different spice combination and the coating is simpler.
Can I use goat?
Yes — goat is traditional in the north of Ghana and gives a richer, more gamey flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 4 servings total
Time Summary
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