Cameroonian Street Food: Grilled Meat Skewers with Fried Bean Balls is a classic and beloved dish that reflects the vibrant culinary culture of Cameroon. Featuring smoky, spice-marinated beef skewers and crispy, savory bean balls, this satisfying combination is often served with a bold bean-based sauce, making it a popular favorite at roadside grills and food stalls across the country.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic and flavorful: A true taste of Cameroonian street food with traditional seasonings.
- Textural contrast: Juicy grilled beef paired with crunchy bean balls creates a delightful combination.
- Protein-packed: Rich in plant and animal protein, this meal is both hearty and nutritious.
- Great for gatherings: Ideal for cookouts, picnics, or casual dinners with friends.
- Customizable spice level: Easily adjust the heat to your taste with a spicy bean sauce.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Grilled Meat Skewers
- 1 lb beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Fried Bean Balls
- 1 cup cooked red beans (mashed)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- Water (to bind)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
directions
For the Grilled Meat Skewers:
- In a mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, paprika, ground pepper, lemon juice, and salt.
- Add beef cubes to the marinade, mix well, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated beef onto skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the meat for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the beef is nicely charred and cooked through.
For the Fried Bean Balls:
- In a bowl, mix mashed red beans, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground pepper.
- Gradually add water to form a thick, moldable dough.
- Shape the dough into small, bite-sized balls.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the bean balls for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
To serve:
Pair the grilled meat skewers with the fried bean balls and serve with a spicy bean sauce if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 500 kcal
Variations
- Chicken or lamb skewers: Substitute beef with chicken thighs or lamb cubes for variety.
- Herb-infused bean balls: Add chopped parsley or cilantro to the dough for fresh flavor.
- Vegetarian twist: Omit the meat and serve the bean balls with grilled vegetables.
- Different beans: Try black-eyed peas or chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.
- Baked bean balls: For a healthier option, bake the bean balls instead of frying them.
storage/reheating
Storage: Store grilled meat and bean balls separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or on a grill pan until warmed through.
- Reheat bean balls in a skillet or oven to retain their crispiness; avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for skewers?
Use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for juicy, flavorful skewers.
Can I use canned beans for the bean balls?
Yes, drained and rinsed canned red beans work well for this recipe.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add chopped chili peppers or hot sauce to the meat marinade or bean ball dough.
Are the bean balls gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Can I prepare the bean balls in advance?
Yes, you can shape them ahead and refrigerate until ready to fry or bake.
What sauce goes best with this dish?
A spicy tomato or bean-based sauce pairs well with both the skewers and bean balls.
How do I prevent the meat from drying out?
Do not overcook the beef and ensure it’s well-marinated before grilling.
Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes, bake the skewers and bean balls at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and golden.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The bean balls are vegetarian; omit the skewers or replace with grilled vegetables or tofu.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, both the grilled meat and bean balls can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or skillet before serving.
Conclusion
Grilled Meat Skewers with Fried Bean Balls is a bold and flavorful representation of Cameroonian street cuisine, bringing together savory, spiced meat with satisfying, crispy bean fritters. Whether you’re recreating a favorite dish from home or exploring new global flavors, this recipe offers a complete and fulfilling meal that’s rich in texture and tradition. Perfect for sharing and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s a culinary experience not to be missed.
PrintCameroonian Street Food: Grilled Meat Skewers with Fried Bean Balls
A savory and flavorful Cameroonian street food featuring tender grilled meat skewers served alongside crispy fried bean balls and a rich, spicy bean sauce. A delicious and satisfying meal perfect for casual dining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling & Frying
- Cuisine: Cameroonian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- 1 cup cooked red beans (mashed)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- Water (to bind)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, paprika, ground pepper, lemon juice, and salt. Add the beef cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated beef onto the skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the meat for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is charred and cooked through.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed red beans, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add water little by little until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small balls.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the bean balls for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve the grilled meat skewers with the fried bean balls and drizzle with a spicy bean sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute beef with lamb or chicken based on preference.
- Adjust spices in the bean balls to suit your heat tolerance.
- Serve with a side of spicy tomato or bean sauce for authentic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg