Brochettes de Boeuf

Name: Brochettes de Boeuf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Gabonese
Ingredients: 800g beef sirloin, cut into 3cm cubes; 2 large onions, cut into large chunks; 2 green bell peppers, cut into large squares; 2 ripe tomatoes, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)

Brochettes de boeuf (broh-SHET duh buff)

Grilled Beef Skewers

⏱ Prep Time 25 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 350 kcal

Marinated beef skewers grilled over charcoal and served with spicy pepper sauce and fried plantains.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 30.0g

Carbs 8.0g

Fat 22.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

metal skewers grill mixing bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: plate with skewers

Garnishes: sliced onions, lemon wedge

Accompaniments: grilled plantains, pili-pili sauce

Ingredients

800g beef sirloin, cut into 3cm cubes
2 large onions, cut into large chunks
2 green bell peppers, cut into large squares
2 ripe tomatoes, quartered
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)

Instructions

1
Combine the vegetable oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the cubed beef and toss to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least two hours in the refrigerator.
2
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for thirty minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator thirty minutes before grilling to bring the meat closer to room temperature for even cooking.
3
Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers alternating with chunks of onion, squares of bell pepper, and tomato quarters. Leave small gaps between pieces to ensure heat circulates around each item and everything cooks evenly.
4
Preheat a charcoal grill or gas grill to high heat. The grill should be very hot so the meat sears quickly on the outside while staying juicy inside. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for three to four minutes per side, rotating to cook all four sides. The beef should develop deep char marks and a crusty exterior while remaining pink and juicy in the centre for medium doneness.
6
Remove the brochettes from the grill and let rest for three minutes on a serving platter. The resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and moist rather than dry.
7
Serve the Gabonese brochettes with steamed rice, grilled plantains, or a fresh tomato and onion salad. These grilled beef skewers are the most popular street food in Gabon, sold at roadside stands throughout Libreville and across the country.

💡

Did You Know?

Brochettes stands in Libreville come alive at night, filling the streets with irresistible smoke.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

metal skewers
grill
mixing bowl

Garnishing

sliced onions, lemon wedge

Accompaniments

grilled plantains, pili-pili sauce

The Story Behind Brochettes de Boeuf

The Story: Brochettes de Boeuf are grilled beef skewers marinated in a blend of garlic, ginger, onions, hot pepper, and oil, then grilled over charcoal until smoky and tender. The dish represents the intersection of French and Central African grilling traditions in Gabon, combining the French brochette concept with indigenous Gabonese marinating techniques and the charcoal-grilling culture common across West and Central Africa. Street vendors and roadside grillers (braiseurs) are the primary purveyors, turning out skewers to order alongside grilled plantains and spicy dipping sauces.

On the Calendar: Brochettes are everyday street food and social food in Gabon, eaten at roadside stalls, bars, nightclubs, and family gatherings. They are particularly associated with weekend socializing, outdoor celebrations, and the convivial atmosphere of Libreville's night markets.

Then & Now: While the charcoal-grilled preparation method remains unchanged, modern brochettes vendors may offer a wider variety of marinades and dipping sauces. The dish has become a symbol of Gabonese street food culture and urban nightlife.

Legacy: Brochettes are the taste of Gabonese sociability, simple skewers of smoky, spiced beef that transform any gathering into a celebration.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed snack, evening street food 📜 Origins: Colonial era

Comments (1)

Sofia Mar 19, 2026 02:39

Made this last weekend and my family loved it. Will definitely make again!