Dibi Hausa (West African Grilled Beef Kebabs with Tankora Spice)
A quick ginger-garlic marinade and spicy, aromatic peanut coating lend depth and savory richness to Chef Pierre Thiam’s flavor-packed Senegalese skewers.
- Serves
serves 4
- Cook
45 minutes

This recipe, which appeared in Adrian Miller’s book, Black Smoke, is adapted from beef kebabs made by chef Pierre Thiam, a Senegal native, who is doing much to educate Americans about the food of his native country. It’s also a great way to get a taste of West African barbecue in a short period of time. Though this recipe calls for beef, you may use any other meat or vegetable to achieve delicious results. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for an hour before using. The tankora mix will last up to two months stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Ingredients
For the tankora powder:
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts, crushed to a fine powder
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
For the kebabs:
- 1 lb. round steak, sliced into strips about 1½ by 2 by ⅜ in.
- 2 tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. finely grated white or yellow onion
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1⁄2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
- 1⁄4 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 chicken bouillon cube, crumbled (optional)
- 1 tbsp. peanut oil
- 1 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt
- Eight 6-in. skewers