Dibi (Malian Grilled Spiced Meat)

Name: Dibi (Malian Grilled Spiced Meat)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mali
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks; 2 onions, sliced; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Mustard, for serving; Baguette, for serving

6 servings15 min prep30 min cookEasy Mali

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Dibi (Malian Grilled Spiced Meat)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Dibi, seasoned and fire-grilled meat served with onions, mustard, and bread, is a Soninke word for barbecue and is thought to have originated in Mali before becoming even more closely associated with Senegal, where dedicated grill stalls called dibiteries serve it as a beloved street food across Dakar and beyond.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
2 onions, sliced
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
Mustard, for serving
Baguette, for serving

Instructions

1Toss lamb chunks with oil, cumin, paprika, cayenne, garlic, and salt.
2Preheat oven or grill to high heat (450°F if roasting).
3Roast or grill the lamb, turning occasionally, 25-30 minutes until browned and charred at the edges.
4Meanwhile, caramelize the sliced onions in a skillet with a little oil until soft and golden.
5Chop the grilled lamb into bite-sized pieces.
6Serve hot topped with caramelized onions, mustard, and torn baguette.

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