Finger Licking Matumbo wet fry

Finger Licking Matumbo wet fry is a medium South African recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Ndunguluther Sam on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $24.80 total, $6.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Beef Tripe (pre‑boiled and cleaned, cut into bite‑size strips)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil such as canola or sunflower)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 large Bell Pepper (any colour, sliced into strips)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes (diced)
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (plain, no added sugar)
  • 2 Tbsp Coriander Stems (chopped finely)
  • 2 Tbsp Coriander Leaves (roughly chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 240 ml Water (room temperature)
  • 1 Tbsp Rico Seasoning Powder (South African spice blend, can substitute with beef seasoning)
  • 1 piece Sesame Stock Cube (adds umami; optional if allergic to sesame)
  • 1 tsp Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, mixed with cold water to form a slurry)
  • 1 large Avocado (sliced, tossed with a pinch of salt and minced garlic)
  • 1 clove Garlic (for avocado) (minced)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tripe (if not pre‑boiled)

    Rinse the pre‑boiled tripe under cold water, pat dry, and cut into bite‑size strips.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Dry‑Fry the Tripe

    Heat the skillet over high heat, add the oil, then add the tripe in a single layer. Cover with the lid and let it dry for about 2 minutes, stirring once to ensure even browning.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  3. Add Aromatics

    Uncover the pan, add grated ginger, minced garlic, and stir‑fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  4. Sauté Onion

    Add the sliced onion and continue stir‑frying for another 1 minute until the onion just starts to turn translucent.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  5. Build the Sauce Base

    Stir in the chopped coriander stems, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and ½ cup water. Mix well and let the tomatoes break down for about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Season and Add Capsicum

    Crumble the sesame stock cube into the pan, sprinkle the Rico seasoning powder, and add the sliced capsicum. Cook for 2 minutes so the flavors marry.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Create a Wet Fry

    Add an additional ½ cup water to achieve a wet‑fry consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Thicken with Cocoa Slurry

    In a small bowl, dissolve the cocoa powder in 2 Tbsp cold water. Pour the slurry into the skillet, stir, then cover and simmer for 3‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  9. Finish and Garnish

    Remove the lid, give the stir‑fry a final stir, and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves over the top.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Prepare Avocado Side (optional)

    Slice the avocado, toss with a pinch of salt and the minced garlic. Serve alongside the tripe stir‑fry.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: Sesame

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Finger Licking Matumbo wet fry

Recipe by Ndunguluther Sam

A bold, South African‑inspired stir‑fry featuring pre‑boiled beef tripe, capsicum, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and a special Rico seasoning blend, finished with a touch of cocoa for depth. Served hot and garnished with fresh coriander, with a simple avocado‑garlic side.

MediumSouth AfricanServes 4

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Source Video
4m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
36m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.80
Total cost
$6.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pre‑boiling and cleaning the tripe to ensure tenderness.
  • Dry‑frying the tripe first to develop a slight crust.
  • Adding the cocoa‑water slurry at the end to thicken without over‑cooking.
  • Keeping the heat high initially to prevent soggy aromatics.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatters.
  • Ensure the tripe is fully cooked; undercooked offal can cause foodborne illness.
  • Use oven mitts when covering the pan with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of spicy beef tripe stir‑fry in South African cuisine?

A

Tripe dishes have long been part of South African home cooking, especially among Zulu and Xhosa communities where off‑alike cuts are prized for their flavor and affordability. The addition of Rico seasoning and cocoa reflects modern fusion trends that blend traditional spice blends with unexpected depth.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tripe dishes in South African cuisine?

A

In the Eastern Cape, tripe is often boiled with maize meal porridge, while in the Western Cape it may be braised with tomatoes and wine. The KwaZulu‑Natal style frequently includes a spicy tomato‑based sauce similar to this recipe, but without cocoa.

cultural
Q

How is spicy beef tripe stir‑fry traditionally served in South Africa?

A

It is usually served hot with a side of pap (maize porridge) or fresh white rice, and sometimes accompanied by a simple avocado or cucumber salad to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is tripe stir‑fry traditionally enjoyed in South African culture?

A

Tripe dishes are common at family gatherings, weekend braais (barbecues), and during festive seasons like Christmas when larger cuts of meat are shared among relatives.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional South African tripe stir‑fry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include beef tripe, tomato paste, onions, garlic, ginger, and a local spice blend such as Rico or peri‑peri. Substitutes can be lamb tripe, beef bouillon cubes instead of sesame cubes, and cocoa powder can be replaced with a small amount of dark chocolate for similar depth.

cultural
Q

What other South African dishes pair well with spicy beef tripe stir‑fry?

A

Pair it with pap, sheba (spiced tomato sauce), chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish), or a simple green salad with lemon dressing to cut through the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spicy beef tripe stir‑fry at home?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than fries the tripe; adding the cocoa slurry too early, which can make the sauce bitter; and under‑seasoning the tripe before the final simmer.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cocoa‑water slurry instead of cornstarch for thickening?

A

Cocoa adds a subtle earthy bitterness that deepens the flavor profile, whereas cornstarch would only provide thickness without the unique taste that characterises this South African‑inspired dish.

technical
Q

Can I make the spicy beef tripe stir‑fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the tripe and sauce up to a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the tripe stir‑fry is done?

A

The tripe should be tender but still have a slight chew, coated in a glossy, deep‑red sauce with visible pieces of capsicum and tomato. The cocoa slurry will give the sauce a velvety sheen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ndunguluther Sam specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ndunguluther Sam focuses on South African home cooking, highlighting affordable protein dishes, traditional spice blends, and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ndunguluther Sam's approach to South African cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Ndunguluther Sam emphasizes using locally sourced ingredients, quick ‘wet‑fry’ techniques, and culturally authentic seasoning blends like Rico, offering a blend of tradition and modern convenience that sets the channel apart from generic recipe channels.

channel

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