Suya
Authentic Nigerian Street Food
Experience Nigeria's legendary spiced beef skewers, a beloved street food perfection featuring a fiery 'yaji' spice blend. Traditionally prepared and sold by Hausa vendors at night, this dish offers an unforgettable smoky, spicy, and savory flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1kg Beef sirloin or tenderloin(Choose a well-marbled cut. Slice thinly against the grain, about 3-5mm thick. Partially freezing the meat for 30-45 minutes beforehand will make slicing much easier. Trim any excess sinew or tough fat.)
- 150g Roasted unsalted peanuts(These will be ground to form the base of the yaji spice. Ensure they are roasted and unsalted for best flavor.)
- 3 tbsp Cayenne pepper(Adjust to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce this amount.)
- 2 tbsp Smoked paprika(Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor.)
- 2 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Ground ginger
- 2 Maggi cubes(Crush or grind these into a fine powder. They add a distinct umami flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Salt(Or to taste. Remember Maggi cubes also contain salt.)
- 100ml Vegetable oil(For coating the meat and basting during grilling. Peanut oil is also a good option.)
- 12-18 Wooden skewers(Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.)
- for serving Sliced onions and tomatoes(Serve raw or lightly grilled alongside the suya.)
- optional, for serving Fresh cabbage leaves
- for traditional serving Newspaper or brown butcher paper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Yaji Spice Blend: If your peanuts are not already ground, pulse them in a food processor or blender until they form a fine powder, similar to flour. Be careful not to over-process into peanut butter. In a medium bowl, combine the ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, ground Maggi cubes, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This potent spice mix is the heart of Suya. Set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Prepare the Beef: Ensure your beef is sliced very thinly (3-5mm) against the grain. If you haven't already, partially freeze the beef for 30-45 minutes to firm it up, making slicing easier. Trim off any excess sinew or tough fat to ensure tender skewers. Pat the slices dry with paper towels.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Coat and Spice the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with the vegetable oil until each slice is lightly coated. This helps the spice adhere and keeps the meat moist. Then, generously sprinkle the yaji spice blend over the oiled beef slices. Use your hands to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. You want a visible layer of spice.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Skewer the Beef: Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread the spiced beef slices onto them. Weave the meat so it lies relatively flat and is packed snugly, but not so tight that it prevents even cooking. Aim for 3-5 slices per skewer, depending on size. The flat, packed arrangement is key for proper grilling.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Marinate the Suya: Place the skewered beef on a plate or baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Allow the suya to marinate for a minimum of 3 hours. For the most intense flavor and tenderization, marinate overnight (up to 12-18 hours).
⏱️ 3 hours to overnight - 6
Grill the Suya: Preheat your grill to high heat. Traditionally, charcoal grills are used, as they impart a unique smoky flavor. Aim for a temperature that will sear the meat quickly. Place the marinated skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, basting with a little extra vegetable oil as they cook. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 7
Check for Doneness and Finish: The suya is ready when the edges are nicely charred and slightly crispy, but the meat remains juicy and tender inside. Avoid overcooking. Once removed from the grill, immediately dust the hot skewers with a little extra yaji spice for an extra flavor kick.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 8
Serve Traditionally: Traditionally, suya is served hot, wrapped in newspaper or brown butcher paper. Arrange the skewers on the paper, and serve alongside freshly sliced raw onions and tomatoes. The heat from the suya will slightly soften the vegetables. Some also enjoy it with fresh cabbage leaves. Enjoy this authentic taste of Nigerian street food!
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The ground roasted peanuts in the yaji spice are crucial for its characteristic texture and flavor.
- ✓Slicing the beef thinly and against the grain is essential for tender, quick-cooking suya.
- ✓A very hot grill (preferably charcoal) is key to achieving the authentic smoky char.
- ✓Don't be afraid to marinate overnight for the best flavor penetration.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of your suya.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Chicken Suya (Tsire): Use thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh.
- Ram or Lamb Suya: Substitute beef with thinly sliced ram or lamb.
- Offal Suya: Skewers can also be made with beef kidney, liver, or heart, sliced thinly.
- Vegetable Suya: Marinate firm vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in the yaji spice.