Authentic Nigerian Suya Recipe: Spice-Rubbed Grilled Meat Skewers

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef fillet
  • 1 cup of Suya spice (kuli kuli)
  • 1 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Crushed dry pepper
  • 1/2 cup of Vegetable oil (for basting)
  • 1 medium Onion (for garnishing)
  • 1 medium Tomato (for garnishing)
  • 1 Cucumber (for garnishing)
  • 4 Skewers

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the beef into thin fillets, ensuring that they are not too thin or too thick.
  2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, flatten the beef fillets to make them tender.
  3. Thread the beef fillets onto the skewers, ensuring that each skewer has an equal amount of beef.
  4. In a bowl, mix together the Suya spice, Cayenne pepper, Salt, Chicken bouillon powder, and Crushed dry pepper.
  5. Brush the beef fillets on the skewers with vegetable oil then coat with the spice mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated.
  6. Preheat a grill or oven to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with oil.
  7. While the beef is cooking, slice the onion, tomato, and cucumber for garnishing.
  8. Once the beef is cooked, remove from the grill or oven and allow to cool slightly before garnishing with the sliced onion, tomato, and cucumber.
  9. Serve the Suya warm, with extra Suya spice on the side for dipping if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different meat option.
  • Experiment with different types of spice blends such as Jerk seasoning or Moroccan spices.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the meat before applying the spice rub for a citrusy twist.
  • Try grilling the skewered vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms alongside the meat for a vegetarian option.
  • Marinate the meat in yogurt or buttermilk for a few hours before grilling to make it even more tender and flavorful.
  • Create a peanut or almond crust by coating the meat with crushed nuts before grilling.
  • For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the spice mixture.
  • Wrap the seasoned meat in flatbread or tortilla with some lettuce, tomatoes, and a sauce of your choice to make a Suya wrap.
  • Use tofu or tempeh as a meat substitute for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Instead of grilling, try pan-searing the meat in a hot skillet for a slightly different texture.

Recipe overview

Get ready to experience a taste of West Africa with this delicious Suya recipe. Suya is a popular street food in several African countries, particularly Nigeria, where it originates. This flavorful dish consists of skewered and grilled meat, coated in a spicy peanut mixture that is both savory and mouthwateringly good. In this recipe, we'll be using beef fillet, which we'll thread onto skewers, season with a unique blend of spices, and then grill to perfection. Expect a bit of heat from the cayenne and crushed dry pepper, which is perfectly balanced by the distinct flavors of the Suya spice and the vegetable oil baste. We'll also be garnishing our Suya with some fresh onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, adding a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the rich, spicy beef. The result is a dish that's incredibly satisfying and packed full of flavor. It's a simple recipe, but the end result is simply unforgettable. So let's get started and bring the vibrant flavors of African street food to your kitchen. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. What type of meat is best for making Suya? Beef fillet is commonly used for making Suya. It is recommended to use a lean cut of beef that is tender and can be easily sliced.
  2. Can I use chicken or other types of meat instead of beef? Yes, you can use chicken, goat, or even fish as an alternative to beef in making Suya. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat used.
  3. Where can I find Suya spice (kuli kuli)? Suya spice (kuli kuli) can be found in African or international grocery stores. Alternatively, you can also make your own Suya spice by combining various spices like peanut powder, ginger, garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in Suya? Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness in Suya by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed dry pepper used in the spice mixture.
  5. Can I cook Suya in the oven instead of grilling? Yes, you can cook Suya in the oven. Preheat the oven to medium heat and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with oil.
  6. Is it necessary to baste the Suya with oil? Basting the Suya with oil helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor. It also helps to prevent the meat from sticking to the grill or baking sheet. However, if you prefer a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of oil or omit the basting step.
  7. What can I serve with Suya? Suya is often served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers for garnishing. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or served with side dishes like Jollof rice, fried plantains, or salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Oven - A grill or oven is required for cooking the beef skewers.
  • Meat mallet or Rolling pin - These tools are used to flatten the beef fillets and make them tender.
  • Skewers - Skewers are needed to thread the beef fillets for grilling.
  • Basting brush - A basting brush is used to brush the beef fillets with vegetable oil and coat them with the spice mixture.

Origin stories

Suya is a popular street food that hails from the Northern regions of Nigeria, but has traversed its way to the hearts and palates of the entire nation and beyond. It's not just the taste that makes Suya an epicurean delight, but also its communal allure, as it has a long-standing tradition of being enjoyed in the open, under the serene African night sky. The art of making Suya was honed by the Hausa people, traditionally known as "Mai Suya", who passed it down through generations. It's prepared by grilling skewered meat that has been generously coated in a peanut-spice rub, known as Yaji. The sight of the Mai Suya, diligently tending to his grill, turning the skewers, fanning the coals, and serving up this spice-laden treat wrapped in old newspaper, is a quintessential Nigerian experience. The smoky, spicy, crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Suya, often served with slices of onions, cucumber, and tomatoes, is indeed, a culinary emblem of Nigeria's rich and diverse culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.