Authentic Nigerian Suyaa: A Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Smoky and Spicy Meat Skewers

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Beef, cut into thin slices
  • 1 cup Groundnut Oil
  • 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Crayfish
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 Maggi cubes or any other seasoning cubes
  • 1 bunch Scent Leaves (Effirin or Nchuanwu), chopped
  • 1 bunch Nigerian Pumpkin leaves, chopped (Spinach or Kale can be used as a substitute)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the groundnut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef slices to the pot and sauté until they are brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped Scotch bonnet peppers and ground crayfish to the pot. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
  5. Return the beef to the pot and add the salt, black pepper, and Maggi cubes. Stir well to make sure the beef is well coated with the seasonings.
  6. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and allow the ingredients to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the beef is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  7. Add the chopped scent leaves and Nigerian pumpkin leaves (or spinach or kale if you're using them as substitutes) to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
  8. Continue to cook the ingredients on low heat for another 10 minutes, or until the leaves have wilted and the flavors have melded together.
  9. Adjust the seasonings if necessary, then remove the pot from the heat.
  10. Serve the Suyaa hot, either by itself or with a side of steamed rice or boiled yams.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or goat meat instead of beef
  • Replace groundnut oil with vegetable oil or palm oil
  • Add diced bell peppers or tomatoes for a different flavor profile
  • Include other spices like curry powder or thyme
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with tofu or tempeh
  • Try different leafy greens such as collard greens or Swiss chard
  • Add coconut milk for a creamy twist
  • Add chopped carrots or potatoes for added texture
  • Experiment with different chili peppers for varying levels of spiciness

Recipe overview

Welcome to the flavorful world of Nigerian cuisine with this authentic recipe for Suyaa. Suyaa is a popular Nigerian street food traditionally made with beef and a delicious combination of spices and herbs. In this recipe, you'll first sauté thin slices of beef until they're browned, then mix them with onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, and ground crayfish for a burst of flavor. The dish is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and Maggi cubes, a popular seasoning in many African cuisines. The final touch to this savory dish is the addition of scent leaves and Nigerian pumpkin leaves, which gives Suyaa its distinctive herbal flavor. If you can't find these traditional Nigerian herbs, don't worry! Spinach or kale are excellent substitutes. The recipe takes about an hour to prepare and cook, but the result is a delicious, hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of steamed rice or boiled yams. So, if you're ready to explore Nigerian cuisine, roll up your sleeves and let's start cooking!

Common questions

  1. How do I make the beef slices tender? - You can make the beef slices tender by simmering them in the pot with the seasonings for about 20 minutes or until they are no longer tough.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? - Yes, you can use other types of meat such as goat meat or chicken in place of beef if you prefer.
  3. What can I use as a substitute for Nigerian pumpkin leaves? - If Nigerian pumpkin leaves are not available, you can use spinach or kale as a substitute.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? - Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnet peppers according to your preference.
  5. What can I serve Suyaa with? - Suyaa can be served by itself as a main dish or with a side of steamed rice or boiled yams.
  6. Can I make this recipe in advance? - Yes, you can make Suyaa in advance and reheat it when needed. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
  7. Can I freeze leftovers? - Yes, you can freeze any leftover Suyaa in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A pot large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for stirring.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board to safely chop the onions, garlic, and peppers.
  • Sharp Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the beef and chopping the vegetables.
  • Measuring Cup - A measuring cup to accurately measure the groundnut oil.
  • Spatula - A spatula to help in the sautéing and flipping of the beef slices.
  • Ladle - A ladle for serving the Suyaa.
  • Plates and Cutlery - Plates and cutlery for serving and enjoying the Suyaa.

Origin stories

Suyaa is a popular street food in Nigeria that has gained recognition far and wide for its mouth-watering taste. It originated in the northern part of the country, where the Hausa community are known for their skill in preparing this grilled delicacy. Interestingly, it was originally prepared as a high-protein snack for travellers and warriors to consume on long journeys or in battle. Today, it is enjoyed by all and sundry, not just in Nigeria, but in many parts of the world where the Nigerian diaspora have introduced it, thus spreading the flavors of the Nigerian culture. Enjoying Suyaa is not just about savoring a delightful dish, it's also about becoming part of a rich cultural heritage.

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.