Nigerian Beef Suya (Spiced Grilled Skewers)
Nigerian Beef Suya (Spiced Grilled Skewers)
Suya is a popular Nigerian street food made of spiced and grilled beef skewers, marinated in a bold, peanut-based spice rub. Suya is typically served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and lime, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for gatherings and outdoor grilling.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Yajin Kuli (Spice Rub):
- ½ cup roasted groundnut/peanut butter powder 40g
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger 5g
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 8g
- 1 tablespoon onion powder 10g
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt 9g
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 4g
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground grains of selim or grains of paradise optional
- ½ teaspoon ground cubeb pepper optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the Suya:
- 1 pound beef flank or sirloin steak 450g
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil or neutral-flavored oil 45ml
For Serving:
- Red onions thinly sliced
- Tomatoes sliced
- Limes halved
- Crisp lettuce
- Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Yajin Kuli (Spice Rub):In a small bowl, combine the groundnut powder, ground ginger, paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and any optional spices (grains of selim, cubeb pepper, or cloves). Whisk the mixture thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef:Wrap the beef tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 15-30 minutes to firm up. Once firm, use a sharp knife to slice the beef against the grain into 2-inch-long, 1-inch-wide, and 1/8-inch-thick strips.
- Marinate the Beef:In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the peanut oil over the beef slices. Sprinkle the Yajin Kuli spice blend (about ½ cup) over the beef, massaging the spices into the meat to coat it evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the beef for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
- Thread the Beef:Take one piece of marinated beef at a time and thread it onto bamboo skewers, piercing the meat twice and bunching it together tightly. Repeat until all the beef has been skewered, leaving a 2-inch handle at the bottom of the skewers.
- Grill the Skewers (Charcoal or Gas Grill):Preheat your grill. For charcoal, spread the coals evenly over half of the grill. For gas grills, set half the burners to high heat. Oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.Place the skewers over direct heat, turning frequently for about 8 minutes, or until the beef is lightly charred and fully cooked through. If flare-ups occur, move the skewers to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve:Once the skewers are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve with thinly sliced red onions, tomatoes, lime halves, crisp lettuce, and fresh coriander leaves.
Notes
- If peanut powder is unavailable, unsweetened peanut butter can be used as a substitute.
- Suya traditionally rests after cooking and is reheated on the grill to enhance flavor.
- Leftover skewers can be refrigerated and reheated for later consumption.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 14gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.7mg
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!
Responses