West African Beef Kabobs
These West African Beef Kabobs offer a delightful blend of smoky, savory, and subtly spicy flavors, perfect for grilling enthusiasts. Marinated in a rich peanut and ginger sauce, the beef becomes incredibly tender and infused with aromatic spices before being skewered with colorful bell peppers and onions. This recipe is inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of West Africa, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in many savory dishes.
Equipment
- Grill pan (or outdoor grill)
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Cuisinart Food Processor (or mortar and pestle, optional, for finer spice grinding)
- Cooking spray (or a light brushing of oil)
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 small onion
- 2 tbsp peanut butter unsalted
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp AllSpice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/4 tsp powdered ginger
Instructions
Prepare the Beef & Aromatics
- Cut the 1 lb Sirloin Steak into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.1 pound sirloin steak cut into 1 inch cubes
- Chop the 1 Small Onion finely. Set aside about half of the chopped onion for the marinade and the remaining half to be cut into 1-inch pieces for threading onto the skewers.1 small onion
Create the Peanut-Spice Rub (Marinade)
- In the Mixing Bowl, combine the 2 tbsp Peanut Butter, 1 tbsp Tomato Paste, 1 tbsp Olive Oil, 1 tbsp Water, 2 tsp AllSpice, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper, 1/4 tsp Powdered Ginger, and the reserved half of the chopped Onion.2 tbsp peanut butter unsalted, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp AllSpice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, 1/4 tsp powdered ginger
- Mix well until a thick, uniform paste is formed. (This is where the Cuisinart Food Processor could be used to blend the onion and spices into the peanut paste for an ultra-smooth rub, though a mixing bowl and fork work just fine).
Marinate and Skewer
- Add the cubed Sirloin Steak to the peanut-spice mixture in the Mixing Bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the skewers, alternating with the 1-inch pieces of Onion.
Grill the Skewers
- Preheat the Grill Pan (or outdoor grill) to medium-high heat.
- Lightly coat the grill surface with Cooking Spray or a brush of oil.
- Place the beef skewers on the hot grill pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 8 to 12 minutes total, turning the skewers every 2-3 minutes, until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare: 135°F / 57°C; medium: 145°F / 63°C). The peanut crust should be nicely seared and fragrant.
Serve
- Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Authenticity: For a more traditional Suya experience, you can add 1/2 tsp of ground Grains of Paradise or a pinch of ground Kulikuli (fried peanut snack powder) to the rub.
- Heat Control: If the 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper isn't enough, increase it to 1/2 tsp for a noticeably spicier kick.
- Serving: Serve these skewers with a side of extra raw sliced onion, diced tomato, and a sprinkle of extra spice mix, which is a common way Suya is served in West Africa.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcal
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