Suya Recipe (Nigerian Spicy Grilled Meat Skewers)

how to make your own suya, easy steps below

Suya is a popular Nigerian street food made with thinly sliced meat coated in a spicy peanut rub and grilled to perfection. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef or chicken (cut into thin strips)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• Vegetable oil (for brushing)

For the Suya Spice Mix:

• 1 cup roasted peanuts (ground into a fine powder or peanut butter powder)
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon bouillon powder (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Suya Spice Mix:

• Mix all the spice ingredients together in a bowl. Ensure the peanuts are finely ground to avoid clumps.

1. Marinate the Meat:

• Place the meat strips in a large bowl.
• Add a few tablespoons of the Suya spice mix and a splash of vegetable oil. Toss the meat until evenly coated. Save some spice mix for sprinkling later.
• Cover the bowl and let the meat marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

1. Prepare the Skewers:

• Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring the pieces are not too crowded.

1. Grill the Suya:

• Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
• Place the skewers on the grill or a lined baking sheet for oven grilling.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with oil and sprinkling more Suya spice as needed. Ensure the meat is cooked through but not dry.

1. Serve:

• Remove the Suya skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
• Serve with thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, and cabbage on the side. Pair with flatbread or enjoy as is.

Tips for Best Results:

• Choose the right meat: Beef (sirloin or flank steak) or chicken thighs work best for tender, flavorful Suya.
• Adjust spice level: Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper to suit your heat tolerance.
• Authenticity: Add a sprinkle of Yaji spice (a blend of traditional spices) for a more authentic Nigerian flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Suya, a crowd-pleaser for any occasion! 🎉🍢