Suya is a beloved West African street-food favorite: thin beef slices rubbed with a fragrant peanut-and-spice blend, then grilled until smoky and tender.
Slice the beef thinly, coat it generously with yaji-style spice, and cook it quickly over high heat. The spice crust should toast while the center stays juicy.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Keep the grill hot and watch the peanut-rich spice because it can darken quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with tomato, red onion, cabbage, and extra suya spice. Jollof rice or chilled drinks make the skewers a satisfying meal.
Recipe Notes
Marinated uncooked beef can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Cooked suya is best fresh but can be reheated briefly over a hot grill.
Nigerian Suya Beef Skewers
Thin grilled beef skewers coated in a smoky West African peanut-and-chili spice blend.
Equipment
- Grill or broiler
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor
- Wooden skewers
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Suya Spice and Beef
- 1 1/2 lb beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts ground
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp neutral oil for coating
Garnishes
- 1 medium red onion sliced into rings
- 2 large tomatoes sliced
Instructions
Make the Spice:
- Pulse the peanuts in a food processor until finely ground but not oily.
- Mix the peanuts with paprika, ginger, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt.
Coat and Grill:
- Toss the thin beef slices with oil, then press them into the spice mixture until well coated. Thread the slices onto skewers.
- Heat a grill or broiler to high. Grill the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until charred and cooked through.
Serve:
- Arrange the suya on a platter with onion rings, tomato slices, and extra spice for sprinkling.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly for tender, quick-cooking skewers.
- Adjust cayenne to suit your heat preference.
- Keep the grill hot so the spice crust toasts quickly.
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 44gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g