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Spicy Suya Recipe

Suya Recipe

Suya is a flavorful West African dish made from grilled beef skewers coated in a spicy peanut-based rub. This Spicy Suya Recipe delivers perfectly grilled beef with bold flavors and fresh garnishes, making it the ultimate street food snack or meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Nigerian, West African
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Basting brush

Ingredients
  

For the Suya Spice Mix:

  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper

For the Beef:

  • 1 1/2 pounds Beef sirloin or flank steak (cut into thin strips)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)

For Garnish:

  • Sliced onions
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Fresh cucumbers
  • Extra lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • 1. Prepare the Suya Spice Mix
    In a bowl, combine the ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, salt, and white pepper. Mix well to create the suya spice rub.
    2. Marinate the Beef
    In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced beef strips. Drizzle with vegetable oil and sprinkle with half of the suya spice mix. Toss to coat the beef evenly.Cover the beef and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
    3. Thread the Beef onto Skewers
    Soak wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes if using wooden skewers to prevent burning. Thread the marinated beef strips onto the skewers.
    4. Grill the Suya
    Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the beef skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with vegetable oil occasionally to prevent drying out.Cook until the beef is slightly charred and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
    5. Garnish and Serve
    Remove the suya skewers from the grill and sprinkle with the remaining suya spice mix for extra flavor.Serve the grilled suya hot, garnished with sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lime wedges for an authentic experience.

Notes

  • Peanut Substitution: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute roasted cashews or sunflower seeds for the peanuts in the suya spice mix.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness. For a milder suya, reduce the amount of cayenne, or omit it altogether.
  • Skewer Alternatives: If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the beef strips directly on the grill grates or use a grill basket.
  • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian suya, substitute the beef with tofu or vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, and use the same suya spice mix.
  • Serving Ideas: Suya pairs perfectly with jollof rice, fried plantains, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
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