Suya

Thin slices of beef grilled over open flame and coated in yaji, a peanut and chili spice blend. Served with onions, tomatoes and extra spice, it is the favorite night-time snack in northern and western Nigeria.

Suya

SuyavarietiesTX: WhisperToMe, CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Suya is associated with the Hausa people of northern Nigeria and is sold by roadside grillers across West Africa. Similar spiced skewers are found in Ghana, Niger and beyond.

Explore the cuisine of Nigeria.

Recipe

Make Suya at home

Serves 4Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 500 g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, ground
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 stock cube, crushed
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • sliced onion, tomato and cabbage for serving

How it's made

  1. Mix peanuts, paprika, cayenne, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder and crushed stock cube to make yaji.
  2. Thread the beef onto skewers.
  3. Brush with oil and coat generously with yaji, reserving some for serving.
  4. Let rest 30 minutes.
  5. Grill over high heat or broil, turning, for 8-10 minutes until charred at the edges.
  6. Serve with onions, tomato and a sprinkle of extra yaji.

Variations

  • Chicken suya: with thighs or breast.
  • Kidney or liver suya: a traditional offering.

Cook’s tip: Slice the meat thinly across the grain so it grills fast and stays tender.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • SuyavarietiesTX: WhisperToMe, CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)