Making Home Made Suya

Suya is a popular West African street food that is enjoyed by many. This grilled meat is seasoned with a spicy blend of ground peanuts and spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish. While suya is commonly sold by street vendors in Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries, it's also possible to make it at home using simple ingredients and a grill or grill pan. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make homemade suya that's just as delicious as the version you'd find on the streets of Kaduna. Get ready to savor the bold and spicy flavors of this classic dish right from your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs of beef (flank steak or sirloin work well)
  • 1/2 cup of groundnut (peanut) oil
  • 1/4 cup of suya spice (you can find this at an African grocery store or make your own by mixing equal parts ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika)
  • 1 tbsp of salt
  • 1 tbsp of bouillon powder (optional)
  • Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the beef into thin, long strips (about 1/4 inch thick) and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the groundnut oil, suya spice, salt, and bouillon powder (if using).
  3. Add the beef strips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat.
  5. Thread the beef strips onto skewers, leaving a little bit of space between each strip.
  6. Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the meat is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  7. Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Serve the suya hot, garnished with sliced onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade suya!