Cuisine : Suya - How to make this West African dish

 

Suya is a popular West African street food, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. It is a spicy, flavorful skewer-grilled meat dish, typically made with thinly sliced beef, chicken, or lamb. The meat is marinated with a special blend of spices known as Suya spice or Yaji, which gives it a smoky, spicy, and nutty flavor. Suya is often served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and a side of pepper sauce or extra Suya spice for dipping.

How Suya is Prepared

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) of beef (top sirloin or flank steak), chicken, or lamb

3 tablespoons of Suya spice (Yaji) mix:

2 tablespoons of ground peanuts (Kuli Kuli, or finely ground roasted peanuts)

1 tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper or paprika (for less heat)

1 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1 teaspoon of ground chili powder

½ teaspoon of salt

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or peanut oil

Wooden or metal skewers

Onions and tomatoes (for serving)

Extra Suya spice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat:

Thinly slice the beef, chicken, or lamb into strips or bite-sized pieces. Make sure the meat is not too thick to ensure even cooking on the grill.

Soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes if you're using them, to prevent them from burning on the grill.

2. Make the Suya Spice:

In a small bowl, mix the ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt to create the Suya spice mix (Yaji).

Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper according to your preference.

3. Marinate the Meat:

In a large bowl, coat the sliced meat with oil to help the spice mix stick.

Generously rub the Suya spice mix onto the meat, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) in the fridge to absorb the flavors.

4. Thread the Meat on Skewers:

Thread the marinated meat slices onto skewers. Do not overcrowd the skewers to allow even cooking.

5. Grill the Suya:

Preheat a grill (charcoal or gas) to medium-high heat. You can also use an oven with the broiler setting.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the meat is browned and cooked through. If using a broiler, place the skewers on a rack and broil for a similar amount of time, turning once.

Baste the meat with a bit of oil during grilling to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

6. Serve:

Suya is traditionally served with thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, and sometimes cabbage.

Sprinkle extra Suya spice over the grilled meat for more flavor.

Serve with a side of hot pepper sauce, flatbread, or as part of a larger meal with rice or salad.

Suya is known for its bold, spicy flavors and is enjoyed as a snack or a full meal. It’s a must-try for fans of grilled meats and spicy cuisine.