Spicy Suya Recipe: A Taste of Nigeria

Suya is a delicious and iconic Nigerian street food, known for its spicy, smoky flavors and tantalizing aroma. Made with skewered meat, suya is marinated in a special blend of spices, then grilled to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or craving a taste of West Africa, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Suya Spice (Yaji):

• 2 tablespoons ground peanuts or peanut powder (unsalted and roasted)
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon bouillon powder (optional, for added flavor)

For the Meat:

• 1 pound (450g) beef, chicken, or lamb (thinly sliced or cubed)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced onions
• Tomato wedges
• Fresh cabbage leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Suya Spice Mix:
   • In a bowl, combine all the suya spice ingredients. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
2. Marinate the Meat:
   • Place the sliced or cubed meat in a large mixing bowl.
   • Add the vegetable oil and toss to coat the meat evenly.
   • Sprinkle about two-thirds of the suya spice mix over the meat and rub it in with your hands to ensure every piece is well-coated. Reserve the remaining spice mix for later.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor) in the refrigerator.
3. Skewer the Meat:
   • Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving some space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
4. Grill the Suya:
   • Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).
   • Place the skewers on the grill or a lined baking sheet if using the oven.
   • Grill or bake for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. Brush with additional oil during grilling to enhance the flavor and prevent sticking.
5. Serve the Suya:
   • Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle the remaining suya spice mix over the cooked meat.
   • Serve hot with sliced onions, tomato wedges, and cabbage leaves on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Suya

• Use a sharp knife to slice the meat thinly for quicker cooking and better spice absorption.
• If ground peanuts are unavailable, use a food processor to finely grind roasted peanuts.
• For an authentic smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill.

Enjoy your homemade spicy suya and let the bold flavors transport you to the vibrant streets of Nigeria!

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