Embark on a culinary adventure through West Africa with these 10 irresistible Suya recipes. Explore the fiery and flavorful world of this iconic street food, from classic beef Suya to tantalizing chicken Suya and even vegetarian Suya options. Discover the secrets to creating the perfect Suya spice blend and learn how to grill, bake, or pan-fry your way to Suya perfection. Get ready to experience the spicy delights of this beloved West African dish!
Authentic Nigerian Wagyu Beef Suya
This recipe elevates the classic Nigerian street food, Suya, by using premium Wagyu beef. It combines the rich, buttery flavor of Wagyu with a flavorful peanut-spice blend for an unforgettable culinary experience. Follow these steps to create your own gourmet Suya at home.
Ingredients
For the Wagyu Beef Suya:
- 1 Double 8 Cattle Company Fullblood Wagyu Sirloin Tip Steak (cut against the grain into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips)
- 1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil
- 1 cup Ground Roasted Peanuts
- 2 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Crayfish Powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Chile Flakes
For Serving:
- 2 Roma Tomatoes (large diced)
- 1 head Green Cabbage (sliced thin)
- 1 cup Cilantro Leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Wagyu Beef:
Begin by cutting the Wagyu sirloin tip steak against the grain into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips, resulting in about 6-7 strips. In a large bowl, toss the Wagyu strips with grapeseed oil. In a separate bowl, combine the ground roasted peanuts, ginger, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, crayfish powder (if using), and chile flakes. Mix the spice blend thoroughly. Add the peanut-spice mixture to the bowl with the Wagyu beef, ensuring the meat is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2-6 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Grill the Wagyu Beef Suya:
Remove the marinated Wagyu strips from the refrigerator. Thread the strips onto skewers, bunching the meat together accordion-style. This should yield about 4 skewers. Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side. Turn off the grill, close the lid, and let the skewers rest inside for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking.
Assemble and Serve:
While the Suya rests, prepare a simple salad by combining the sliced cabbage, diced tomatoes, and cilantro leaves in a bowl. Arrange the cabbage mixture on a platter. After the skewers have rested for 5 minutes, place them over the cabbage salad. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Nigerian Wagyu Beef Suya!
Spicy Suya Meatballs
These flavorful meatballs are inspired by the popular West African street food, suya. This recipe provides a simple way to enjoy the spicy, nutty, and aromatic flavors of suya in a fun, bite-sized package.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp Parsley
- To Taste, Nigerian Suya Pepper OR Regular Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup bread crumbs OR Garri
- Olive Oil or Vegetable oil for Frying
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, parsley, egg, salt, and suya pepper (or black pepper as a substitute). Mix thoroughly.
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Spread the breadcrumbs or garri on a flat surface. This will be used to coat the meatballs.
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Using your hands, form the meat mixture into meatballs roughly the size of tennis balls.
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Pour about 1 inch of oil into a deep frying pan or wok. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Important: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the meatballs.
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Pro Tip: Test the oil temperature by dropping in a small breadcrumb. If it sizzles and fries quickly, the oil is ready.
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Carefully place the meatballs into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally.
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Once fried, remove the meatballs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Quick and Easy Suya Noodles
This recipe provides a simple method for preparing delicious suya noodles, combining the savory flavors of suya spice with the convenience of instant noodles. Whether you make your own suya or buy it ready-made, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package of Indomie instant noodles (super pack)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 small onion, chopped
- A dash of ginger powder
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any oil)
- 2 slices of round beef
- Cajun spice
- Dried ground red bell pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Making the Suya (Optional):
- Slice the round beef into 2, creating 4 flat pieces. Wash thoroughly and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the Cajun spice, red bell pepper, ginger powder, and salt. Divide the spice mixture in half.
- Coat the beef pieces with one portion of the spice mixture, ensuring they are fully covered. Barbecue the meat until dry.
- Once barbecued, place the beef on a paper towel (or clean newspaper). Cut into large pieces, add the chopped onions, and sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. Wrap the paper around the suya and set aside.
Preparing the Noodles:
- Boil 2 cups of water in a pot.
- Chop the carrot into large pieces and add to the boiling water.
- After 1 minute, add the noodles to the pot and cover.
- After 30 seconds, open the pot slightly to prevent boiling over. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and cover again.
- After another minute, open the pot and add the wrapped suya. Stir, then add the noodles seasoning packet. Stir again and cover for 1 minute.
- If you prefer softer noodles, add a little more water.
Note: If you are in Nigeria, you can easily purchase ready-made suya from street vendors. Be sure to taste it before buying to ensure it meets your preference. This simplifies the recipe and allows you to skip the suya preparation steps.
Quick & Easy Suya Noodles
This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to enjoy the spicy flavors of suya with convenient instant noodles. It’s a quick meal, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 250g Chicken Flavored Instant Noodles
- 150g Peppered Suya
- 1 drop Vegetable Oil
- 200g Water (or 150g plus more as needed)
- 1.5-3 tbsp Diced Onions
Instructions
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Combine the instant noodles (including the seasoning packet), vegetable oil, water, and diced onions in a pot.
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Cook over medium heat. Once the noodles start to soften and absorb the water, check the consistency. If necessary, add a little more water (up to the total 200g) until the noodles reach your desired tenderness.
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Once the noodles are cooked through, add the peppered suya. Stir well to combine the flavors and coat the noodles.
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Serve immediately and enjoy with a refreshing drink of your choice, such as water or a soft drink.
Spicy Suya Sauce
This recipe guides you through making a flavorful and spicy suya sauce perfect for pairing with various dishes. It utilizes common pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a vibrant and aromatic sauce.
Ingredients
- 500g Diced Tomatoes
- 2-3 tbsp Diced Habanero (adjust to your spice preference)
- Onion Rings (amount to your liking)
- 1 tsp Fried Rice Spice
- 1/2 tbsp Curry Powder
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tsp Onga Classic Seasoning Powder (or any all-purpose seasoning)
- 500g Suya (This appears to be an error. Suya is typically the grilled meat this sauce is meant *for*. Omit this ingredient.)
Instructions
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Heat the vegetable oil in a pan. Once hot, add the onion rings and diced habanero. Stir-fry on low heat for 7 seconds.
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Add the diced tomatoes, fried rice spice, curry powder, black pepper powder, and Onga seasoning powder to the pan. Increase the heat to medium.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more curry powder or all-purpose seasoning depending on your preference.
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Continue cooking until the oil separates and becomes clearly visible on the surface of the sauce.
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Turn off the heat and remove the sauce from the pan.
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Serve the suya sauce hot with your favorite carbohydrates like rice, pasta, or other grains. It also pairs well with roasted or grilled meats.
Spicy Beef Suya (Nigerian Street Food)
This recipe guides you through making delicious and authentic Nigerian Beef Suya, a spicy and flavorful street food, easily achievable in your own kitchen. Suya is known for its rich blend of spices and tender grilled beef. This version uses the oven for convenience, achieving a similar taste.
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef
- Cayenne Pepper (essential for the signature heat)
- Ginger powder
- Garlic powder
- Suya spice (pre-mixed blend)
- Chunk of onions
- Cooking oil of choice
- Stock cube/Salt
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into thin, bite-sized strips. Place in a clean bowl.
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Marinate: Season the beef generously with cayenne pepper, ginger powder, garlic powder, suya spice, chopped onions, cooking oil, and stock cube or salt. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably longer for enhanced flavor.
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Prepare Skewers (Wooden): If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling. This prevents them from burning in the oven. Metal skewers don’t require soaking.
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Thread the Beef: Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator. Thread the beef strips onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
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Oven Cooking: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For a more authentic suya flavor, you can optionally dust the skewers with additional suya spice before placing them in the oven. Cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Flip the skewers halfway through for even cooking.
Serve your homemade Beef Suya hot, optionally garnished with extra chopped onions and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for those who like extra heat. Enjoy!
Crispy Suya Turkey with Air-Fried Potato Wedges and Ketchup
This recipe provides a simple method for creating a flavorful and satisfying meal of spicy suya turkey served with crispy air-fried potato wedges and ketchup.
Ingredients
- Suya-spiced Turkey (pre-marinated or prepare your own)
- Potatoes (Russet or similar, suitable for wedges)
- Ketchup
- Oil (for air frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into wedges.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Toss the potato wedges with oil and your preferred seasonings (salt, pepper, etc.). Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry according to your air fryer’s instructions until golden brown and crispy.
- Cook the Suya Turkey: While the potatoes are air frying, cook the suya-spiced turkey according to your preferred method (grill, pan-fry, bake). Ensure it is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Serve: Pour ketchup into a small bowl for dipping. Arrange the crispy potato wedges around the bowl of ketchup. Serve the cooked suya turkey alongside.
Spicy Suya: A Flavorful Nigerian Street Food Recipe
This recipe guides you through making delicious suya, a popular Nigerian street food, at home. With a blend of roasted peanuts and spices, suya offers a unique and savory experience. This version utilizes an air fryer for a convenient and healthier cooking method.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp beef bouillon powder (or crushed Maggi cube)
- Salt to taste
- Beef, cut into thin strips
- Wooden skewers
- Oil (for marinating and drizzling)
Instructions
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Prepare the Peanut Base: Grind the roasted peanuts in a coffee grinder until finely crushed, but not quite a paste. This will add a nutty depth to the suya spice.
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Make the Suya Spice: In a bowl, combine the ground peanuts, red chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, beef bouillon powder, and salt. This aromatic blend is the heart of the suya flavor.
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Marinate the Beef: Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels. Massage a tablespoon of oil and half of the suya spice mix into the beef. Cover the bowl with cling film and marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor penetration.
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Prepare the Skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. This prevents them from burning during the air frying process.
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Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated beef strips onto the skewers, placing about 3-4 pieces per skewer, ensuring the meat covers most of the skewer.
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Coat with Remaining Spice: Dab the skewered beef all over with the remaining suya spice mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
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Air Fry: Line your air fryer basket with foil. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with a little oil.
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Cook: Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
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Serve: Serve the suya immediately, fresh from the air fryer. Enjoy!
Authentic Nigerian Suya Recipe
This recipe guides you through making delicious, authentic Nigerian Suya at home. Suya is a spicy, flavorful grilled meat skewer popular throughout Nigeria. This recipe uses readily available ingredients and provides easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients
- Beef: 250 grams, cut into thin slices and small cubes
- Groundnut Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yaji Suya Spice: 3 tablespoons
- Chili: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Sea Salt: To taste
- Vegetables: Your choice for garnish (optional)
- Bamboo Skewers: Enough for your meat
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 1 hour before use. This prevents them from burning during grilling.
- Prepare the Beef: Wash, slice, and cut the beef into small cubes.
- Dry the Beef: Drain the beef and pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
- Make the Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the groundnut oil, chili, and sea salt.
- Marinate the Beef (First Marinate): Add the oil mixture to the beef, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Thread the beef onto the skewers. Pour some Yaji spice onto a plate. Holding each skewer, pat the meat into the Yaji spice, coating it thoroughly. Let the skewers marinate at room temperature for at least one hour.
- Marinate the Beef (Second Marinate & Grill): Pat the skewers with more Yaji spice and drizzle with a little more groundnut oil. Preheat your oven’s grill to medium-high heat (150°C / 300°F).
- Grill the Suya: Place the skewers under the preheated grill. Grill the first side for 15 minutes, then turn and grill for 10 minutes. Turn again and grill for another 5 minutes on each side, then a final 3 minutes on each side. Check the beef for doneness; it should be cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
- Serve: Serve your delicious Suya hot! Traditional accompaniments include garri (cassava flour), a refreshing drink, or even a smoothie. Enjoy!
Transforming Leftover Suya into a Delicious Rice Meal
This recipe provides a simple and flavorful way to use leftover suya. It combines the spicy suya with rice and vegetables to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Leftover Rice
- Oil
- Butter
- Onions (diced)
- Leftover Suya
- Carrot (chopped)
- Green Peas
- Sweet Corn
- Bell Pepper (chopped)
- Spices (Garlic Powder, Chicken Seasoning, Basil Leaves, Ground Allspice – or your preferred spices)
Instructions:
- Melt the butter with the oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until softened.
- Add the leftover suya to the pot and stir to combine with the onions.
- Add the carrots, green peas, and sweet corn. Stir well.
- Season with garlic powder, chicken seasoning, ground allspice, and basil leaves (or your chosen spices). Mix thoroughly.
- Add the chopped bell pepper.
- Add the leftover rice. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam through, absorbing the flavors. Once heated through, the rice is ready to serve.
History of Suya
Suya, a beloved street food across West Africa, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the nomadic cultures of the region. While pinpointing its exact origins remains difficult, it’s widely believed that suya originates from the Hausa people of northern Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The Hausa, traditionally known for their cattle herding and trading practices, developed methods of preserving and flavoring meat, likely leading to the creation of this iconic dish.
The traditional preparation of suya involves skewering thin strips of meat, typically beef, ram, or chicken, and marinating them in a complex blend of spices called yaji. This yaji is the heart and soul of suya, and while recipes vary, common ingredients include ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, chili peppers, and various other local spices. The marinated meat is then grilled over an open flame, imbuing it with a smoky char and sealing in the flavorful spices.
Over time, suya has spread beyond its traditional Hausa roots, becoming a popular street food throughout West Africa and beyond. Its portability and flavorful profile have contributed to its widespread appeal, making it a staple at social gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals.
While the core elements of suya remain consistent, variations exist across different regions and even individual vendors. Some may add ingredients like onions or tomatoes to the skewers, while others may offer different levels of spice intensity. This adaptability is a testament to suya’s enduring popularity and its capacity to evolve while retaining its essential character.
Nutritional Content and Benefits of Suya
Suya, while undeniably delicious, also offers some nutritional value. As a dish primarily composed of grilled meat, it’s a good source of protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues. The peanuts used in the spice mix contribute healthy fats, fiber, and some essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium and vitamin E.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the sodium content, which can be high due to the generous use of spices and bouillon cubes. The grilling process can also create heterocyclic amines (HCAs), compounds linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, although marinating the meat beforehand can help mitigate this. Moderation is key when enjoying suya, as with any flavorful, spiced food.
The spices themselves, beyond contributing flavor, also offer potential health benefits. Ginger, often included in suya spice blends, has anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic, another common ingredient, can help support immune function. Peppers can boost metabolism, while certain spices may offer antioxidant benefits. It’s important to remember that these are potential benefits and further research is always ongoing regarding the health impacts of specific spices.
Tips for Choosing Quality Beef
Choosing the right beef is crucial for delicious suya. Look for cuts with good marbling – the thin white lines of fat running through the meat. Marbling adds flavor and tenderness during grilling.
Color is another important indicator. Fresh beef should be a bright, cherry-red hue. Avoid meat that looks brown or grayish.
The texture of the beef should be firm and springy to the touch. If it feels slimy or sticky, it’s best to choose a different cut.
Finally, consider the cut of beef. While traditional suya often uses tougher cuts that benefit from marinating, you can also use more tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for a quicker cooking time and a different texture experience.