Nigerian Beef Suya

Beef suya is a classic Nigerian street food dish. It’s essentially a grilled kebab made from thin slices of beef marinated in a spicy, smoky blend of ground peanuts, chillies, ginger, onion and other spices. Typically served with fresh onions, tomatoes and an extra sprinkle of suya spice, Nigerian beef suya is the perfect dish for a summer barbecue. It also works as a tasty side to my Oven-Baked Jollof Rice.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• What is Beef Suya?
• What Makes Beef Suya So Delicious?
• The Origins of Suya
• The Perfect Cut: Choosing Your Beef
• How to Make Nigerian Beef Suya
• BBQ Is Best: Cooking The Beef Suya
• Why Suya is Perfect for Any Occasion
• Want More African Recipes?

Ingredient Breakdown

• Skirt Steak, Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts of beef are ideal for suya because they’re flavourful and tender when sliced thinly and marinated.
• Peanut Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavour that complements the suya spice blend.
• Suya Spice (Yajin Kuli): The star of the show, this spice blend is what gives suya its smoky, unique and complex flavour.
• Fresh Onion and Tomato: Traditional accompaniments that add freshness to the suya.

What is Beef Suya?

Beef suya is Nigerian street food at its finest. It’s essentially a kebab made from thin slices of beef marinated in a spicy, nutty blend of seasonings, before being grilled to perfection. The result is a smoky, flavour-packed meat skewer that’s both tender in the middle and slightly charred on the outside, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Beef suya is traditionally served with sliced onions and tomatoes, adding a fresh crunch that balances the rich, savoury meat.

What Makes Beef Suya So Delicious?

Yajin kuli, also known as suya spice, is the magical blend that gives suya its unique, delicious flavour. It’s made from a combination of yaji–a blend of chillies, ginger, garlic, onion and other seasonings–and ground kuli kuli, which is a form of dehydrated and defatted peanut paste.

To make the kuli kuli, you grind peanuts into a paste; this is called labu. You then strip the labu of excess oil with water, before frying or roasting it to create kuli kuli. The latter is then ground again and mixed with the yaji to create yajin kuli. Flavour wise, it’s smoky, savoury and complex. The kuli kuli adds a nutty depth, while the yaji brings heat and complexity. You can buy pre-made suya spice from any African shop or supermarket, both physical and online. It’s also available on Amazon.

The Origins of Suya

Suya originates from Northern Nigeria and is traditionally prepared by the Hausa people. The Hausa are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, known for their rich culinary traditions. Suya is a beloved street food across Nigeria and has gained popularity in other parts of West Africa, too. It’s a dish that’s often enjoyed in the evenings, sold by street vendors who skillfully grill the skewers over open flames.

The Perfect Cut: Choosing Your Beef

The best cuts for making beef suya are ones that are tender and flavourful, yet can be sliced thinly and cooked quickly. Here are some excellent choices:

• Skirt Steak: Known for its rich, beefy flavour, skirt steak is a popular choice for beef suya. It’s tender enough to absorb the marinade well and cooks quickly on the grill.
• Flank Steak: Flank steak is a bit leaner but still provides a robust flavour. When sliced thinly and marinated properly, it becomes wonderfully tender, making it perfect for suya.
• Sirloin: This cut is both tender and juicy, making it another great option for suya. Sirloin has a good balance of flavour and tenderness, ensuring delicious results.
• Ribeye: For a more luxurious option, ribeye steak can be used. It has a higher fat content, which adds extra juiciness and flavour to the suya.

Regardless of the cut you choose, make sure to slice the beef thinly. Thin slices allow the marinade to penetrate deeply, ensuring that each piece of beef is packed with flavour and cooks evenly on the grill.

How to Make Nigerian Beef Suya

Making Nigerian Beef Suya at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering dish:

• Marinate the Beef: Start by slicing your skirt steak into ⅛-inch slices. Toss the beef with peanut oil, then add the suya spice and a bit of salt. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and let the beef marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
• Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. This step is crucial for grilling over high heat.
• Thread the Beef: Once marinated, thread the beef slices onto the skewers, piercing each piece twice or thrice to secure them tightly together like an accordion. This ensures even cooking and keeps the meat juicy.
• Grill and serve: grill over a charcoal grill for the best results, then remove the beef from the skewers and serve with freshly sliced onions and tomatoes. For an authentic experience, sprinkle some extra suya spice over the top.

BBQ Is Best: Cooking The Beef Suya

The best way to cook Nigerian beef suya is over a charcoal grill, as the smoky flavour imparted by the coals is integral to the authentic taste of this popular street food. The slow, even heat from the charcoal ensures the beef is tender and juicy while allowing the suya spice to form a delicious crust.

However, if you don’t have access to a barbecue, you can still enjoy suya at home. Here are some other ways to cook it:

• Roasting: Preheat your oven to 220℃ / fan 200℃. Roast the skewers, flipping once halfway through, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Griddle/Pan: Heat a griddle or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers until browned on both sides, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.

These methods still produce good results, albeit without the characteristic smokiness of charcoal grilling.

Why Suya is Perfect for Any Occasion

Suya is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or wanting to impress your guests with something exotic and flavourful, Nigerian beef suya fits the bill. The combination of smoky, spicy, and nutty flavours will make it a hit with everyone.

Want More African Recipes?

If you love this Nigerian beef suya recipe, here are some other African dishes you might enjoy:

• Oven-Baked Jollof Rice: A West African classic. Rice cooked in a delicious, flavour-packed and spicy tomato sauce. Oven baking jollof rice isn’t traditional by any means but it’s the most foolproof method I’ve found for nailing it every single time.
• My Mum’s Jollof Rice: My mum’s version of the West African classic.
• Ayamase: A delicious Nigerian stew with a unique flavour profile, made with green scotch bonnet chillies, green bell peppers, locust beans, onions and lots of meat, cooked in a generous amount of bleached palm oil.