Suya might just be the ultimate Nigerian street food – and it doubles up as a brilliant party fave. Essentially a beef shish kebab (skewered meat), these thinly sliced meaty morsels are flavoured with a classic African peanut-spice rub (known locally as tankora) before being roasted over red-hot coals. Think of them as a cross between a chunky Greek souvlaki and a wafer-thin Vietnamese satay.
What’s the story?
This popular dish is often hailed as the epitome of West African street food. And the Hausa people of northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Ghana claim to have created it. A little-known fact is that the Hausa people are one of the world’s largest tribes – so you’d expect them to have developed some pretty decent culinary skills. Besides being a staple in its native Nigeria, just as many people clamour for suya in other West African countries.
Cameroonians refer to it as soya, while Ghanaians use the term chinchinga or sitsinga. But whatever its appellation, the name describes both the preparation technique and the finished dish (which can also be prepared with chicken or goat meat if beef isn’t your thing). The spice blend is widely available online and at African supermarkets, but you can just as easily make it at home (details in the recipe below).
The suya rub comprises a dry blend of ground peanuts and red peppers – and regional recipe variations are common. The skewers are a great snack for those on the go, and you can buy as many as you like. And for those who opt to dine in, restaurants serve these one-stick wonders alongside delish veggie sides like sliced onions and tomatoes.
Be warned that these spicy skewers are very addicting – and do come with a risk of overeating! If you happen to be passing through Nigeria’s biggest city Lagos, be sure to check out the Glover Court Suya food stand in the city centre for a tasty, affordable snack. The Yahuza Suya spot is another good option for an outdoor BBQ and chinwag with the locals. The more adventurous foodies among you should ask for the skewered ram or innards. Everyone else is welcome to try the easy-peasy recipe below.
Quick and easy Nigerian suya recipe
Yields: 6 moreish spicy skewers
Preparation time: an aromatic 10 minutes
Cooking time: another mouthwatering 10 minutes
Passive time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Ingredients:
680 g sirloin steak (cut into thin slices)
2 tsp salt
For the spice rub
- 75 g unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 60 ml vegetable oil (sunflower, rapeseed or similar)
- juice of 1 lime or lemon (for drizzling)
Equipment
6 wooden skewers (pre-soaked in cold water for 30 minutes)
Method
- Pulse the peanuts in a food processor until coarse. Add in the garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, ginger, sugar, stock, and salt and pepper. Pulse again until combined.
- In a large bowl, combine 3/4 of the spice blend with 1/2 the oil, mixing to form a paste.
- Season the beef slices with a little salt and set aside for 30 minutes, then coat them evenly with the peanut mixture. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (tho’ overnight is better).
- Grilling: To prevent them burning, first soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes at the very least.
- Preheat your grill to around 230°C, first using a paper towel to brush the grill with the remaining oil.
- Thread the beef slices onto the skewers and grill, turning a couple of times. Once lightly charred and cooked through (3 to 5 minutes on each side), transfer the skewers to a plate and squeeze some lemon/lime juice over them.
- Serve the spicy skewers with your choice of sliced onion, tomato, cucumber or another crunchy veggie.
Do you have a favourite African BBQ party food? Share the recipe with us and we will give you your due credit!
Sources:
https://www.demandafrica.com/food/10-most-popular-african-foods/
https://www.tasteatlas.com/suya
Recipe adapted from https://www.foodfidelity.com/nigerian-beef-suya/
