Suya (West African Spiced Grilled Meat Skewers) – A street food favourite

Suya (West African Spiced Grilled Meat Skewers) – A Street Food Favourite

Suya is a popular West African street food featuring grilled meat skewers coated in a flavorful peanut-based spice rub. Originating from Nigeria and Ghana, this dish is a favorite at gatherings, night markets, and roadside food stalls. The key to authentic Suya is its bold, smoky, and nutty spice mix, known as Yaji, made from ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, ginger, and aromatic spices.

This dish is traditionally served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cabbage for a refreshing contrast to its spicy, smoky flavor.

Suya Across West Africa: Regional Variations

Suya is deeply rooted in West African cuisine, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and Niger. It is commonly made with beef, chicken, goat, or fish and is known for its rich, spicy flavor.

Variants of Suya include:

• Kilishi (Nigeria) – A dried, jerky-like version of Suya.
• Chinchinga (Ghana) – Similar grilled meat skewers, often served at parties.
• Dibi (Senegal) – Grilled, spiced lamb with mustard and onions.

Suya is best enjoyed with pepper sauce, fresh vegetables, and a side of flatbread or fried plantains.

Recipe Overview (Quick Facts Section)

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes (excluding marination)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 480 kcal
• Cooking Difficulty: Easy
• Lifestyle Suitability & Specialty: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
• Countries Where the Meal is Popular: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Niger, United Kingdom

Detailed Description:

Suya is a must-try for anyone who loves grilled meat with a fiery kick. Traditionally cooked over charcoal, Suya achieves a smoky, charred crust that enhances its spicy, nutty flavor. The yaji spice rub, which includes ground peanuts for richness and chili for heat, is what makes Suya unique.

Best enjoyed fresh off the grill, Suya is served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cabbage, and sometimes with masa (fermented rice cakes) or bread for a filling meal. Whether enjoyed as a snack, street food, or party favorite, Suya is a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and juiciness.

Ingredients (Serves 4 People)

✅ For the Suya Skewers:

✔ 500g beef, chicken, goat, or fish (thinly sliced)
✔ 1 tbsp vegetable oil
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

✅ For the Suya Spice Mix (Yaji):

✔ ¼ cup roasted peanuts (finely ground)
✔ 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
✔ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✔ 1 tsp ginger powder
✔ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔ ½ tsp onion powder
✔ ½ tsp ground cloves
✔ ½ tsp black pepper

✅ For Serving:

✔ 1 small red onion, sliced
✔ 1 tomato, sliced
✔ 1 small cucumber, sliced
✔ Fresh cabbage, shredded

List of Utensils Required:

✔ 1 mixing bowl
✔ 1 grill or stovetop griddle
✔ 1 brush for oiling
✔ 1 knife & cutting board

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving & Per 100g)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Place the sliced meat in a mixing bowl, drizzle with vegetable oil, and generously coat with the Suya spice blend. Massage the spices into the meat, ensuring every piece is well covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 3: Thread the marinated meat onto soaked wooden skewers, making sure they are evenly spaced.

Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates and place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the meat is charred and cooked through.

Step 5: Arrange the Suya skewers on a plate and garnish with sliced onions, tomatoes, and extra Suya spice. Serve with a side of spicy pepper sauce or a cooling yogurt dip.

Explore Related Categories & Subcategories

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