Nigerian Suya Recipe

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Nigerian Suya Recipe! This beef suya is a popular street food in Nigeria, West Africa. It is flavorful, nutty, meaty, smokey, and so delicious. This homemade suya recipe is easy, simple, straightforward and a must-try if you are looking for a trusted recipe. Let me show you how to make suya from scratch.

My family absolutely loves Suya and I believe once you try this West African suya recipe, you will love it too. It’s flavorful, tender, juicy, and easy to make.

Making your own suya at home, you avoid the unhygienic conditions in which some of these street foods are cooked. Suya is also mostly sold at night and making yours ensures you can have it at any time of the day.

A few days ago, I posted the yaji suya spice recipe which is one of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. If you missed that post, check it out so you can make your own homemade suya spice. Don’t panic! It takes just about 5 minutes to make.

What is Suya

Suya is a Nigerian street snack that is made with beef and spices which include peanuts, ginger, cayenne pepper, and some others. The steak is cut in thin strips, marinated with suya pepper, threaded in skewers, and then grilled.

It is made by mai suyas (men from Northern Nigeria that are experts in making suya). These Mai Suyas are usually seen at almost every street corner of the country at night making and selling this delicious barbecued meat. Although Suya is mostly made with beef, variations include

Chicken Suya – Which is made the same way buy with chicken parts instead of beef.

Ram Suya – Made with ram meat, this is especially popular during Sallah (Eid).

Lamb Suya is made with lamb meat.

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp Knife – To cut the beef into strips.

Skewers

Brush – To brush oil on the meat.

Oven rack – To grill in the oven.

Suya Ingredients

Beef- Boneless steak. I used rib eye steak for this post.

Suya Spice – Also called Yaji. Contains peanuts, ginger, and other spices. Check my homemade suya spice recipe to make yours in 5 minutes.

Oil – Vegetable or Sunflower oil.

Stock Cube – Popularly used in Nigerian cuisine is Maggi cubes or Knorr cubes. I use Maggi cube.

Salt

TO SERVE

Onion – Red onions or Brown.

Tomatoes- I like to use Salad tomatoes but you can use any type.

Cucumber – Optional.

How To Make Suya

Cut the steak across the grain into thin strips.

Add stock cube, suya spice, and salt to the beef strips. Mix well, cover with clingfilm and leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. 

Bring out the marinated beef and thread on pre-soaked skewers. Apply more yaji all over then brush with oil.

Arrange the skewered beef on an oven rack then grill in the oven at a temperature of 175C (fan) for 15 minutes.

Turn the beef to the other side and grill for another 10 minutes. 

Bring out of the oven, remove Suya from skewers, sprinkle with more suya spice, and serve with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. You can also add cabbage. 

Enjoy delicious, nutty, tasty, smokey Nigerian suya.

What to serve with 

Onions

Tomatoes

Cucumber

Cabbage

You can also eat with

Agege bread

Jollof rice 

How to Store 

Wrap in foil or put in an airtight container then store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave from frozen. 

To reheat, arrange on a baking paper lined oven tray and bake at a temperature of 170 C for 5 minutes or till heated through. If reheating in the microwave, microwave at high for 2 minutes or till heated through. Be careful so it does not dry out.

Tips On Making Suya

• Slice the beef in thin strips against the grain.
• Be generous with the Suya spice. 
• Soak the skewers in cold water for 2-6 hours to prevent it or minimize burning in the oven.
• If not using homemade suya spice, make sure you use a good brand as this will determine the taste.
• Leave the beef to marinate for atleast 30 minutes so as to infuse the flavors.
• This recipe makes use of peanuts and not suitable for people with nut allergies.

FAQ

What is the best beef for Suya 

Sirlion, Rib eye or flank steak, are good cuts.

What does suya taste like

It tastes like spicy barbequed meat with peanut spice.

What is Beef Suya

Spicy barbequed beef made with peanuts, ginger, pepper, and other spices.

More Beef Recipes 

Instant pot beef tips

Pepper Steak

Texas Hash

Steak seasoning

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