Recipe Guide
How to Make Nigerian Suya
Suya is thinly sliced, spice-crusted grilled meat sold by street vendors across Nigeria, and a favourite at UK gatherings for its bold, smoky, peanut-spiced flavour.
About 15 minutes to prepare (plus marinating time), and 10-15 minutes to grill · Nigerian cuisine
Ingredients
- 500g-1kg beef, such as rump or sirloin, thinly sliced
- A few tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Safari Hub Tastebuds Suya Spice Blend, used as a dry rub or mixed with oil to make a marinade, according to the pack directions or to taste
- Sliced onions, tomatoes and cabbage, to serve
- Skewers (soaked in water first, if wooden)
Method
- 1Slice the beef thinly against the grain so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
- 2Pat the meat dry, then coat it generously with Safari Hub Tastebuds Suya Spice Blend, either as a dry rub or mixed with a little oil to form a marinade, following the pack directions or adjusting the amount to your taste.
- 3For the best flavour, let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, longer if you have time.
- 4Thread the seasoned beef onto the skewers.
- 5Grill over hot coals, on a barbecue, or under a hot grill, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and lightly charred at the edges.
- 6Brush with a little extra oil partway through cooking to help keep the meat moist and help the spice blend form a flavourful crust.
- 7Cook the beef all the way through with no pink remaining, checking thicker pieces before serving.
- 8Rest briefly, then serve hot with sliced onions, tomatoes and cabbage.
Cooking Tips
- Slicing the meat thinly and against the grain makes a noticeable difference to tenderness.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers — small gaps between pieces help the meat cook and char evenly.
- Suya is traditionally grilled over open flame or charcoal for its smoky character, but a hot grill or oven grill setting works well at home.
- Wash your hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw meat, and keep raw meat refrigerated until you're ready to cook it.
Serving Suggestion
Serve hot with sliced onions, tomatoes and cabbage, as sold by street vendors in Nigeria.
Make It With Safari Hub Tastebuds
