Recipe: The Nigerian Suya

Suya or tsire is a spicy meat skewer which is a popular food item in West Africa. It is also eaten in Sudan, referred to as “Agashe”.

Suya is generally made with skewered beef, ram, or chicken. Innards such as kidney, liver and tripe are also used.

The thinly sliced meat is marinated in various spices which include peanut cake, salt, vegetable oil and other flavourings, and then barbecued. Suya is served with extra helpings of dried pepper mixed with spices and sliced onions.

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Halal meat preparation methods are normally used, especially in the northern parts of Nigeria, where the suspicion of nonconformity to Muslim dietary prohibitions in Suya preparation has been known to cause riots. A dried version of Suya is called Kilishi. It can be eaten with Garri or Ogi.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon finely ground roasted peanuts
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 ½ pounds beef tri-tip steak, cut into bite-size pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
¼ onion, cut into bite-size pieces
4 mushrooms, halved

Prep:
25 mins
Cook:
10 mins
Additional:
30 mins
Total:
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings

Directions

Instructions Checklist

Step 1
Mix ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, ginger, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a bowl.

Step 2
Combine spice mixture and beef in a resealable plastic bag; shake until well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator, about 30 minutes.

Step 3
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 4
Place beef, bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms in alternating order onto skewers.

Step 5
Cook on the preheated grill, flipping once, until meat is browned and vegetables are soft, 10 to 15 minutes.