The irresistible beef suya skewers have skyrocketed in popularity, and we’re absolutely hooked! This delectable Nigerian street food is authentically crafted with beef, peanuts, and spices. They are savory, spicy, beefy, and incredibly delicious. Enjoy these skewers with an ice-cold beer or cocktail for the full effect.

This recipe captures the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors of suya and is perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking indoors. Get ready to savor the irresistible aroma and taste of these tender and flavorful beef suya skewers.

What is Suya?

Suya is a delicious West African spicy meat skewer seasoned with a spiced peanut powder called yajji. This mixture is primarily used for suya, but it also serves as a fantastic dry rub for all meats, vegetables, fish, and seafood.

Suya meat is typically cut into thin strips and then weaved onto skewers. However, we prefer using cubed meat. It’s important to choose the right type of beef, like tri-tip, chuck, or sirloin beef roasts, for this recipe to ensure the best flavor and tenderness.

What does Suya Spice Taste like?

Suya spice, also known as yajji, adds a smoky, nutty, and savory flavor to meats like beef skewers and vegetables. The ground peanuts give it a unique taste, and the red pepper adds a good amount of spiciness. In Nigeria, suya can be quite hot! For those not used to the heat, it’s best to start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and gradually increase the quantity once you have acclimated to it.

Beef Suya Recipe Ingredients

• Tri-tip, chuck, or sirloin tip roast
• Green onion
• Red onion (garnish)
• Roasted peanuts
• Cayenne pepper (sub with 1/2 paprika, 1/2 cayenne for less heat)
• Salt and black pepper
• Granulated garlic (sub with garlic powder)
• Onion powder
• Cinnamon
• Allspice (sub with ground ginger or ground cloves)
• Vegetable oil

Beef Suya Seasoning & Meat Prep

• Pulse the roasted peanuts in a food processor 8-10 times, or until they have a mealy (coarse-ground) consistency.
• Transfer ground nuts to a baking sheet, and add remaining rub ingredients. Add more salt to suit your tastes.
• Slice beef into 1 ½” cubes, and thread 5-6 pieces onto each skewer. Do not overcrowd them.
• Brush meat with oil on both sides then press each beef suya skewers into the baking sheet with peanut mixture. Turn over, and dip the other side.

Grilling Beef Suya Skewers

• Grilling: Place beef suya skewers on a preheated (375 degree F) grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turn and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the beef suya reaches between 155-165 degrees F. Check several pieces before removing from the grill.
• Plating: Set beef suya skewers onto a platter and garnish with sliced red onion (optional). Serve with rice, lettuce, or your favorite sides.
• Store leftover beef suya skewers: Remove them from skewers and store meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• *Substitute with other types of meat. If using chicken or turkey, cook meat until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. ou can also use lamb, pork, or goat meat. If using meat replacements, including extra firm tofu or seitan, use package recommendations for doneness temps.

More recipes to try!

• Bacon Wrapped Corn Skewers
• Global BBQ Recipes
• Cowboy Potato Skewers

Print

Beef Suya Skewers

Suya skewers are a popular Nigerian street food made with thinly sliced or cubed beef, coated in a spicy, nutty seasoning, and then grilled to perfection.

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine African, Fusion

Keyword kebab, suya, suya kebab

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

Total Time 27 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 440kcal

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef roast (tri-tip, chuck, or sirloin tip roast)
• 8-10 skewers (presoak wooden skewers for 30 minutes in tepid water before using.)
• oil
• 1/2 small red onion sliced (garnish)
• Spice rub:
• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper use less or more if preferred
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Instructions

• Place peanuts into a food processor and pulse ten times or so until it forms a meal-like consistency similar to cornmeal.

  Transfer crushed peanuts to a baking sheet, and combine with the remaining rub ingredients. Taste for salt content and add more if needed.
• Preheat grill for medium-high heat (375 degrees F.). When the grill is ready, oil the grill grates using tongs and folded paper towels. Dip the paper towels into the oil and make several passes to create a non-stick surface. You can also use an oiling spray specifically designed for grills grates.
• Cut beef roast into 1 ½” cubes, and thread 5-6 pieces onto each skewer. Do not overcrowd. Brush the meat with oil on both sides..

  Dip each skewer into the baking sheet with peanut mixture. Turn over, and dip the other side.
• Place skewers onto the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turn and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 155-165 degrees F. Check several pieces before removing the kebabs.
• Set grilled skewers onto a clean serving platter and garnish with sliced red onion. Serve immediately.
• Store leftovers by removing the meat from the skewers and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after preparation.
• *You can substitute the beef with other cuts of meat like lamb and pork. Adjust cooking times for your desired doneness.

  Always cook fish and seafood to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

  Chicken and turkey must be cooked to 165 degrees F.

  If using meat replacements, including extra firm tofu or seitan, use package recommendations for doneness temps.

Notes

LOVE KEBABS? Find more fantastic recipes in my cookbook. Link below!

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 1066mg | Potassium: 997mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 379IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 5mg

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