When you need to up your grill game, consider adding global flavors to a familiar dish: beef skewers! Beef suya is a tantalizing West African street food from Nigeria, celebrated for its bold, spicy taste and succulent texture. It features thinly sliced meat marinated in a unique spice blend known as “yaji,” a mix typically made with ground peanuts, ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper and other spices. Skewered and grilled, suya is a harmonious balance of heat and earthiness.
Our beef suya recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue, a game-day gathering or as an appetizer at a party. Its vibrant flavor profile makes it a standout beef recipe that’s sure to impress. Pair it with a cool, creamy cucumber salad and your favorite flatbread to balance the spice.
Beef Suya Ingredients
- Beef: Tender cuts of beef, such as tri-tip roast, sirloin, tenderloin and ribeye, are best for slicing thinly, marinating and cooking quickly on the grill.
- Salted peanuts: Ground peanuts form the base of the yaji spice mix, adding crunch and a nutty flavor. If you’re not a peanut fan, you can use other nuts like pecans, almonds or walnuts instead.
- Seasonings: A blend of paprika, onion powder, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and salt creates suya’s distinctive, bold flavor.
- Canola oil: You need the neutral oil to help the spices adhere to the meat.
- Vegetables and herbs: Sliced onions and tomatoes provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich, spicy beef. Fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top completes the dish.
Directions
Step 1: Make the suya seasoning
Place the peanuts in a food processor, and process until finely chopped. Add the paprika, onion powder, ginger, pepper flakes, cayenne pepper and garlic powder, and pulse until combined.
Step 2: Marinate the beef
Place the beef in a large bowl or shallow dish. Drizzle with canola oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Add the peanut mixture, and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate the beef for two hours. Drain the meat, and discard the marinade.
Editor’s Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, let the beef marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Prepare the skewers and grill
Thread the beef onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Grill, covered, over medium-high heat until the meat reaches desired doneness, 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Serve with onion, tomato and cilantro.
Beef Suya Recipe Variations
- Go nut free: Replace the peanuts with sunflower or sesame seeds if you have a peanut allergy.
- Add more peanut flavor: Replace some or all of the peanuts with peanut butter for a smoother consistency in the marinade.
- Make a meat medley: This marinade also works on chicken and lamb. Cube or thinly slice the meats, marinate and skewer each meat separately, and cook until desired doneness.
- Try vegetarian suya: Use firm or extra-firm tofu and firm vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini and onions. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut into cubes, marinate the tofu and veggies, and grill.
- Make it less spicy: To reduce the heat, use less cayenne or pepper flakes, or substitute with a milder chili powder. Or add more ground peanuts to the spice mix to balance the heat.
How to Store Beef Suya
To store leftover suya, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To freeze beef suya, store the cooled meat in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw frozen suya overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, on the stovetop with a bit of oil in a pan, or in the microwave for one to two minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
To store just the suya seasoning mix, transfer it to an airtight container, and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Properly stored, the seasoning blend will retain its flavor for up to six months.
Beef Suya Tips
How do you cut the meat for beef suya?
To easily cut the beef into thin slices, pop the steak in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. You don’t want to freeze it entirely, just enough to firm up the meat. Make sure to cut against the grain for nice, clean slices. You can also cut the beef into 1-1/2-inch chunks.
Can you make beef suya in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make suya in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, and cook the beef with or without skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly charred.
Can you make beef suya without skewers?
Yes, you can cook the marinated beef directly on the grill or in a grill pan without skewers. Just make sure to turn the pieces frequently to cook them evenly.
What do you serve with beef suya?
Serve beef suya with sides that enhance its bold flavors. Fresh, crisp slices of onions, tomatoes and cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy meat. A simple cabbage salad with a light vinaigrette adds a crunchy and tangy element. Sweet potato fritters offer something similar to its traditional side of fried yam slices, known as “dundun.” You can use soft flatbread or chapati to wrap the suya for easy eating.
For a heartier meal, pair suya with your favorite rice recipes, sweet air-fryer plantains or grilled vegetables, such as peppers, zucchini or mushrooms.
