What is the best way to make Beef Suya Kebab at home in 15 minutes?

 

Suya, often referred to as suya kebab, is a well-liked West African cuisine that is especially well-known in Nigeria and several of the nearby nations. It's a particular kind of skewered and grilled meat that has been seasoned and covered in a tasty coating of ground peanuts (or groundnuts), spices, and other ingredients. Suya can be made with a variety of meats, including beef, poultry, goat, and even offal like liver. It is produced by marinating the meat in a mixture of ground peanuts, spices, such as cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic, as well as additional flavorings. 

Many people call this concoction "suya spice" or "suya rub." Sliced onions, tomatoes, and occasionally additional suya spice are often added to suya when it is served. It's a favorite dish at social gatherings and occasions and is frequently consumed as a street food snack. Suya is a unique and tasty dish because of the flavorful blend of grilled and smokey ingredients with the nutty and spicy sauce.

The following is a simple recipe for Suya kebabs:

Ingredients:

For the Suya Spice Blend:

• 1 cup of powdered, roasted peanuts
• Paprika, two tablespoons
• Cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon (modify to your taste).
• 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon of powdered garlic
• 1 teaspoon of powdered onion
• 1 teaspoon of coriander, ground
• 1 teaspoon of cumin, ground
• 1 teaspoon salt, tasted
• 1/8 cup sugar
• Add a small amount of ground cloves or nutmeg, as desired, to enhance the flavor.

For the kebabs:

• 1 pound (450 grams) of beef, thinly sliced (you can use flank steak, sirloin, or any other soft cut)
• Wooden skewers that have been soaked in water to prevent scorching for around 30 minutes

For Serving:

• Onion slices
• Tomato slices
• Suya spice blend (additional for garnishing)
• Slices of lime or lemon

Instructions to make:

1: Making the Suya Spice Blend:

• The peanuts should be lightly browned while being roasted in a dry pan. After allowing them to cool, use a food processor or a mortar and pestle to turn them into a fine powder.
• Ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, onion, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, sugar, and any additional spices you'd like to include should all be combined in a bowl. To make your suya spice blend, thoroughly combine everything. As desired, taste the seasoning and make the necessary adjustments.

2: Marinate the Beef:

• Three to four teaspoons of the suya spice blend should be added to the bowl with the meat strips. Apply the spice mixture evenly all over the beef. Depending on how delicious and spicily you want your kebabs to be, you can change the amount of spice mix you use.
• Let the beef marinate in the fridge for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to permeate the meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

3: Gather and Grill the Kebab:

• Heat your grill to a moderately hot setting.
• Making sure to thread the marinated beef strips equally and loosely packed onto the moistened wooden skewers.
• The meat should be prepared to your preferred level of doneness and have a good char when the kebabs are placed on the grill and grilled for around 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
• To keep the kebabs from drying out and overcooking, keep an eye on them.

4. Serve the Suya Kebabs:

• After the kebabs have finished cooking, take them off the grill and give them some time to rest.
• Sliced onions, tomatoes, extra suya spice mix for sprinkling, and lemon or lime wedges for added freshness and tang should be served with the suya kebabs.

Enjoy your homemade suya kebabs as a main dish or a snack!

Since the suya spice blend is the main ingredient in this dish, feel free to customize the amount of each spice and flavoring to your preferences. Enjoy this West African delicacy's savory, smokey flavors!

Different Types:

Suya is frequently cooked with beef, although it can also be made with various kinds of meat or even plant-based alternatives. Suya kebab varieties include the following:

Chicken Suya Kebabs: Boneless chunks of chicken, often chicken breast or thigh flesh, are used to make chicken suya kebabs. The suya spice blend is used to marinade the chicken before it is skewered and cooked. For those seeking a lighter beef substitute, chicken is a fantastic choice due to its lean and soft texture.

Goat Suya Kebabs: Goat meat is a popular option for suya kebabs in several areas, particularly in Nigeria. Goat meat is marinated and grilled in a manner akin to beef suya. The unique flavor of goat meat pairs well with the Suya spice mix.

Offal Suya Kebabs: The term "offal" refers to an animal's internal organs, including the liver, kidney, and heart. Suya kebabs can also be made using these organ meats. They provide a distinct and potent flavor that goes well with the suya spice mix.

Fish Suya Kebab: Although less popular than suya made of meat, fish suya kebabs are a tasty seafood alternative. The suya spice blend can be marinated and cooked with firm fish like tilapia, catfish, or mackerel. Combining the delicate fish flavor with the fiery suya flavors can be delicious.

Tofu Suya Kebabs: Tofu can be used to make suya kebabs if you're seeking for a vegetarian or vegan option. An alternative plant-based version of this West African delicacy is made using firm tofu that has been marinated in the suya spice blend and grilled.

Mixed Meat Suya Platter: Some eateries or street sellers sell a mixed meat suya platter that combines various meat suya kebab varieties. In a single dish, this can offer a range of flavors and textures.

Prawn Suya Kebabs: Large shrimp or prawns can also be marinated in the suya spice blend before being grilled. Prawns have a sweet and mildly saline flavor that goes well with the strong suya spices.

No matter what kind of meat or protein you choose, always keep in mind that the savory suya spice mixture is what makes a suya kebab so special. For a distinctive suya experience, adjust the seasonings and spices to your taste preferences.