Suya (Special) Recipe: A Taste of Nigerian Spice and Flavor
Suya is an iconic Nigerian street food that has earned its place as a popular snack enjoyed by millions. While Suya is commonly known for being a quick and flavorful street-side treat, the Special Suya takes this beloved dish to the next level. This version features premium cuts of beef, particularly the tenderloin, and is coated in a unique and exclusive spice mix that elevates the flavor profile, making it an indulgent treat suitable for special occasions. The grilled skewered meat, rich with smoky, spicy, and earthy flavors, offers a true taste of Nigerian culinary tradition.
Whether you’re planning a gathering with friends or preparing a weekend feast for your family, Suya (Special) delivers that mouthwatering, spicy satisfaction that will surely be remembered. Below, we’ve detailed everything you need to make this flavorful, spice-laden dish at home.
Ingredients for Suya (Special)
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to recreate this flavorful Suya at home. Be sure to use premium cuts of beef, such as tenderloin, for the best results. Additionally, the exclusive spice mix is essential for that authentic Suya taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beef tenderloin | 2 pounds (900g) | High-quality cut of beef, cut into thin strips or cubes |
| Ground peanuts (or peanut powder) | ½ cup | A key ingredient in the spice mix, offering a creamy texture |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon | Adds warmth and slight sweetness to the spice mix |
| Ground garlic | 1 teaspoon | Essential for deepening the savory flavors |
| Ground paprika | 2 teaspoons | Adds smokiness and vibrant color to the spice blend |
| Ground cayenne pepper | 1 teaspoon | For a fiery, spicy kick to the dish |
| Ground white pepper | ½ teaspoon | Adds sharp, aromatic heat |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon | Subtle sweetness and spice, complementing the heat |
| Ground cloves | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm, spicy note |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Balances the heat and brings out the flavors of the spice |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons | For brushing the skewers and helping the spices stick |
| Skewers | 8-10 wooden skewers | To thread the beef and prepare for grilling |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Suya, while being an indulgent and flavorful dish, is moderately healthy when consumed in moderation, especially since it uses premium cuts of beef and a balanced spice mix. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 8 servings):
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Suya is relatively high in protein and fat due to the beef and the peanuts in the spice blend. It’s a filling and satisfying snack, though those watching their sodium intake should enjoy it in moderation.
Instructions for Suya (Special)
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making Special Suya at home. While the recipe might seem complex due to the exclusive spice mix, it’s well worth the effort. The key here is balancing the spices just right and grilling the beef to perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
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Trim and Cut the Beef: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef tenderloin. Cut the beef into thin strips or bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-2 inches in length. The thinner the strips, the more flavor they will absorb from the spice mix.
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Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef pieces with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss the meat to coat evenly. This will help the spice mixture adhere to the beef. Set aside for about 15 minutes while you prepare the spice mix.
Step 2: Make the Spice Mix
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, white pepper, and salt. Stir well to blend all the spices together.
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Season the Beef: Sprinkle the spice mix over the marinated beef and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated. If you like your Suya extra spicy, feel free to add more cayenne or white pepper at this stage.
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Rest the Meat: After seasoning, allow the beef to rest for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you have the time). This allows the flavors to meld and soak into the meat. You can also refrigerate the beef during this time for deeper flavor infusion.
Step 3: Thread the Beef onto Skewers
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Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling. This is especially important if you’re grilling over an open flame.
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Thread the Beef: After the beef has marinated and absorbed the spice blend, carefully thread the pieces onto the skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave some space between each piece of beef to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Suya
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Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. If using an indoor grill, heat it up on high. Brush the grill with a little vegetable oil to prevent the skewers from sticking.
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Grill the Beef: Place the skewers on the grill. Grill the beef for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the meat reaches your desired level of doneness. Suya is traditionally grilled over an open flame, which imparts a smoky flavor, but you can also achieve this by using a grill pan or barbecue.
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Baste with Oil: While grilling, you can baste the beef with a little more vegetable oil to keep it moist and ensure the spices remain well-adhered.
Step 5: Serve the Suya
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Remove the Skewers: Once the beef is grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Allow the meat to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
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Serve Hot: Serve the Suya hot, either on the skewers themselves or removed and arranged on a platter. Suya is often served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and sometimes a sprinkle of extra ground pepper for additional flavor.
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Optional Garnishes: For an authentic touch, you can serve the Suya with a side of fried plantains, or a cold drink like palm wine or zobo (a Nigerian hibiscus drink). You can also accompany it with cucumber and a drizzle of lemon juice for a refreshing contrast to the heat.
Tips for the Best Suya (Special)
- Use Tender Cuts of Meat: For the best results, always use a premium cut of beef, like tenderloin or sirloin. These cuts are lean, tender, and absorb the spice blend beautifully.
- Experiment with Spice Mix: While the classic Suya spice blend is already flavorful, feel free to adjust the levels of spice according to your preference. Add more cayenne for extra heat or a little sugar to balance out the flavor.
- Grill Over Charcoal: For a truly authentic experience, grill the beef over charcoal to get that smokey flavor, which is a hallmark of traditional Suya.
Conclusion
Suya (Special) is a true celebration of Nigerian flavors, with its rich spices, tender beef, and smoky, spicy taste. Perfect for grilling season, special occasions, or simply to enjoy a snack with friends and family, this dish will transport you straight to the heart of Nigeria. Its unique and expensive spice mix, combined with premium cuts of beef, creates a memorable and indulgent culinary experience.
Enjoy this flavorful, grilled delight on your next occasion or simply as a treat to spice up your week!
