Suya (Spiced Beef Skewers)

Name: Suya (Spiced Beef Skewers)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Nigeria
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 1 cup roasted peanuts, finely ground; 2 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp bouillon powder; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; Sliced onion and tomato, for serving

6 servings30 min prep12 min cookEasy Nigeria

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Suya (Spiced Beef Skewers)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Suya, thin strips of beef skewered and coated in a peanut-based spice blend called yaji, is believed to have originated with the Hausa people of northern Nigeria, who have long traded across the Sahel. It spread south through migration and trade to become one of Nigeria's most beloved street foods, sold by vendors known as mallams.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
1 cup roasted peanuts, finely ground
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp bouillon powder
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Sliced onion and tomato, for serving

Instructions

1Combine ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and bouillon to make the suya spice (yaji).
2Thread beef slices onto skewers.
3Brush skewers lightly with oil, then coat generously with the suya spice mix, pressing to adhere.
4Grill over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes per side until charred at the edges.
5Sprinkle with a little more suya spice while hot.
6Serve with sliced onion, tomato, and extra spice on the side.

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