Easy Nigerian Suya Beef Skewers Recipe for Family BBQs
Tender strips of beef are threaded onto skewers, coated with a warmly spiced peanut seasoning, and quickly grilled for an easy family-style version of Nigerian suya. The cayenne is adjustable, so you can make the skewers as mild or spicy as you like.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb beef sirloin or flank steak sliced across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick strips (680 g)
- 1/2 cup finely ground unsalted roasted peanuts or peanut powder 60 g
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika 7 g
- 2 tsp ground ginger 4 g
- 1 tsp garlic powder 3 g
- 1 tsp onion powder 3 g
- 1 tsp kosher salt 6 g, plus more to taste if needed
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 g
- 1/4 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper 0.5 to 2 g, to taste
- 2 tbsp neutral oil such as canola or avocado oil (30 ml)
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced, optional, for serving (about 4 oz/115 g)
- 1 medium tomato thinly sliced, optional, for serving (about 5 oz/140 g)
Instructions
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before grilling. Heat a clean outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using metal skewers, no soaking is needed.
- In a shallow bowl, stir together the ground peanuts, paprika, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend for finishing the cooked skewers.
- Pat the beef dry. Toss it with the oil in a large bowl, then add the remaining seasoning blend. Use clean hands or tongs to coat the beef evenly.
- Thread the beef strips onto 8 to 10 skewers in a loose, wavy pattern. Do not pack the meat tightly; a little space helps it cook evenly.
- Oil the grill grates lightly. Grill the skewers for 3 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until browned at the edges and cooked to your preferred doneness. Thin beef strips cook quickly, so begin checking early.
- Transfer the skewers to a clean platter and sprinkle with the reserved seasoning. Let rest for 3 minutes. Serve hot with sliced red onion and tomato, if desired.