Suya Spice

Homemade suya spice mix

Here is a secret, the main reason why the suya spice made by your Mae- suya will always be better than your store bought mix or homemade mix……. Kuli Kuli powder, yes you heard me, no Mae-Suya makes suya spice with fresh peanut blend, there is way too much oil in fresh groundnut so kuli kuli (processed groundnut blend ) is preferred.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup grounded Kuli Kuli (Substitute roasted groundnut powder )
  • ½ cup Ginger Powder
  • ¼ cup Chilli Powder
  • ¼ cup Paprika Powder**
  • ¼ cup Onion Powder
  • ¼ cup Garlic Powder
  • 1 table spoon sea salt

** Paprika powder in this context is ground dried tatashe (bell pepper), very similar to ground pepper (shombo). This helps to give the suya spice a more “Red” and bright appearance instead of the dull brown color.

Direction

  • Combine all of the ingredients thoroughly
  • Store in an air tight container for future use

Making Beef Suya:

Homemade suya How to make Nigerian suyaWhat you need:

  • Beef
  • Salt to taste
  • Suya Spice Mix

Direction:

Thinly slice the beef. Combine with salt and suya spice and arrange on bamboo skewers.  Grill or bake until beef is cooked through.  Serve with fresh tomatoes and onions.

Homemade Suya 1

Homemade suya 2

Homemade suya 3

Notes for Making Beef Suya:

  • The best cut of beef for suya kebab is Top sirloin or similar cuts with reasonable amount of fat (this is necessary so the meat doesn’t dry out)
  • Combine prepared meat for suya with a little salt and maggi prior to use
  • The thinner your slice your meat, the less time it needs to cook
  • If using a non-fatty cut of meat, bast the suya with some oil during the cooking process
  • You may incorporate suya spice at the start of cooking but my personal preference is midway through or at the end