Description
Discover the rich and spicy flavors of Nigerian Beef Suya, a popular street food featuring tender beef marinated in a zesty peanut and palm oil blend, then grilled to perfection. This simple and delicious recipe captures the authentic taste of Nigeria’s beloved grilled skewers, perfect for gatherings or a flavorful meal anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound Beef (lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak, sliced into thin strips or cubes)
- 1/4 cup Palm oil (adds depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup Ground peanuts (finely ground for blending)
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder (adds sweetness and depth)
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (adds color and mild sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (enhances umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (essential for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (brightens flavors and tenderizes beef)
Other
- Wooden skewers (as needed, soaked in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the beef into thin strips or cubes to ensure even marination and cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together palm oil, ground peanuts, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Massage the marinade into the meat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Get your grill ready by heating it to medium-high heat to achieve the perfect char on the beef.
- Skewer the beef: Thread the marinated beef strips onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning until the beef is charred and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Rest the meat: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Serve the suya hot, optionally garnished with sliced onions and tomatoes for a traditional presentation.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the beef overnight.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Soaking skewers is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Serve with sliced onions, tomatoes, or cucumber for a refreshing contrast.
- If grilled skewers are not an option, you can cook the beef strips on a grill pan or stovetop grill.
