how to make suya, (detailed)
Suya is a popular Nigerian street food traditionally made with seasoned and spicy grilled skewered meat. It is delicious and easy to make, so let's dive into the detailed recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef (you can use any tender cut like sirloin or flank steak)
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground garlic
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon ground peanuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for grilling)
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the beef. Cut it into thin, long slices (about ΒΌ inch thick) or bite-sized cubes. Cutting against the grain will help to ensure tenderness.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground ginger, ground garlic, paprika, chili powder, ground peanuts, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined to create the suya spice blend.
3. Season the beef generously with the suya spice blend, massaging it in to ensure even distribution. You can use your hands or a spoon for this step.
4. Cover the seasoned beef and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or even overnight. This will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill, you can also use an oven or stovetop grill pan.
6. While the grill is preheating, thread the seasoned beef onto the skewers. If using long slices of beef, fold them onto the skewers in a zigzag pattern. If using cubes, place the cubes on the skewers, leaving a bit of space in between.
7. Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Turn them occasionally to achieve even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
8. Once the beef is grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the heat and transfer the suya to a serving platter.
9. You can serve suya as is, but it's traditional to sprinkle it with additional suya spice blend for extra flavor. You can also serve it with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cabbage alongside for added freshness and crunch.
Now, your delicious suya is ready to be enjoyed! It pairs well with Nigerian sides like yam, plantains, or even bread. So gather your friends and family and savor the authentic taste of suya right at home.