World Flavors Cookbook

Suya

The most popular West African street food — spicy, skewered grilled meat coated in a secret peanut-spice blend called Yaji.

Cuisine: Nigeria

Ingredients

• 1 kg beef (topside or sirloin), thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kuli-kuli (ground peanut cake) or roasted peanut powder
• 1 tbsp ginger powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp bouillon powder
• Vegetable oil
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions

1. Mix the ground peanut powder with ginger, garlic, onion, cayenne, and bouillon to make the Yaji spice.
2. Thread the thin slices of meat onto the skewers.
3. Dab the meat with oil, then coat generously with the Yaji spice mix.
4. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Grill over hot coals or in an oven broiler until charred and cooked through.
6. Serve with sliced onions, tomatoes, and extra Yaji spice.