How to Make Suya at Home
Suya is a delightful Hausa treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. Originally from Nigeria, this mouthwatering street food has gained tremendous popularity and transcended cultural boundaries to become a favorite dish enjoyed by food lovers globally. Suya stands out with its enticing aroma, flavorful spices, and tender meat, making it a go-to option for those seeking a unique culinary experience.
The core ingredients of Suya, beef, and suya spices, come together in perfect harmony. By combining thinly sliced, tender beef with a special blend of aromatic ingredients, a dish that boasts sweet and savory flavors is created. The real star of this beloved delicacy is the suya spices, a flavorful combination of ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, chili pepper, and a touch of salt.
In this article, we will guide you through how to make Suya at home, allowing you to experience the true flavors of this popular African dish. Whether you’re an experienced chef or an aspiring home cook, we’ll provide you with a detailed, step-by-step guide to mastering this culinary marvel. From selecting and preparing the meat to properly using the Suya spices, get ready for a delightful journey that pays homage to the rich Suya tradition.
Ingredients for Making Suya
Beef
Suya spices
Groundnut oil or vegetable oil
Grounded sweet pepper
Onions
Tomatoes
Cabbage
Cucumber
Procedures for Making Suya
STEP 1: Start by adding the beef to a bowl, washing it thoroughly, and setting it aside.
STEP 2: Wash the cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. Cut them into the desired sizes and set them aside. Cut the cabbage, wash it well, and set it aside too.
STEP 3: Soak the skewers in cool water for at least 5 hours. This will prevent them from burning when roasting the meat.
STEP 4: Lay the meat on a chopping board and cut it into thin, flat slices. You’ll need thin fillets of beef for the suya. If you find it challenging to cut them properly, you can ask your local suya vendor to assist you.
STEP 5: Cut the fillets into short pieces to prevent excessive flapping when threading them onto the skewers.
STEP 6: Thread all the fillets of beef onto the suya sticks, repeating the process until all the beef is threaded.
STEP 7: Use a pastry brush to spread groundnut oil or vegetable oil over the threaded meat. This will help the suya spices adhere to the beef.
STEP 8: Pour the suya spices onto a flat plate, spreading them out. Apply as much spice as possible to the threaded beef.
STEP 9: Place the seasoned meat in a flat dish, cover it with a thin plastic film, and let it rest for an hour.
STEP 10: After an hour, preheat the oven for 10 minutes in a warm setting. Set the temperature to 150°C (300°F) for slow roasting.
STEP 11: Properly spread the seasoned beef on the oven rack, ensuring that all the ears of the suya lie flat on the rack.
STEP 12: When ready to roast, lay the beef flat on the oven rack.
STEP 13: Flip the meat to roast the underside after 15 to 20 minutes. The roasting time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, but generally, roast each side for 30 to 40 minutes in total.
STEP 14: Remove the oven rack and apply some of the leftover groundnut oil to both sides of the beef. Return it to the oven and continue roasting. Each side should be roasted for an additional 5 minutes. Increase the oven temperature slightly for a nice sizzle.
STEP 15: Finally, remove the suya from the oven, transfer them to a plate, and remove them from the skewers. Your delicious suya is now ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Suya
Place the suya on a clean plate and sprinkle ground sweet pepper over it, or you can serve it on the side. Add sliced cucumber, onions, tomatoes, and cabbage for a refreshing accompaniment. You can enjoy the suya directly from the skewers or any other way you prefer.
Suya pairs well with dishes like fried rice, jollof rice, beans and pasta jollof, spaghetti jollof, or any cuisine of your choice.
Occasions to Serve Suya
Suya can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening. It is especially popular during cultural events and festivals.
How to Store Suya
Suya can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days at its best.
Preferably, it is just enough for the present need.
Health Benefits of Suya
Suya offers several health benefits, including aiding in diabetes management, supporting weight loss, improving muscle mass, and providing a rich source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also helps prevent iron deficiency anemia and is packed with vitamins such as B12, B3, B6, and more.
Conclusion
By following our detailed instructions, you can now recreate the tantalizing flavors of Suya in your own kitchen. Enjoy the mouthwatering aroma, savor the vibrant blend of spices, and relish the tender meat that makes Suya a true delight.
As each bite transports you to the bustling streets of Nigeria, gather your ingredients, showcase your culinary skills, and witness the magic of Suya unfold before your eyes.
Remember, you can experiment with different methods, equipment, and ingredients to create your own unique Suya variations. For more delicious Nigerian delicacies, visit Northpad Nigeria.
Note: In the ingredient list above, I mentioned suya spices without providing the specific recipe. You can refer to the article on “How to Make Suya Spices” for an easy-to-follow guide. Thank you.
You may also be interested in learning how to make Beef Jerky (Kilishi) and Meat Floss (Dambun Nama).
Thank you, and welcome to the world of mouthwatering delicacies from Northpad Nigeria!
