Nigerian Suya Spice Mix recipe (Yaji)

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:
What 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.

• 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