Spicy Soya/Suya/Kebab: A Taste of West African Street Food

Spicy Soya/Suya/Kebab: A Taste of West African Street Food

Suya is a beloved street food that originated with the Hausa people in Northern Nigeria but has since become a staple across the country, especially in the bustling city of Lagos. This delicious dish is made by marinating various types of meat—often gizzard, cow hump, beef, or chicken—then skewering and grilling it over hot coals. The result is a mouthwatering, spicy delight that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Garlic (fresh or powdered)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Peppers (red bell peppers or spicy varieties, depending on your heat preference)
• White pepper (for added spice)
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Seasoning cubes (to enhance flavor)
• Vegetable oil (for grilling)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

Begin by slicing your beef (or chosen meat) into thin, bite-sized pieces. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will cook and the more flavorful they will be.

Marinate:

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped meat with ground garlic and chopped onion.
Add white pepper and seasoning cubes to taste. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the meat is well coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Skewer the Meat:

Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

Prepare the Grill:

Preheat your barbecue grill. It’s essential to use low heat for grilling Soya/Suya; this allows the meat to cook steadily and thoroughly without burning.

Grill:

Brush the skewers with a generous amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.

Serve:

Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Serve hot with sliced onions, tomatoes, and a spicy pepper sauce for dipping.

Enjoying Your Soya/Suya

Cooking Soya/Suya at home not only allows you to enjoy this delicious treat but also gives you the chance to share a piece of West African culture with friends and family. We hope you caught a few tips from this process and are inspired to try making it yourself!

Share Your Results!

If you decide to try this recipe, we’d love to hear about your experience!
Share your results, any variations you tried, or photos of your delicious Soya/Suya creations.
Happy grilling!