THE MAISON
Nigeria • Hausa Culinary Heritage

Classic Nigerian Beef Suya

Charcoal-Grilled Beef with Traditional Yaji Spice

Smoky, fiery and irresistibly savory, Classic Nigerian Beef Suya features thinly sliced beef generously coated with nutty yaji spice and grilled until tender with beautifully charred edges.

PREPARATION

30 minutes

COOKING

15 minutes

TOTAL TIME

1 hour 45 minutes

SERVES

6 servings

FROM THE MAISON PANTRY

Ingredients

  • 2½ pounds beef sirloin, flank steak or tender boneless beef
  • ½ cup CaMasi Maison™ Premium Suya Spice Blend, divided
  • ¼ cup neutral cooking oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon premium sea salt, adjusted according to the seasoning blend
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced, for serving
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges, for serving
  • 12–14 wooden grilling skewers
THE MAISON METHOD

Preparation Method

  1. Soak the skewers: Place the wooden skewers in a shallow dish and cover them completely with water. Soak for at least 30 minutes to help prevent them from burning during grilling.
  2. Prepare the beef: Remove any tough connective tissue or excess fat from the beef. Place the meat in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes so it becomes firm but does not freeze completely.
  3. Slice the meat: Using a sharp knife, cut the beef across the grain into very thin, broad strips. The strips should be thin enough to cook quickly while remaining large enough to thread securely onto the skewers.
  4. Prepare the coating: Place approximately ⅓ cup of the CaMasi Maison™ Suya Spice Blend in a wide bowl. Add the sea salt only if the spice blend does not already contain sufficient salt.
  5. Oil the beef: Place the sliced beef in a separate bowl. Add the cooking oil and turn the strips until every piece is coated lightly and evenly.
  6. Season the beef: Add the measured Suya Spice Blend gradually, turning and pressing the seasoning onto every surface of the meat. Reserve the remaining spice blend for finishing.
  7. Marinate: Cover the seasoned beef and refrigerate it for approximately 1 hour. Remove it from the refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling.
  8. Thread the skewers: Drain the soaked wooden skewers. Thread each beef strip onto a skewer in a loose folded or ribbon-like pattern. Avoid packing the meat too tightly.
  9. Prepare the grill: Heat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the cooking grate. For oven preparation, preheat the broiler and line a baking tray with foil.
  10. Begin grilling: Arrange the skewers over direct heat without crowding them. Grill for 4–5 minutes on the first side.
  11. Turn and baste: Turn the skewers, brush the meat lightly with oil and sprinkle it with a small amount of the reserved Suya Spice Blend.
  12. Complete the grilling: Grill for another 4–5 minutes, turning again when necessary, until the beef is cooked through with dark, lightly charred edges. Avoid overcooking, as the thin meat can dry quickly.
  13. Rest the suya: Transfer the cooked skewers to a clean plate and allow them to rest for 3–5 minutes.
  14. Finish and serve: Dust the warm beef lightly with the remaining Suya Spice Blend. Serve immediately with sliced red onion and tomato wedges.

A NOTE FROM THE MAISON

Maison Notes

Partially chilling the beef makes it considerably easier to produce the thin slices that distinguish traditional suya from ordinary kebabs. Always slice across the grain for a more tender result.

Apply the Suya Spice Blend in two stages: generously before marinating and lightly after grilling. This creates a deeply seasoned crust while preserving the spice blend’s fresh, nutty aroma.

For the most authentic character, cook the skewers over charcoal. Watch them closely because the thin beef and ground-peanut seasoning can scorch quickly over intense heat.

PLEASE NOTE

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts or groundnut from the traditional yaji-style Suya Spice Blend. Check the blend carefully for soy, gluten or other allergens. Use clean equipment and avoid cross-contact when preparing food for anyone with a peanut allergy.
FROM THE CAMASI MAISON PANTRY

CaMasi Maison™ Premium Suya Spice Blend

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