Discover the rich flavors of Suya, a popular West African street food. This recipe features tender grilled skewers of spiced beef, chicken, or goat, perfectly paired with fresh onions, tomatoes, and a fiery pepper sauce. Perfect for BBQs or a flavorful weeknight dinner, learn how to make this authentic and mouthwatering dish at home!

Ingredients:

- 1 lb beef, chicken, or goat meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)

- 2 tablespoons ground peanuts (optional)

- 2 tablespoons suya spice mix (or a blend of ground ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 onion, sliced

- 2 tomatoes, sliced

- Spicy pepper sauce (optional)

- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

Preparation Steps:

Prepare the Meat:

  - In a bowl, mix the suya spice with ground peanuts and vegetable oil to form a paste.

  - Add the meat cubes to the bowl and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

  - Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2-4 hours for deeper flavor).

Assemble the Skewers:

  - Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers.

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the Skewers:

  - Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

  - The meat should be charred on the outside and cooked through.

Serve:

  - Serve the suya skewers hot with sliced onions and tomatoes.

  - Add a side of spicy pepper sauce for extra heat if desired.

Notes:

- Suya spice can be adjusted according to your preferred level of spiciness.

- This dish pairs well with flatbread or rice for a complete meal.

Nutritional Values

Beef, Chicken, or Goat Meat (1 lb, cut into bite-sized cubes)

Beef:

    - Protein: 26 grams

    - Fat: 17 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

    - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in iron, zinc, vitamin B12

Benefits:

    - High in protein, supports muscle growth and repair.

    - Provides essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12 for energy and red blood cell formation.

    - Contains zinc, which is important for immune function.

Chicken:

    - Protein: 31 grams

    - Fat: 3.6 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

    - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus

Benefits:

    - Excellent source of lean protein, aiding in muscle maintenance and weight management.

    - Contains niacin and vitamin B6, which support metabolism and cardiovascular health.

    - Low in fat compared to other meats.

Goat Meat:

    - Protein: 20 grams

    - Fat: 2.8 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

    - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in iron, vitamin B12, and potassium

Benefits:

    - Lean source of protein with lower fat content than beef.

    - Provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

    - Good for heart health due to its lower fat content.

Ground Peanuts (2 tablespoons, optional)

   - Calories: 94 kcal per 2 tablespoons

   - Protein: 4 grams

   - Fat: 8 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 3 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium

Benefits:

   - Rich in protein and healthy fats, supporting energy and muscle growth.

   - Contains antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect cells from damage.

   - Provides magnesium and potassium, important for muscle function and heart health.

Suya Spice Mix (2 tablespoons) or a Blend of Ground Ginger, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Salt

Suya Spice Mix:

   - Nutritional Values: Varies depending on the blend, generally low in calories but rich in spices.

Benefits:

    - Adds a distinct, spicy flavor to dishes.

    - Spices may have health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.

Homemade Spice Blend:

Ground Ginger:

    - Nutritional Values: 80 kcal per 100 grams

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, boosts immune function.

Paprika:

    - Nutritional Values: 282 kcal per 100 grams

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, supports eye health.

Cayenne Pepper:

    - Nutritional Values: ~318 kcal per 100 grams

Benefits: Boosts metabolism, contains capsaicin which may reduce pain.

Onion Powder:

    - Nutritional Values: ~357 kcal per 100 grams

Benefits: Supports cardiovascular health, rich in antioxidants.

Garlic Powder:

    - Nutritional Values: ~331 kcal per 100 grams

Benefits: Supports immune function, may reduce blood pressure.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

   - Calories: 240 kcal per 2 tablespoons

   - Fat: 28 grams (mostly unsaturated fats)

   - Vitamins: May contain vitamin E

Benefits:

   - Provides essential fatty acids, which are important for heart health.

   - Adds flavor and texture to dishes.

   - May contain antioxidants like vitamin E.

Onion (1, sliced)

   - Calories: 40 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.1 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

   - Fiber: 1.7 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting immune function and overall health.

   - Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Tomatoes (2, sliced)

   - Calories: 18 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 0.9 grams

   - Fat: 0.2 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 3.9 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health and skin repair.

   - Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

   - Low in calories and carbohydrates, suitable for weight management.

Spicy Pepper Sauce (optional)

   - Varies by brand and recipe, generally low in calories but high in sodium.

Benefits:

   - Adds heat and flavor to dishes.

   - Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

  - Nutritional Values: N/A (used for cooking)

Benefits:

   - Useful for grilling or roasting meat, ensuring even cooking and easy handling.