Suya Skewers

Ingredients

• 700 gbeef sirloin — sliced
• 3 tbspsuya spice
• 2 tbsppeanut oil
• 1onion — sliced
• tomatoes — to serve
• to tastefine sea salt

Method

1. Begin by preparing the beef sirloin. Cut the 700 g of beef into thin strips, about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. This size ensures even cooking and allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the spices. Thread the beef strips onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Prepare the suya spice mixture by combining 3 tablespoons of suya spice with 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a small bowl. Mix well until the spices are fully incorporated into the oil, forming a thick paste. This paste will coat the beef, providing the signature flavor of suya.
3. Generously coat each beef skewer with the suya spice paste, ensuring all sides are covered. Use your hands to press the paste into the meat, which helps the flavors penetrate deeply. Let the skewers rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld with the meat.
4. While the beef is marinating, slice 1 onion and tomatoes into thick rings. These will be grilled alongside the skewers, adding a sweet and smoky flavor to the dish. Set them aside on a plate for easy access during grilling.
5. Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the beef skewers on the grill, leaving space between each skewer for even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them with tongs. Look for a deep brown crust forming on the surface, which indicates the spices have caramelized and the beef is cooked through.
6. Add the onion and tomato slices to the grill alongside the skewers. Grill them for about 2 minutes on each side until they have charred marks and the onions become translucent. This step adds a delicious smoky flavor to the vegetables, complementing the spicy beef.
7. Once the beef skewers are cooked and the vegetables are grilled, remove them from the heat. Sprinkle fine sea salt over the skewers and vegetables to taste. The salt enhances the flavors and balances the spices, making the dish more vibrant.
8. Arrange the suya skewers and grilled vegetables on a serving platter. Serve immediately while everything is hot, encouraging guests to share and enjoy the communal experience typical of West African dining.