Suya Spice (Yaji) – Low Carb Africa

❤️ Why you’ll love it

Suya spice (yaji) is very common in the Northern part of Nigeria. It is a dry peanut-based spice blend used to marinate beef prior to grilling or baking. Suya, also known as grilled skewers with suya spice, is one of the most common and delicious street foods in West Africa. 

Yaji has such a distinctive flavor because it’s mainly made from peanuts. All you need are some roasted peanuts and spices like garlic, ginger, and cayenne—you probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry! Just throw everything into a food processor, and you’ll have this mouthwatering spice ready in no time.

Equipment Used

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I used a food processor for this recipe, but you can use a blender or a small mortar and pestle.

🧾 Ingredients Used

🔪 How To Make Suya Spice

1. Blend the roasted peanuts in a food processor or blender until crumbly. Do not let it turn into a paste.
2. Add the other ingredients to the food processor and blend, but don’t over-blend. You want the consistency to be crumbly and powdery.
3. Store in a dry container or make some chicken suya.

🥫 Storing and Reheating

Store this spice in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from degrading the spice’s quality. Keep the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Be sure to label the container with the ingredients and date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its freshness. When using the spice, ensure the spoon or utensil is completely dry to avoid introducing moisture into the container.

💭 Recipe Tips

Keep these easy tips in mind while making this suya spice recipe at home:

• Roasting Peanuts: If you’re starting with raw peanuts, roast them yourself for a fresh, nutty flavor. Be sure they are completely cool before grinding.
• Grind in Batches: When grinding peanuts and spices, do it in small batches to ensure an even consistency and prevent the grinder from overheating.
• Mix Thoroughly: After grinding all ingredients, mix them well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
• Taste and Adjust: Before storing, taste the spice blend and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, chili powder, or other spices to suit your preference.

💭 Recipe Variations

You can make this yaji recipe your own by using the recipe variations below:

• Adjust Heat: Vary the amount of cayenne or chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.
• Experiment with Nuts: While peanuts are traditional, you can try other nuts like cashews or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Try Different Peppers: If you have access to different types of dried peppers, experiment with them for unique flavors and heat levels.
• Smoky Suya Spice: Add extra smoked paprika and chipotle powder to make this spice blend a little smokier.
• Mild Suya Spice: A less spicy option, using sweet or mild paprika and a smaller amount of cayenne pepper. Ideal for those who prefer a milder taste without losing the characteristic suya flavor.
• Herbal Suya Spice: Incorporate dried thyme, basil, or oregano, adding a fresh herbal note to the traditional suya spice mix. This variation offers a unique twist to the classic flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Suya Spice: This is a variation for those with peanut allergies. It uses roasted chickpea flour or sunflower seed flour as a substitute and maintains the essence of suya without the peanuts.
• Sweet and Spicy Suya Spice: Add brown sugar or honey powder to the suya spice to create a balanced flavor with a sweet and spicy kick.
• Aromatic Suya Spice: Use ground cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and cinnamon (just a little) to enhance the depth and complexity of the suya flavor profile.

🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?

For an authentic taste, use the suya spice as a dry rub on any kind of thinly sliced meat – beef or chicken is best. I use it for this chicken suya recipe and it’s always a hit!

While this spice blend is usually best on grilled meats, you can also bake or fry the meat after marinating. Whether you sear or broil it, make sure the meat has a charred surface, which will bring out the flavor.

Suya is often served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and a side of spicy pepper sauce. It also pairs well with fresh salads or flatbreads. You can also use it to season cauliflower rice, chicken wings, or roasted vegetables. It’s extremely versatile!

👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions

📖 Recipe

Suya Spice

Suya spice, also known as yaji, is a popular Nigerian spice used to season grilled skewered meats, known as “suya.” This gives the meat a distinctive spicy, nutty, and smoky flavor!

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