According to consumer research, more than half of people choose spicy foods, both when dining out and when cooking in. If you’re part of this tongue-tingling group, you’re going to love suya pepper.
Also called suya spice or yaji, this south African staple can be used in a variety of ways to bring heat to the kitchen. It’s especially abundant in Nigerian cuisine and imparts a smoky, nutty flavor that is as unique as it is delicious.
You can buy suya pepper blends online or at some ethnic supermarkets. But it’s just as easy to make your own version. Once you get a taste of its flavor, you’ll always be craving more.
Not sure how to get started? You’re in the right place. Check out these five tasty ways to incorporate it into your cooking repertoire.
How to Make Suya Pepper
If you can’t find it in a pre-made form, you’re probably wondering how to make suya pepper. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to whip up on your own. And the homemade version lends an extra layer of fresh flavor to your meals.
The main suya pepper ingredients are roasted groundnut, ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper, smoked paprika, chicken bouillon powder, and salt.
There isn’t a set-in-stone suya pepper recipe. Chefs use their own blend of these ingredients, though most tend to be heavy on the hot pepper and paprika, which is what gives the blend its spicy taste.
This gives you the opportunity to experiment and decide how much of each ingredient gives you the flavor you’re looking for.
While there’s quite a bit of variation on how to mix up suya pepper, the procedure for making it is universal. Before you blend the ingredients, you’ll need to crush the nuts and bouillon.
You can do this with a mortar and pestle or a food processor. The goal is to get a fine powder, mimicking the consistency and texture of the other ingredients.
Then, all you have to do is stir everything together well. Store your suya pepper in an airtight container so it stays fresh and ready to use.
Check out some delicious ways to use Nigerian suya pepper at home by reading below.
Grilled Meat Skewers
Perhaps the most iconic Nigerian dish that showcases suya pepper is grilled meat skewers. This street food is delightfully spicy and easy to copy at home.
You can use it on many kinds of meat, including beef, chicken, shrimp, lamb, or goat. Beef is the most popular and is an easy way to get a feel for how to cook with suya pepper.
Cut the meat into evenly-sized chunks and douse each liberally with the spice mixture. Thread the chunks onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
For a richer and complex flavor, marinate the skewers for about 30 minutes before cooking. The meat is often served with tomatoes and onions. Try wrapping the meat in a cassava flour tortilla for a twist on the meal.
Suya Dusted Vegetables
Not a meat-eater? Craving some flavorful vegetables? A suya spice blend isn’t only for meat. It can also be used to enhance the taste of vegetables.
It’s as easy as dusting raw vegetables with the mixture before cooking. Once dusted, you can grill them for an authentic flavor. It also works well to roast or broil the vegetables.
Suya pepper works well with a wide range of vegetables. Try it on Brussels sprouts, zucchini, bell peppers, potatoes, or broccoli. Serve on their own or with rice or noodles.
Spicy Popcorn
Popcorn is a healthy snack that is low in calories and high in fiber. If the plain version is a little too boring for your tastes, jazz it up with some suya pepper.
Once popped, simply toss the kernels with a tablespoon or so of the spice blend and shake well to distribute it among the popcorn.
Scotch Eggs with Suya Pepper
Scotch eggs are a delicious combination of sausage and hard-boiled eggs. They’re easy to make and versatile enough to try them in new ways.
To make a traditional Scotch egg, encase a hard-boiled egg in sausage and then bake or fry it until the sausage is cooked through.
Delicious in this way, the recipe takes on a whole new dimension with the addition of suya pepper. Add a dash or two to the sausage and blend it well before wrapping it around the eggs.
Suya Pepper Sauce
Another great way to make use of your suya pepper blend is to use it to make sauces. Try it with a mixture of coconut milk and honey and use it as a dipping sauce for grilled meats.
You can also combine suya pepper with olive oil and use it as a marinade for meat, fish, and vegetables. The longer you marinate it, the spicier the finished product will be.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try shaking a bit of suya pepper into pasta sauce or gravy. You’ll add a great new layer of flavor to your favorite dishes and you’ll have fun trying something new.
Tips for Cooking with Suya Pepper
One of the best tips for cooking with suya pepper is to start small. Because it is spicy, you can adjust the heat in your recipes by starting with a pinch and adding more until you reach the desired level.
Another tip is to experiment with the ingredients until you find the blend that you like best. If you want it a bit milder, reduce the amount of hot pepper that you use. If you want a smokier taste, add more paprika.
Keep in mind that because suya pepper contains nuts, it’s not suitable for serving to individuals with food allergies.
Getting Started
There’s no time like the present to get into the kitchen and try cooking with suya pepper. It’s easy to use and will impress you with its taste and versatility.
It’s easy to get started by choosing a pre-made suya pepper blend, but it’s just as fun to experiment with making your own.
Before you go, check out all of our great African recipes, and feel free to come back anytime.
