This is my take on Suya, a grilled beef skewer from West Africa. Sirloin steak is marinated in a quick and easy marinade that is delicious and perfect for grilling.
These highly flavored West African-style skewers started out as a geographically appropriate main dish to pair with a batch of Jollof rice, but quickly turned into my favorite marinade for beef.
How to Make Suya
The detailed suya recipe is below, but here are some chef’s notes:
. Peanut butter is key: The key to the whole operation is peanut butter, which isn’t the first ingredient when you think of a classic marinade for meat, but it really works here.
. Perfect caramelization: The first time I tried it, I was a bit skeptical, because I thought peanut butter would burn on a hot grill, and if you’ve ever eaten roasted peanuts, you know it’s not a very pleasant taste. But, somehow it didn’t burn, and instead caramelized and browned beautifully. Yes, I really like how this came out visually, but the taste and texture is even more impressive.
. The crowd-pleasing taste: I would describe the taste as unusual, but at the same time, familiar and comfortable. As I touch on in the video, this reminds me of some of my favorite foods, from some of my favorite places, and I will be grilling this again soon.
I also want to try a purer method, using peanuts instead of peanut butter. But, in the meantime, I really like this version. I really hope you try it soon. Enjoy!
Ingredients
. 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
. 1/2 small yellow onion, grated
. 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
. 1 tablespoon olive oil
. 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt)
. 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
. 1 teaspoon pepper
. 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
. 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
. 2 pounds top sirloin steak cut into 1.5 inch cubes
Directions
Step 1
Combine peanut butter, grated onion, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper and ginger powder in a mixing bowl. Stir until combined.
Step 2
Add the steak pieces to the marinade bowl and toss to combine. Cover and leave the marinade in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
Step 3
Heat an outdoor grill with coals to high heat and a little grated oil.
Step 4
Place marinated steak pieces on large metal skewers.
Step 5
Grill over white hot coals until desired doneness, 5 to 6 minutes per side.
Cook’s Note:
Garnish beef skewers with shallots, lime wedges, green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped peanuts if desired.
