Here's an easy, step-by-step for making Nigerian suya spice, which you'll want to put on everything, henceforth.
I'm in a generous mood and decided to share my super secret Nigerian suya spice recipe with you. Ok, it's not super secret but it is truly quite perfect. Suya spice, also called yaji or suya pepper is a staple in West African cuisine. It is typically used to marinate grilled meat skewers, known as suya, which is one of the most well-known Nigerian street foods.
If you enjoy this traditional Nigerian recipe, you'll also love my Red Stew and Rice as well as classic Dodo (Naija Fried Plantain).
Is Nigerian yaji superior?
As a Nigerian-American, I'm inclined to think that ours is the best but will admit that suya spice blends vary a bit from person to person even in Nigeria. My recipe was developed off of taste-testing trial and error and has the ultimate seal of approval in that my dad asked me "Where did you buy this suya? It's really nice!"
I won't get into how to make suya today but that's a natural next step so be on the lookout. For now, let's get into my homemade suya spice recipe.
Easy How-to Video Tutorial
What is in Suya Spice?
Wondering what suya spice tastes like? Suya spice is a smoky, nutty, spicy blend that imparts delectable, savory umami flavor to whatever you season it with. It can be used as a rub or made into a paste. If you've ever wanted to make an African spice blend at home, you're in the right place. Here's what you'll need to make suya spice mix.
- Crushed Bouillon Cubes (preferably Maggi cubes)
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Ginger
- Hot Red Pepper (Cayenne Works)
- Onion Powder
- Roasted Groundnut (peanut powder also works in a pinch)
- Smoked Paprika
- White Pepper
You can use suya spice to season suya, of course, but just about any kind of meat or veggies would be made better by this spicy mix. I love rubbing it on grilled ribs and even on roasted brussels sprouts. You can even "grill" suya shrimps in the oven for a shortcut to the street food flavor--and they pair perfectly with jollof spaghetti. Add this suya spice recipe to your rotation for grilling, roasting, and sautéing. The options are nearly endless!
Tips for Making your Own Suya Mix
- What tools do I need to make yaji spice? You'll need a blender, coffee grinder, or food processor to grind the groundut or peanuts. If you have a mortar and pestle to crush the bouillon cubes, grab that. Otherwise, I have tips below on how to get it done without.
- Can I make suya spice without peanuts? Simply put, no. You can't make authentic suya spice without peanuts as the roasted peanut (or groundnut) is key to the flavor profile. If you have an allergy or aversion to peanuts, you can try cashews or almonds. Just note that the flavor will not be the same.
- How to store suya spice. Store your homemade suya blend in an airtight container in a cool place. You can store it in the fridge safely. It keeps for at least three weeks.
How to Crush Bouillon by Hand
This suya pepper recipe calls for crushed Maggi cubes and I know you're probably wondering whether it really matters what kind of cubes are used or even if you can just skip to powdered bouillon. To answer that, yes, you can technically use any brand of bouillon (beef or chicken works), cubed or powdered. Crushed bouillon of the Maggi brand will yield the truest flavor, though. Here are a few tips on that, including how to crush bouillon cube without a mortar and pestle.
- Reduced sodium bouillon cubes tend to crush more easily. You can just add salt back during the cooking process, if you take this route.
- Using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder to crush the cubes will be easiest. But if you don't have either, the back of a wooden spoon and a deep glass will also work well. Just crush the cubes one at a time.
More Favorite Traditional Nigerian Recipes
Ewa Riro (Savory Stewed Beans)
If you have any questions about how to make suya spice mix at home, just let me know in the comments below. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this homemade suya pepper recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Homemade Nigerian Suya Spice Mix
📖 Recipe
Homemade Authentic Suya Spice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted groundnut or peanuts
- 1 tablespoon crushed Maggi cubes about 3 cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 ½ tablespoon hot red pepper cayenne pepper works well
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
Instructions
- Grind peanuts in a blender, coffee grinder or food processor for about 30 seconds, pausing and checking the texture as you go so that it does not over-blend and become a paste.
- Combine ground nuts with remaining ingredients in a small bowl and mix until uniform (about two minutes).
- Store unused spice in an airtight container away from heat. Refrigerated is fine.
Video
Notes
- What tools do I need to make yaji spice? You'll need a blender, coffee grinder, or food processor to grind the groundut or peanuts. If you have a mortar and pestle to crush the bouillon cubes, grab that. Otherwise, I have tips below on how to get it done without.
- Can I make suya spice without peanuts? Simply put, no. You can't make authentic suya spice without peanuts as the roasted peanut (or groundnut) is key to the flavor profile. If you have an allergy or aversion to peanuts, you can try cashews or almonds. Just note that the flavor will not be the same.
- How to store suya spice. Store your homemade suya blend in an airtight container in a cool place. You can store it in the fridge safely. It keeps for at least three weeks.
Nutrition
Roy says
Thank you for this spice blend! I just bought a slow cooker Crock Pot and want to give some Nigerian flair to today's 10-hour Sunday chuck roast. I was happy to find beef Maggi cubes at my local market here in Northern Virgina. I look forward to learning more about Suya Beef street skewers and trying it out on my own grill soon.
Jazzmine Woodard says
Hi, Roy! Thanks for your note. Happy you could enjoy the suya spice.
Trent says
Hey there! I've been following your website for a while now and finally got
the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx!
Just wanted to say keep up the excellent work!
Heimo says
Just watched this after having read about Suya for the first time. I will definitely make this and use it, I think especially for vegetables. This looks like a fantastic combination of spices, looking forward to the first try and I will come back and report how it turned out!
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks, Heimo! I hope you love it as much as I do. Also, I have a beef suya recipe coming soon.
Deana Payne says
Do I use dry roasted peanuts for this or just roasted peanuts?
Jazzmine Woodard says
Hi, Deana! you can use either type of roasted peanuts, though, I recommend opting for unsalted peanuts with whichever version you pick. Hope this helps!
Candy says
Love this !!!
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks, Candy! Glad you enjoyed this one.
Rashad Jiles says
This was so simple yet so delicious! I’ve literally been putting it on everything!!
Funke says
It was awesome thanks alot
Jazz says
You're so welcome, Funke!
Ivano says
Thank you so much Jasmine for sharing. Lovely and tasty, well done..
Jazz says
Thank you, Ivano. Glad you enjoyed!
Mila says
This was a really helpful tutorial! I especially appreciated knowing I could be flexible with my salt. I try to use low sodium products more often and it always suits me better to season as I go. Thank you for this!
Marta says
I made and sprinkled this suya yaji spice on my mashed plantains and fell head over heels in love. Utter perfection, Jazz!
Britney Brown says
This spice pairs perfectly with everything. I've never had this spice prior to making this recipe and now I'm going to be making it all the time! It's so delicious!
Capri says
Making suya was super easy thanks to your recipe! I used it to marinate beef skewers and they were delicious! Thanks for the great recipe!
Chenée says
When I saw that I had all of the ingredients on hand to make this suya spice mix I knew I had to try it! It was so simple and it tastes amazing on chicken! I used Knorr bouillon but next time I'll pick up some Maggi cubes. Looking forward to your suya recipe!!
Robin says
Some of the best food I have ever had was on a trip to Nigeria, so I'm grateful I was able to have some of that flavor right in my own kitchen.
Nomaswazi Gumede says
Thank you for sharing this recipe,I tried it once and got hooked instantly, I make it every week and have it with everything
Jazzmine Woodard says
Hi, Nomaswazi! Thank you for your feedback--so glad you're enjoying this spice.