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suya spice seasoning mix in a white bowl

Suya Spice Seasoning Mix

Suya spice is a bold, smoky West African seasoning blend of peanuts, cayenne, and spices, perfect for grilling meats or adding flavor to any dish.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: African, nigerian
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 70kcal
Author: Marwin Brown

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup DRY-ROASTED Peanuts unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder optional

Instructions

  • Grind peanuts up in spice grinder or food processor. If you have neither then just place your peanuts in a ziplock bag, seal, then smash repeatedly with the flat side of a skillet until desired consistency reached.
  • Place ground peanuts in a mixing bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl then mix well with spoon or fingertips.
  • Set aside until ready to use.
  • Serve with beef skewers or grilled steak for a spicy meat treat.

Notes

  1. Quality of Peanuts: Ground peanuts are a defining element of suya spice. Use roasted, unsalted peanuts for a nutty, earthy base. If possible, grind them fresh to avoid any bitterness from pre-packaged peanut flours.
  2. Spice Balance: Suya spice is all about bold flavors, so the right balance of cayenne, paprika, ginger, and garlic is essential. Start with smaller amounts of cayenne, adjusting to your preferred level of heat while keeping the balance with other spices.
  3. Grind Texture: I tend to stop well short of powder form as I prefer a more textured rub with crunches of the peanuts. The peanuts should coat the meat evenly without clumping. If using whole spices or peanuts, grind them in a spice grinder or food processor to control the consistency.
  4. Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices deliver a stronger aroma and flavor, so using whole spices (ginger root, whole peppers) when possible will yield a more vibrant mix.
  5. Taste Test and Adjust: Suya spice can vary by region and taste preference, so tasting as you go allows you to customize. For example, add a touch more paprika for smokiness or a hint of nutmeg or cloves for warmth if desired.
  6. Storage: To keep your suya spice fresh, store it in an airtight container away from light and moisture. Homemade blends can last up to 3-6 months in a cool, dark place.
  7. Buying: It is not readily available in grocery stores but you can buy suya spice online like Amazon or Etsy. You might also find it in African based grocery stores if you live near one.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0.03mg | Sodium: 644mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 537IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
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