🌶️ What Is Suya? (And What to Do With It If You Didn’t Grow Up With It)
So, you received a little jar of suya seasoning as a wedding favor and you’re wondering: what exactly is this fiery-looking magic?
Let me explain — and get your taste buds ready.
🇳🇬 Suya Isn’t Just a Spice. It’s a Whole Vibe.
Suya (pronounced SOO-yah) is one of Nigeria’s most beloved street foods — especially in the north. Think: thinly sliced meat (usually beef), rubbed in a bold, peppery spice mix called yaji, and grilled over open flames until it’s smoky, juicy, and unforgettable.
It’s typically served with thin-sliced onions, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers and wrapped in newspaper or foil. If you’ve ever been to a Nigerian night market, you’ve definitely caught a whiff of suya in the air — spicy, savory, unmistakable.
But while suya the dish is iconic, the magic starts with the spice blend.
🧂 What’s In Suya Seasoning?
Suya spice is a rich, layered blend with ingredients that vary slightly by region, but usually include:
- Ground peanuts (yes, peanuts — they give suya its signature richness)
- Smoked paprika or dried chilis
- Ginger
- Garlic & onion powder
- Salt, bouillon, and a few secret touches
It’s nutty, spicy, smoky, earthy, and made to cling to meat, veggies, fries — you name it.
🤔 But What If You Didn’t Grow Up With It?
No worries! Suya seasoning is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re Nigerian, Nigerian-adjacent, or just suya-curious, there are so many delicious ways to use it in your home kitchen — even if you’re nowhere near Lagos.
🔥 8 Easy Ways to Use Suya Seasoning at Home
1. BBQ Rub
Use it as a dry rub on brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. It’s made for smoky, open-flame cooking — and Texas BBQ is a perfect match.
2. Roasted Veggies
Toss sweet potatoes, mushrooms, corn, or eggplant in olive oil and suya spice. Roast until crispy and golden.
3. Fries & Wedges
Sprinkle on fries or potato wedges straight out of the oven or air fryer. Add a squeeze of lime if you want to go full street food mode.
4. Popcorn
A pinch of suya on hot buttered popcorn = spicy, nutty, crunchy magic.
5. Grilled or Pan-Seared Seafood
It’s delicious on shrimp, salmon, or catfish — just rub it on with a little oil and throw it on the grill or skillet.
6. Eggs & Deviled Eggs
Mix a dash into your deviled egg filling or sprinkle it on scrambled eggs. Suya eggs slap harder than expected.
7. Tacos, Fajitas, or Ground Meat
Substitute suya seasoning in place of taco or fajita seasoning for a bold, spicy upgrade.
8. Mix Into Dips or Sauces
Stir a bit into sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayo for an easy suya aioli or dip.
✨ A Cultural Note
Suya is more than a seasoning. In Nigeria, it’s a food that brings people together — shared in the street, after hours, between bites and laughter. It’s one of those flavors that carries memory and emotion. That’s why I wanted to include it in our wedding celebration.
Whether you’re using it on backyard BBQ or brunch potatoes, know that you’re tasting something rooted in history and shared with love.
📦 Quick Tip: How to Store It
- Keep your suya spice in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed.
- Use within 6 months for peak flavor, though it’ll probably disappear faster.
💬 Tried It? Loved It?
Tag me or message me — I’d love to see how you’re using your suya spice. This is more than a favor — it’s a flavor connection across cultures.
Thanks for celebrating with us, and enjoy your jar of suya!
With spice & gratitude,
Mobosinuola
P.S If you loved your jar of suya spice, I’d be honored to craft something just for you. Through Jaiye by Touch of a Queen, I offer small-batch custom spice blends — including suya and other culturally rooted seasonings — specially designed for weddings, showers, dinner parties, and unforgettable gifts. If your celebration deserves flavor with a story, I’d love to be part of your moment.
