Suya beef skewers, the proper way
Suya beef skewers are smoky, nutty, gently spiced beef, threaded onto skewers and grilled fast over high heat. Served hot with raw onion, tomato, and a squeeze of lime. Ready in 15 minutes. It is exactly what you want for a fast weeknight dinner or a Saturday BBQ.
This recipe uses Costack Suya Spice (Smoky Peanut BBQ Rub). A premium UK seasoning, allergen-labelled, trusted by home cooks since 2014.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 600g sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 2cm cubes
- 3 tbsp Costack Suya Spice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Costack Hot Smoky Chilli Powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 lime, cut in wedges
- Fresh coriander to finish
- 10 wooden or metal skewers
Method (15 minutes)
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp Costack Suya Spice, 2 tbsp oil, and optional Cameroon Pepper. Add beef. Toss to coat every piece.
- Thread beef onto skewers, 5-6 cubes per skewer.
- Heat a griddle pan, frying pan, or BBQ to high heat.
- Cook skewers 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, 3-4 minutes per side for medium.
- Rest 2 minutes off the heat.
- Serve on a plate with sliced raw onion, tomato, lime wedges, and fresh coriander.
Pro tips
1. Use the right cut
Sirloin and ribeye are the classic choices. Rump works for budget. Avoid stewing beef, brisket, or chuck for skewers, they need slow cooking.
2. Get the pan ripping hot
Suya skewers need fast char. A medium heat will steam the beef and dry it out. Pre-heat the pan or BBQ until it's smoking.
3. Don't skip the raw onion garnish
The sharp cold onion is essential. It cuts through the rich nutty rub and balances the dish.
4. Apply rub generously
3 tbsp for 600g beef sounds like a lot. It's not. The rub is the dish.
Variations
- Suya chicken: swap beef for chicken thigh. Cook 4 minutes per side.
- Suya lamb: swap for diced leg of lamb. Cook 3 minutes per side for pink.
- Suya prawns: use raw king prawns. Cook 90 seconds per side.
- Vegetarian suya: use halloumi cubes or firm tofu. Cook 2 minutes per side.
What to serve with suya skewers
- Smoky tomato rice: the classic pairing. Use Costack Smoky Tomato Rice Seasoning for proper restaurant-quality rice.
- Fried plantain: ripe plantain sliced and fried until golden.
- Coleslaw: the cool contrast to the spicy rub.
- Pita or naan: wrap the suya, raw onion, and a drizzle of yoghurt for a fast lunch.
FAQs
What is suya spice?
Suya spice is a smoky peanut BBQ rub. Ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, paprika, and chilli, blended for grilled beef and skewers. Costack Suya Spice is allergen-labelled (contains peanuts) and made for UK home cooks.
Can I cook suya in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 220C for 10-12 minutes for medium. The result isn't as charred as grilled but still excellent.
How spicy is Costack Suya Spice?
Medium heat. Warm and nutty more than fire-hot. Add Costack Hot Smoky Chilli Powder for extra kick.
Does Costack Suya Spice contain nuts?
Yes. Costack Suya Spice contains peanuts. Full allergen information is on the label in compliance with UK food labelling law (Natasha's Law).
Where do I buy Costack Suya Spice?
Online at www.costack.uk. ยฃ15 per jar. Free UK delivery on orders over ยฃ35. Standard delivery by Royal Mail or Evri, 2-3 working days, to London, Manchester, Birmingham, and every UK postcode.
The BBQ bundle
The BBQ & Smoky Heat Box at ยฃ40 pairs Costack Suya Spice with more bold blends and the free Costack Flavour Bible ebook. The complete BBQ kit. Free UK delivery on orders over ยฃ35.
