Quick answer: Suya spice (also called yaji) is a West African dry rub built on ground roasted peanuts, ginger, chilli and warm aromatic spices. It is the seasoning behind suya: the smoky, nutty grilled meat skewers sold on street corners across Nigeria and now loved across the UK. Costack Suya Spice (Smoky Peanut BBQ Rub) is an authentic UK-made version of the blend.
The full definition
Suya spice is a coarse, savoury rub. The base is kuli kuli, which is roasted ground peanut pressed to remove most of its oil. Around that nutty base sit ginger, garlic, onion, cayenne or dried chilli, and West African aromatics such as uda pepper and calabash nutmeg (ehuru). The result is nutty, smoky, warm, and mildly to medium hot.
The name yaji comes from Hausa, the language of the northern Nigerian traders who made suya famous. Every suya vendor guards their own ratio, which is why no two roadside suya taste exactly alike.
What is in suya spice?
- Kuli kuli (roasted ground peanut): the soul of the blend. Nutty depth and the signature crust.
- Ginger: warmth and lift.
- Cayenne or dried chilli: the heat.
- Garlic and onion: the savoury base.
- Uda pepper: a smoky, slightly bitter West African pepper.
- Calabash nutmeg (ehuru): warm, woody aromatics.
- Salt: the carrier.
The Costack blend uses kuli kuli, uda pepper, calabash nutmeg, ginger, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic, onion and sea salt. The full ingredient list is printed on the label and listed on the product page. Allergen note: suya spice contains peanuts.
What does suya spice taste like?
Nutty first, then smoky, then a building chilli warmth. It is closer to a satay-meets-BBQ profile than to a curry. The peanut base toasts on the grill and forms a crust that holds the juices in the meat.
How to use suya spice
Classic beef suya skewers
Slice beef thin, coat in oil, then coat generously in suya spice. Skewer and grill 4 to 5 minutes per side. Serve with sliced raw onion, tomato and cucumber, plus extra spice for dipping. Full 15-minute recipe here.
Suya chicken wings
Toss wings in oil and suya spice, bake at 200C for 35 minutes, then dust again while hot.
Beyond the grill
Suya spice works on prawns, lamb chops, roasted sweet potato, grilled corn, popcorn, and even tofu. Anywhere you want nutty smoke and gentle heat.
FAQ
Is suya spice the same as yaji?
Yes. Yaji is the Hausa name, suya spice is the English name. Same blend.
Is suya spice hot?
Medium. The peanut base softens the chilli, so the heat builds rather than burns. Add extra cayenne or Cameroon pepper if you want it hotter.
Does suya spice contain peanuts?
Yes, always. Kuli kuli is the defining ingredient. Not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
What meat is best for suya?
Thin-sliced beef is traditional. Chicken, lamb, goat and prawns all work.
Where can I buy suya spice in the UK?
Direct from costack.uk, made in Manchester, with free UK delivery on orders over ยฃ35. Ships worldwide to 188 countries including the USA, with duties and taxes shown upfront at checkout.
Try it tonight
Get Costack Suya Spice (Smoky Peanut BBQ Rub), or start with the Costack Starter Bundle. Every ingredient listed on the label.
