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A bowl of freshly made suya spice garnished with herbs, surrounded by garlic and dried chilies

Nigerian Suya Spice

Nigerian Suya Spice is a smoky, spicy, and nutty seasoning blend that elevates grilled meats, fish, and even vegetables to a whole new level of flavor.
A traditional mix of ground peanuts, chili, ginger, and aromatic spices, this blend originates from the Hausa people of Nigeria and is a staple in West African cuisine.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Nigerian, West African
Servings 1 cup
Calories 30 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender, food processor, or spice grinder
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Airtight container for storage

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup  roasted peanuts unsalted and skinless
  • 2 tbsp paprika  or ground chili for a spicier mix
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 tsp bouillon powder or cube optional for added umami
  • ½ tsp teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Peanuts:
    If using whole peanuts, ensure they are roasted and skinless. Spread them out on a tray and inspect for any bad nuts or debris.
    Grind the Peanuts:
    Add the roasted peanuts to a blender, food processor, or spice grinder. Pulse gently until finely ground, being careful not to over-process into peanut butter.
    Close-up of roasted peanuts scattered on a baking tray, ready to be ground for spice preparation
  • Mix the Spices:
    In a mixing bowl, combine the ground peanuts with paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, bouillon powder, and salt.
    Blend for Uniformity:
    Return the mixture to the grinder or blender for a few quick pulses to ensure all ingredients are well-incorporated.
    A glass bowl containing a mixture of ground peanuts, salt, and reddish-brown suya spice blend on a white marble surface
  • Store the Suya Spice:
    Transfer the spice mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
    A plastic container filled with vibrant orange suya spice mix placed on a wooden surface

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon):
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 2.5g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
Cooking Tips:
  • For an authentic Suya experience, rub the spice mix generously on skewered meat or fish and grill until cooked through.
  • To deepen the flavor, let the seasoned meat marinate for 1–2 hours before cooking.
  • Use this spice mix as a dry rub, or combine it with a bit of oil to make a paste for spreading.
Keyword Homemade, Spicy Dishes, West African Cuisine