Lamb Suya – Spicy Nigerian-Style Grilled Meat Skewers

Try this Lamb suya recipe from www.bbrecipes.com quick and easy West African meat recipe bursting with bold spices and grilled flavor. Perfect for BBQs, dinners, or street-food lovers craving something unique and homemade.

Introduction

There are grilled meat recipes—and then there’s Lamb suya. This iconic West African dish, deeply rooted in Nigerian street food culture, is known for its rich, spicy flavor and addictive aroma. Traditionally made with beef, our version features tender lamb, which adds depth and richness to the skewers, making it perfect for meat lovers and grill enthusiasts alike.

If you’ve never tried suya, think of it as a fiery, nutty, smoky twist on kebabs. It’s incredibly easy to make, full of protein, and ideal for everything from backyard BBQs to casual dinners. With just a few bold ingredients, you can bring a taste of West Africa into your own kitchen.

Let’s fire up the grill and make this unforgettable Lamb suya recipe.

Ingredients

This flavorful meat recipe comes together with a few pantry staples and a bold spice blend known as “suya spice” or “yaji.”

For the Suya Spice (Yaji Mix):

Ingredient	Amount
Ground roasted peanuts (unsalted)	1/2 cup
Smoked paprika	1 tbsp
Ground ginger	1 tsp
Cayenne pepper	1 tsp
Onion powder	1 tsp
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Salt	1/2 tsp
Crushed chili flakes (optional)	1/2 tsp

For the Lamb Skewers:

Ingredient	Amount
Lamb shoulder or leg (cut into 1-inch cubes)	1.5 lbs
Vegetable oil	2 tbsp
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Bamboo skewers (soaked in water)	8–10

Optional: Sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers for garnish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 4)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480
Protein	39g
Carbs	5g
Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sodium	520mg

This Lamb suya recipe is packed with protein, low in carbs, and loaded with rich, spicy flavor—making it an excellent option for high-protein or low-carb diets.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Suya Spice

In a bowl, combine all the suya spice ingredients and mix thoroughly. Set aside 1 tbsp of the mix for garnish or serving later.

Step 2: Season the Lamb

In a large bowl, toss the lamb cubes with vegetable oil and lemon juice. Add the suya spice mix and coat thoroughly until all the meat is evenly covered.

Step 3: Skewer the Meat

Thread the seasoned lamb onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even cooking.

Step 4: Grill

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is charred on the outside and cooked through on the inside (internal temp 145°F).

Step 5: Serve

Sprinkle with the reserved suya spice mix and serve hot with sliced onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Lamb suya with:

• Grilled flatbread or pita
• Spicy peanut sauce
• Jollof rice or coconut rice
• Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
• Chilled beer or hibiscus tea (zobo)

This flavorful meal is perfect for BBQs, casual dinners, or party platters.

Pro Tips

Maximize the flavor of your Lamb suya with these helpful cooking tips:

• Use lamb shoulder for the best fat-to-meat ratio.
• Grind your own peanuts for fresh, rich flavor.
• Don’t skip the marination time—let the lamb sit with the spice mix for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat your grill properly for a good char.
• Double the suya spice and store for future use—it goes great on chicken, tofu, or even popcorn!

Variations

Make this meat recipe your own with these tasty variations:

Chicken Suya

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of lamb. Cook time may be shorter—around 8–10 minutes.

Vegetarian Option

Use mushrooms or tofu and coat with the same suya spice. Grill until charred.

Gluten-Free Version

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your spice mix and peanuts are uncontaminated.

Spicy Suya

Increase cayenne and chili flakes for an extra kick.

These alternatives make this versatile dish suitable for all kinds of eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use beef instead of lamb?
A: Absolutely! Suya is traditionally made with beef and tastes fantastic.

Q: Can I make suya in the oven or air fryer?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: How long can I store leftover suya?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q: What makes suya taste different?
A: The ground peanuts combined with smoked paprika and spices create a nutty, spicy, smoky flavor that’s unique.

Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Reduce or omit the chili and cayenne to make a milder version.

Conclusion

Lamb suya brings bold, unforgettable flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re a longtime lover of African cuisine or new to the flavors of suya spice, this grilled meat recipe is one to keep in your rotation. With just a few ingredients and easy prep, you get an authentic, high-protein dish that’s as satisfying as it is exciting.

Try it out and share your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to explore more protein-packed, flavor-rich meals on www.bbrecipes.com trusted source for homemade recipes inspired by global kitchens.

Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, and come back for more bold, easy-to-cook meals that satisfy every craving.