West African Yaji Beef Kabobs
Succulent beef skewers coated in a spicy, nutty Suya spice blend made from roasted peanuts and traditional spices.

Total
1h
Prep
45 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4
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Recipe serves 4
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin or Flank Steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.5 cup Roasted Peanuts, finely ground
- 1 tablespoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Bouillon Powder (Beef or Chicken)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Red Onion, cut into chunks
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the ground peanuts, ginger, cayenne, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, bouillon, and salt to create the Yaji (Suya) spice mix.
- 3
Place the beef cubes in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until evenly coated.
- 4
Generously coat the beef with the Yaji spice mixture, pressing the spices into the meat to ensure they adhere.
- 5
Thread the seasoned beef and red onion chunks onto the skewers, alternating between meat and onion.
- 6
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grate with the remaining oil.
- 7
Grill the kabobs for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness and the spices form a fragrant crust.
- 8
Let the kabobs rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra Yaji spice and sliced raw onions on the side.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
410
21% of a 2,000 kcal day
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrate | 9 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Goes well with this
West African dishes that round out the meal.

Smoky Firewood Jollof Rice
Authentic village-style rice using liquid smoke and bay leaves to mimic traditional firewood cooking.

Brown Rice Waakye
A high-fiber alternative using whole grain brown rice and red kidney beans.

Plantain Puff Puff (Mosa)
Overripe plantains mashed into the batter for a dense, sweet, and fruity variation.
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