How to Make Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice: A Delicious and Flavorful Fusion Recipe to Warm Your Soul🐄🥩

9jakitchenblog
September 19, 2025

Introduction✨

Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice is a mouthwatering East-meets-West-African dish that combines the sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours of Korean bulgogi beef with the spicy, nutty, and aromatic goodness of Nigerian suya rice. This fusion recipe is perfect for adventurous food lovers who want to enjoy a bold and unique meal that celebrates the best of both cuisines. Whether you’re a fan of Korean food, Nigerian street food, or just love experimenting in the kitchen, Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice will definitely become a family favourite.

Perfect for foodies, home cooks, and adventurous chefs, this recipe blends the sweet-savoury notes of Bulgogi beef with the fiery, nutty kick of Suya spice. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Why Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice Works So Well 🌍🔥

The beauty of Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice lies in the harmony of two vibrant food cultures. Bulgogi beef is marinated with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sugar, giving it a tender and caramelized taste. On the other hand, suya rice is infused with the nutty, peppery, and spicy seasoning known as yaji (suya spice), a Nigerian favourite made from groundnuts, chilli, ginger, and other spices. Together, they create a rich, sweet-spicy-smoky dish that excites the taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need🍛

For the Bulgogi Beef

500g beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (grated)
1/2 pear or apple (grated, optional for sweetness)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 stalks spring onions (chopped)

For the Suya Rice

2 cups long-grain rice (jollof-style parboiled works well)
4 tbsp suya spice (yaji powder)
1/2 cup groundnut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (optional, minced)
1 fresh tomato (blended or chopped)
1 red bell pepper (blended or chopped)
2 seasoning cubes

Salt (to taste)

Equipment Needed 🥘

Sharp knife
Mixing bowls
Grill pan or skillet
Cooking pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step: How to Make Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice🍚

Step 1: Marinate the Bulgogi Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and grated pear/apple.
Add the thinly sliced beef, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

Step 2: Cook the Suya Rice

Heat oil in a pot, add onions, garlic, tomato, and pepper blend. Fry for 8–10 minutes.
Add suya spice (yaji), seasoning cubes, and salt. Stir well.
Add washed rice and stir to coat with the suya base.
Pour in water (enough to cook rice), cover, and cook on medium heat until fluffy.

Step 3: Grill or Pan-Fry the Bulgogi Beef

Heat a grill pan or skillet on high heat.
Cook the marinated beef slices for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and juicy.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Plate the suya rice and top with sizzling bulgogi beef.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
Serve hot with a chilled drink.

Your Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice is ready to enjoy!

Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice

Tips for the Perfect Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice 💡

Slice beef thinly: Freeze slightly before cutting for cleaner, thinner slices.
Don’t overcook: Bulgogi beef is best when juicy and slightly caramelized.
Use authentic suya spice: Homemade or store-bought yaji makes a huge difference.
Balance flavours: Adjust the sweetness in bulgogi and spice in suya to your taste.
Meal prep: Marinate beef overnight for a deeper flavour.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)📊

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)	Source
Calories	~510 kcal	MyFitnessPal
Protein	27g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	20g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	720mg

Source: Nutritionix↗

FAQs on Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice🙋🏽‍♀️

Q1: Can I make Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice ahead of time?
👉Yes! You can marinate the beef overnight and cook the rice a few hours before serving. Reheat gently to preserve flavours.

Q2: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
👉Absolutely! Chicken bulgogi works just as well and pairs nicely with suya rice.

Q3: Where can I buy suya spice?
👉You can find suya spice in African grocery stores, Nigerian markets, or make it at home with groundnuts, chilli, ginger, and paprika.

Q4: Is Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice spicy?
👉The spice level depends on the yaji mix. You can reduce chilli powder if you prefer a milder taste.

Final Thought🤔

Bulgogi Beef with Suya Rice is more than just a dish—it’s a story of cultures meeting on a plate. This Korean-Nigerian fusion recipe is bold, delicious, and perfect for family dinners, parties, or food lovers looking for something extraordinary. Try it today and let your taste buds travel the world in one bite.