Suya Beef Salad Recipe
Suya Beef Salad is a vibrant Nigerian-inspired salad featuring tender, smoky beef coated in aromatic suya spice, served over crisp lettuce, crunchy cucumber, sweetcorn, carrots, tomatoes, and red onion. Finished with a zesty dressing, this colourful salad is fresh, spicy, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Chopping Board
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Jar With Lid –
- 1 Large Heavy-Based Frying Pan or Griddle
- 1 Salad Servers:
- 1 Salad Tongs –
Ingredients
For The Suya Beef
- 750 g lean beef steak
- 4 tablespoons suya spice - yaji
- 2 tablespoons ground roasted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves - finely grated
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
For The Salad
- 2 large cos or romaine lettuce hearts - chopped
- 300 g cherry tomatoes - halved
- 1 large cucumber - sliced
- 1 red bell pepper - thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion - thinly sliced
- 30 g fresh coriander - roughly chopped
- 1 large avocado - sliced
For The Dressing
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small red chilli - finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon suya spice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Beef
- Trim away excess sinew or large pieces of fat from the beef.
- Slice the beef very thinly against the grain.
- Place the beef in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the suya spice, ground peanuts, salt, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, and lime juice.
- Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook The Suya Beef
- Heat a large frying pan or griddle over high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil if needed.
- Cook the beef in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned, cooked through, and slightly charred around the edges.
- Sprinkle with extra suya spice if desired.
- Transfer to a clean plate and allow to rest for a few minutes.
Step 3: Prepare The Salad
- Add the chopped lettuce to a large salad bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, red onion, and coriander.
- Add the avocado if using.
- Gently toss the vegetables together without crushing the softer ingredients.
Step 4: Make The Dressing
- Combine the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chopped chilli, salt, and suya spice in a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk for 30–45 seconds until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assemble The Salad
- Arrange the salad mixture on a large serving platter or divide between six bowls.
- Spoon the warm suya beef over the vegetables.
- Drizzle with the dressing just before serving.
- Finish with fresh coriander and a light dusting of suya spice.
- Toss gently before eating.
Notes
- 🥩 Slice the Beef Thinly: Cut the beef against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
- 🌶️ Use Quality Suya Spice: A fragrant yaji blend gives the beef its authentic Nigerian flavour, warmth, and characteristic nuttiness.
- 🔥 Cook Over High Heat: A very hot pan or grill helps create beautifully browned, smoky edges without overcooking the beef.
- 🥗 Keep the Salad Fresh: Prepare the vegetables shortly before serving to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant colours.
- 🍋 Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing before serving and adjust the lime juice, honey, chilli, and salt to suit your preference.
- 🥜 Check For Peanuts: Traditional suya spice often contains ground peanuts, so check the seasoning label carefully if allergies are a concern.
- 🌶️ Adjust the Heat: Reduce the extra chilli for a milder salad or add more fresh chilli if you enjoy a fiery kick.
- 🥑 Add Avocado Last: If using avocado, add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming soft or discoloured.