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Easy Marinated Beef Skewers Recipe

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Easy Marinated Beef Skewers are a flavorful and spicy grilled dish inspired by traditional Nigerian suya. Thin strips of beef sirloin or flank steak are marinated in a rich, aromatic peanut and spice blend, then grilled to perfection for a deliciously charred and juicy result. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or outdoor barbecue, served with fresh vegetables and flatbread.

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Beef

  • 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into thin strips
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup ground roasted peanuts (or unsweetened peanut powder)
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp bouillon powder (optional, but authentic)

To Serve

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 tomatoes, sliced or chopped
  • Lemon or lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
  • Pita bread, flatbread, or tortilla

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice mix: In a bowl, combine the ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne, ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and bouillon powder if using. Mix thoroughly to create the suya spice blend.
  2. Marinate the beef: Place the beef strips in a separate bowl and drizzle with the vegetable oil. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture evenly over the beef. Toss the beef and spice mixture together, pressing the seasoning into the meat to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Skewer the beef: Thread the marinated beef strips onto skewers, folding the strips as needed to keep them securely in place.
  4. Grill the skewers: Preheat a grill or set your oven to the broil setting. Cook the beef skewers over medium-high heat or under the broiler for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the edges are nicely charred and the meat is cooked through.
  5. Serve: Plate the hot beef skewers with sliced red onions, chopped or sliced tomatoes, fresh herbs if using, and lemon or lime wedges. Offer pita bread, flatbread, or tortillas on the side as a complementary accompaniment.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the beef.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
  • Using fresh ground roasted peanuts gives the best flavor but peanut powder works as a convenient alternative.
  • If grilling outdoors is not an option, broiling in the oven works well as a substitute.
  • Be sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.