Yaji Spice (pronounced “yaa-gee”)—also known as suya yaji or suya seasoning—is a flavor-packed blend that’s nutty, spicy, and smoky, with delightful undertones of onion and garlic.
This unique spice blend is traditionally used as a dry rub for beef, especially for grilling. Suya (pronounced "sue-ya"), a beloved beef kabob, is one of Nigeria's most popular street foods. The seasoning that gives suya its distinctive taste can be called yaji or suya.
Hand-blended with ground peanuts, sea salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic, ginger, and onion, Yaji Spice brings a bold and authentic taste to your kitchen.
In Nigeria, suya stands are as common as Starbucks shops in the United States. Suya is a cheap, accessible, and unifying food that has been part of Nigerian culture for decades. While different regions claim to have the original recipe, it's believed that suya originated in the northern part of the country.
How to Use Yaji Spice:
- On Suya and Kebabs: Perfect for beef suya or any kind of kebabs.
- In Sauces, Soups, and Stews: Adds a nutty, smoky flavor to enhance your dishes.
- Yaji Butter: Mix with softened butter for a delicious spread on toast, muffins, baked potatoes, or butternut squash.
- Grilled Shrimp or Vegetables: Great with sturdy veggies like cauliflower, corn, or zucchini.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Dust lightly and roast until crisp and brown.
- Fried Foods: Add to batter for a unique twist—try it on fried pickles!
- Grilled Plantains: Toss over plantains fresh out of the grill pan.
- Savory Waffles: Mix into waffle batter for dishes like chicken and waffles.
- Pureed Soups: Use as a garnish for soups like butternut squash.
- Grilled Fruits: Especially delicious with grilled pineapple or peaches.
- Popcorn: Makes out-of-this-world popcorn.
Most food historians attribute the origination of suya to the pastoral nomads of the Hausa tribes in northern Nigeria, Cameroon, southern Niger, Ghana, and Sudan. These nomads spiced and grilled meat on bamboo skewers or their daggers over campfires, creating the first versions of suya. In Hausa, "suya" means "to fry."
Yaji Spice, with its complex flavors and pleasant aroma, is an essential part of this tradition. Whether you call it suya, soya, chinchinga, or sitsinga, this seasoning mix is a staple in many West African cuisines.
In Nigeria, suya is often sold by Mallams—skilled Hausa men who are experts in the art of meat preparation. While some restaurants offer suya, nothing beats the taste from a street-side Mai Suya. The meat is often marinated for several hours, and there’s no standard recipe, making each suya experience unique.
In many Nigerian households, you’ll find two versions of this blend: a spicier one for the parents and a milder version for children and guests. For those who crave extra heat, extra Yaji on the side is a must, perfect for adding a kick to rice noodles or anything that needs a bit of extra spice.
Bring a taste of Nigeria into your home with Yaji Spice, and elevate your cooking with this rich, flavorful blend.
INGREDIENTS: Peanuts, sea salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic, ginger, and onion