Suya Sandwich (Spicy Grilled Beef Sandwich)
Suya Sandwich (Spicy Grilled Beef Sandwich) is a spicy, smokey, flavorful grilled beef sandwiched in a heated baguette roll with onions and tomatoes. An excellent breakfast, dinner, and even lunch is just in time for summer grilling and picnics!
In most parts of East and West Africa, suya or spicy grilled beef is street food you’ll find on every street corner, in bars, and restaurants around the continent – it is quintessential street food.
I remember my hubby telling me about a conference he attended full of business people of different African origins, and their conversations centered on suya, with each person sharing their unique experience with this popular street food.
Classic African Soul Food
I always say it’s the food I look forward to most every time I travel back home. All the rest—well—pale in comparison to this spicy grilled beef. And you can make it even better at home.
Here, suya is sandwiched in a baguette, just like I used to eat it. The suya vendor, Malam, always had bread on the side for people like us who wanted to make it a complete meal. He also included onions, liquid Maggie, and pepper. One bite and I would dream up the day I could eat this spicy sandwich for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Let’s just say some dreams are better becoming a reality.
What You Need for This Recipe
- Spicy Mayo Sauce – Mayonnaise and pepper sauce combine for a perfect spicy, creamy sandwich sauce.
- Condiments – Caramelize onions in a little oil for extra flavor. A slice of tomato on the sandwich is always welcome but purely optional.
- Suya – Your choice of steak cuts, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, bouillon, and salt deliver the traditional suya beef.
- Baguette Rolls – The chewy texture of baguettes makes a delicious sandwich, but feel free to use whatever sandwich-style bread you have.
How to Make a Suya Sandwich
Prepping the Ingredients
- The Sauce – Combine mayonnaise and pepper sauce. You can make spicy mayo sauce the day before and refrigerate it.
- Seasoning – Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and bouillon or Maggi in a medium bowl.
- Onions – Add oil to a large skillet or frying pan and heat over medium-low. Add onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes until a deep golden brown. Season with about a tablespoon of the suya spices, and let them cool.
- Suya Steak – Apply a generous amount of the suya spices on the steaks. Grill the steaks on high heat for 8-10 minutes on each side for medium or when an internal temperature reads 135℉ (60℃). (You can cook it in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350℉ (180℃) to the desired doneness if you don’t want to grill it).
- Ready – When the steaks are done to your liking, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
Assembly
- Slice the baguettes in half horizontally. Generously spread the spicy mayonnaise on them before building the sandwiches.
- Divide the steak and onions between each baguette. Add more pepper sauce if desired.
- Serve – Place each filled baguette on a baking tray and bake them for about 5 minutes. Remove, add the tomatoes, and serve warm.
Recipe Variations
- Cooking methods: You can cook the beef in the oven, stovetop, or grill.
- Meat swap: Replace the beef with chicken, pork, or lamb for a delicious suya sandwich.
Suya Sandwich (Spicy Grilled Beef Sandwich)
Ingredients
- ½ cup (110g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60g) pepper sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large onions
- 2 pounds (950g) steak (sirloin, rib eye, etc.)
- ½-1 tablespoon (2-5g) cayenne, depending on heat preference
- 1 tablespoon (5g) smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (5g) onion powder
- 1 tablespoon (5g) white pepper
- 1 tablespoon (10g) bouillon or Maggie
- ¾ teaspoon (5g) salt
- 2 baguette rolls
- 2 large tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
Condiments
- Combine mayonnaise and pepper sauce. You can make spicy mayo sauce the day before and refrigerate it.
- Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and bouillon or Maggi in a medium bowl.
- Add oil to a large skillet or frying pan and heat over medium-low.
- Add onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes until a deep golden brown. Season with about a tablespoon of the suya spices, and let them cool.
Suya
- Apply a generous amount of the suya spices on the steaks.
- Grill the steaks on high heat for 8-10 minutes on each side for medium or when an internal temperature reads 135℉ (60℃). (You can cook it in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350℉ (180℃) to the desired doneness if you don't want to grill it).
- When the steaks are done to your liking, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
Assembly
- Slice the baguettes in half horizontally. Generously spread the spicy mayonnaise on them before building the sandwiches.
- Divide the steak and onions between each baguette. Add more pepper sauce if desired.
- Place each filled baguette on a baking tray and bake them for about 5 minutes. Remove, add the tomatoes, slice, and serve warm.
Tips & Notes:
- You can cook the beef in the oven, stovetop, or grill.
- Replace the beef with chicken, pork, or lamb.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Is there a recipe for the pepper sauce?
Yes. You can check out the pepper sauce recipe here >>> https://www.africanbites.com/african-pepper-sauce/
I just forgot to come back for comments. I have made this more than ten times, my husband takes it to work every week now . Everyone loved it.
Kelsey, always happy to hear from you. Thanks for the feedback!
Nostalgia ; will definitely try this. But I don’t grill often outside. Could you give instructions on how to cook the beef either in the oven or stove top which ever will taste better. Can’t wait to try this.
Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat skillet(oven safe) over medium high heat. Sear meat on both sides for about 1-2 minutes then finish off in the oven until desired doneness has been reached. For medium bake for about 5 more minutes and for well done 7 for minutes. Remove and let it rest for about 10 minutes
Should i grease the skillet first or no? Also what thickness should the steak be ? In the oven should i use a baking pan or directly on the rack. Thanks
Yes, lightly grease with cooking spray- 1 inch thickness.Then transfer skillet and steak in oven.