Suya Sandwich (Spicy Grilled Beef Sandwich) – spicy, smokey, flavorful grilled beef sandwiched in warm baguette rolls with onions and tomatoes. Makes a wonderful breakfast, dinner and even lunch. Just in time for summer grilling and picnics!
In most parts of East and West Africa Suya or spicy grilled beef is a street food you’ll find at every street corner, in bars, and restaurants around the continent – it is the quintessential street food.
I remember hubby telling me about a conference he attended full of businessmen of different African origin and their conversation was centered on suya- each and everyone sharing their unique experience with this popular street food.
I always say, it is the one food that I look forward to, every time I make a trip back home. All the rest.. Well- pale in comparison to this spicy grilled beef. They can be prepared here, in the United States, and may I say, even better.
Here, suya is sandwiched between a baguette- just the way I use to eat it. The suya vendor, “Malam” always had some bread on the side for people like us who wanted to make it a meal. Then he 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. Lets just say some dreams are better not met.
You can cook the beef in the oven , stove- top or on an outside grill.
Enjoy!
Suya Sandwich (Spicy Grilled Beef Sandwich)
Ingredients
Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup pepper sauce recipe here
- 2 baguette rolls
- 2 large onion
- 2 -3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds beef steak Sirloin, Rib eye,
- 1/2 -1 tablespoon cayenne depending on heat preference
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1- tablespoon garlic powder
- 1- tablespoon onion powder
- 1- tablespoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon Bouillon
- ¾ – teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup pepper sauce recipe here
- 2 large tomatoes optional
Instructions
Spicy Mayonnaise Sauce
- Combine pepper sauce and mayonnaise (this may be done the day before and refrigerated.
Caramelized Onions
- Add oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat
- Then add onions, and let them cook, stirring rarely, until they are deep
- Golden brown about 7 -10 minutes. Season with about 1 tablespoon of suya mix – let cool.
Suya
- In a medium bowl, mix: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and bouillon/maggi.
- Apply a generous amount on steaks.
Grilled Steak
- Grill the steaks on high heat for about 8- 10 minutes on each side for medium or when an internal temperature reads 135 degrees F
- Finish cooking in the oven for medium well for an additional 3 minutes or 150 degrees F.
- When the steaks are done to your liking, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
Assembly
- Slice the baguette in half horizontally. Generously spread the spicy mayonnaise on the baguettes before building the sandwiches.
- Divide the steak and onions in 4 and pile on each sandwich. Add more pepper sauce, if desired
- Place each filled baguette on a baking tray and toss in the oven. Bake for about 5 minutes. Remove and serve while warm.
Kathi says
Is there a recipe for the pepper sauce?
imma africanbites says
Yes. You can check out the pepper sauce recipe here >>> https://www.africanbites.com/african-pepper-sauce/
kelsey says
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.
ImmaculateBites says
Kelsey, always happy to hear from you. Thanks for the feedback!
kelsey says
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.
ImmaculateBites says
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
kelsey says
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
ImmaculateBites says
Yes, lightly grease with cooking spray- 1 inch thickness.Then transfer skillet and steak in oven.