Chinchinga (Ghanaian Kebabs / Suya)

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ lbs (1 kg) beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into thin strips
• Wooden or metal skewers
• For the Suya Spice Rub:
• ½ cup (120 ml) roasted groundnut (peanut) powder
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground ginger
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground white pepper
• ½ tsp (2 ml) ground cloves
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 2 seasoning cubes, crushed
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
• For Serving:
• Sliced raw onions
• Sliced tomatoes
• Fresh green peppers
• Yaji (extra suya spice) for dipping

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Combine all suya spice rub ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Slice beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick and 2-3 inches wide.
4. Thread beef strips onto skewers, weaving them accordion-style.
5. Brush each skewer generously with vegetable oil.
6. Coat each skewer heavily with the suya spice rub, pressing it into the meat on all sides.
7. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
8. Prepare a charcoal grill (preferred) or preheat a gas grill to high heat.
9. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning frequently, until charred at the edges but still juicy inside.
10. During grilling, brush with any remaining oil and sprinkle with extra spice rub.
11. Remove from grill and immediately sprinkle with extra yaji spice.
12. Serve hot on a bed of sliced onions, tomatoes, and peppers.

Tips & variations

• The groundnut powder is what makes this distinctly Ghanaian/West African - don't skip it. For the best flavor, make your own by roasting raw peanuts and grinding to a fine powder. Slice the meat thin so it cooks quickly over high heat. Charcoal grilling gives the most authentic smoky flavor. The meat should be slightly charred on the outside but tender inside. Chinchinga tastes best eaten standing at the vendor's stall with cold drinks.