Suya Burgers

Written By Sip Back and Read .
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This Suya Burger is a nod to the suya burgers on the menu at Kiki’s college hangout, Sweetest Ting, and a playful twist on the more traditional suya her dad serves at her family’s restaurant, Sakara. It’s our way of taking the flavors that live in the story and bringing them into real life, one juicy bite at a time.

What is suya

Suya is a beloved West African street food, especially popular in Nigeria. Traditionally, it’s thin slices of meat (often beef or chicken) coated in a bold spice blend and grilled over open flame until smoky, charred, and deeply savory. It’s commonly served with sliced onions and tomatoes and an extra sprinkle of spice for anyone who likes their heat loud.

What is suya spice

Suya spice (often called yaji) is the seasoning that gives suya its signature flavor. It’s typically made with ground roasted peanuts and spices like ginger, paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion, sometimes with warm spices depending on the blend. The peanuts bring a nutty richness, the spices bring heat and depth, and together they create that smoky, craveable flavor that makes suya unmistakable.

Suya Burgers, our way

We keep the build classic with lettuce, white onion, and tomato on a soft brioche bun, then season the patty with suya spice so the flavor hits from the first bite. The finishing touch is our honey suya mayo, sweet, savory, and just spicy enough to make the whole burger feel like something special.

And in the world of Sweet Heat, food is never just food. It’s history, pride, community, and the people who step in when it matters. Meji, the owner of Sweetest Ting, Kiki and Malachai’s old college hang out, becomes part of that story too, helping save Kiki’s family restaurant, Sakara, when they need it most. That spirit of care and coming through for each other is exactly what we wanted this recipe to carry.

Make it while you listen

If you want the full experience, make these burgers while you listen to our Sip Back and Read podcast episode on Sweet Heat. We talk about the book and we talk about this recipe too, so you can eat along with us and keep the vibes going from page to plate.

Suya Burgers

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp suya spice (see recipe below)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter (for the pan or grill)

For assembly

  • 4 brioche buns

  • Lettuce

  • Sliced tomato

  • Sliced onion (raw, or quick pickled if you want extra bite)

  • honey suya mayo (see recipe below)

How to make it

  1. Make patties: In a bowl, gently mix beef, suya spice, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire (if using). Do not overmix. Form 4 patties and make a small thumb dent in the center of each.

  2. Cook: Heat a skillet or grill to medium high. Lightly oil. Cook patties 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium, adjusting for your preferred doneness.

  3. Toast buns: Split brioche buns and toast cut sides until golden.

  4. Assemble: Spread honey suya mayo on both bun halves. Add lettuce, burger patty, onion, and tomato. Close and serve.

Quick notes

  • If your suya spice is very peppery, start with 1 tbsp in the meat and add more next time.

  • For extra flavor, brush the patties lightly with honey suya mayo in the last minute of cooking, then serve with more sauce.

Suya Spice (Yaji)

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (skinless)

  • 2 tbsp ground ginger

  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)

  • 1 to 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (start with 1 tbsp, add more if you like it hot)

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp ground cloves (optional but very traditional)

  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

  • 1 to 1 1/2 tsp fine salt

  • 1 tsp bouillon powder (optional, for that street suya savoriness)

How to make it

  1. Grind the peanuts into a fine powder (food processor or blender). Stop before it turns into peanut butter, pulse in short bursts.

  2. Add the remaining spices and blend or whisk until evenly mixed.

  3. Taste, then adjust heat and salt. Store in an airtight jar.

Honey Suya Mayo Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayo

  • 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp suya spice (start with 1 tbsp)

  • 1 to 2 tsp honey (to taste)

  • 1 tsp lemon juice or a tiny splash of vinegar (optional but helps)

  • Pinch of salt if needed

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