Suya Seafood Skewers

Suya is West African street food, meat rubbed in a smoky peanut spice blend and grilled over open coals. It works just as well on seafood, and it is faster.

The rub goes on the prawns. The Shito goes on after, spooned over while everything is still hot so the oil runs into it.

Serves 4 as a starter

Ingredients

• 600g raw prawns, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 2 tablespoons Coast of Gold Suya Spice Rub
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lime, half juiced, half cut into wedges
• Salt
• 2 to 3 teaspoons Coast of Gold Shito Pepper Sauce, Hot, to finish
• Fresh coriander, roughly torn
• Skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes if wooden

Method

1. Pat the prawns thoroughly dry. Wet prawns will steam instead of char.
2. Toss them with the olive oil, the lime juice and a good pinch of salt.
3. Add the Suya Spice Rub and toss until every prawn is coated. Leave for fifteen minutes, no longer, the lime will start to cure them.
4. Thread onto skewers, three or four per skewer, not packed tight.
5. Grill over high heat, barbecue or a very hot griddle pan, two minutes a side. They are done the moment they turn opaque and curl. Overcooked prawns are rubbery, so pull them early.
6. Rest on a platter for one minute.
7. Spoon the Shito over the hot skewers, letting the oil run down. Scatter coriander and serve with the lime wedges.

Notes

Suya Spice Rub contains peanuts. Say so before you serve these to anyone.

This works with scallops, firm white fish cut into cubes, squid, or half a chicken thigh per skewer. Chicken needs six to seven minutes a side.

Frequently asked questions

What is Suya?

Suya is West African street food, skewered meat coated in a dry spice rub built on ground peanuts, ginger, paprika and chilli, then grilled over coals. The Coast of Gold Suya Spice Rub is that blend, smoky, nutty and warm.

Can I use Suya Spice Rub on vegetables?

Yes. It is excellent on cauliflower, mushrooms, tofu and roast vegetables. Toss in olive oil first so it sticks, then roast hot.

Does Suya Spice Rub contain nuts?

Yes. It contains peanuts. Coast of Gold does not make allergen free claims. The Shito Pepper Sauce contains soy.

Which Shito goes best with seafood?

Hot. Prawns are sweet, and the heat and smoke cut through them well. Medium if you are feeding a mixed table.