Suya spice is a quintessential ingredient in Nigerian cuisine, particularly for the preparation of suya, a beloved street food. This spice blend is carefully crafted to impart a distinctive and tantalizing flavor profile to grilled meats, such as beef, chicken, or even fish. While there are variations in suya spice recipes, here’s a detailed description of its typical ingredients and their roles:

1. Ground Peanuts or Peanut Powder: Ground peanuts are a fundamental component of suya spice, imparting a rich nuttiness and contributing to the thick coating that adheres to the meat during grilling. Some recipes may utilize peanut powder for convenience.
2. Cayenne Pepper: This fiery spice adds heat to the suya spice blend, lending a distinct kick that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
3. Paprika: Paprika contributes a vibrant red hue to the spice mix while infusing a subtle sweetness and smokiness. It helps balance the heat from the cayenne pepper.
4. Ginger: Ground ginger adds a warm, zesty flavor to suya spice, enhancing its aromatic profile and providing a hint of pungency.
5. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder lends its savory and pungent essence to the blend, amplifying the overall umami taste and adding depth to the seasoning.
6. Onion Powder: Onion powder delivers a sweet and savory flavor reminiscent of fresh onions, enhancing the complexity of the suya spice mix.
7. Salt: Salt is a crucial element for seasoning the meat and harmonizing the flavors of the other spices in the blend. It helps balance the sweetness, heat, and savory notes.
8. Other Seasonings (Optional): Some variations of suya spice may incorporate additional ingredients such as bouillon powder or cubes for an extra umami boost, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, African Negro pepper known as uda in igbo  for herbal undertones, or even ground crayfish for a distinctive seafood-like flavor.

The proportions of these ingredients may vary according to personal preference and regional culinary traditions. Some may prefer a spicier blend with more cayenne pepper, while others may opt for a milder version with a greater emphasis on nuttiness and sweetness from the peanuts and paprika.

When combined, these spices create a robust and flavorful seasoning that transforms ordinary grilled meats into irresistibly aromatic and savory delights, characteristic of the beloved West African delicacy known as suya.