Yaji is the name of the spicy seasoning blend commonly served with Nigerian suya.
Suya consists of thin slices of meat threaded onto skewers, coated with a dry spice mixture, and grilled over an open flame. Yaji usually includes ground peanuts or peanut powder, chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and other spices, though recipes differ among cooks and regions.
The dish is strongly associated with Hausa communities and is sold by roadside vendors and specialist suya sellers across Nigeria. Beef is common, while chicken, goat, and other meats may also be used. The spice coating creates a reddish, aromatic crust during grilling.
Yaji is sometimes treated as if it were a single standardized commercial seasoning, but there is no universal recipe. Peanut allergies are therefore important to consider. Suya also should not be confused with West African grilled meat dishes that lack its characteristic yaji seasoning.