Cooking with African Condiments: Shito, Suya Spice, and More Explained

African meals are full of soul, color, and flavor. What truly brings them to life are the condiments and spices that carry centuries of tradition and taste. From the smoky heat of suya spice to the rich, savory depth of shito, African condiments have a way of turning simple meals into something unforgettable.

Whether you are grilling, stewing, or making a quick sauce, these condiments are your secret to creating authentic African flavors at home.

Shito – Ghana’s Signature Pepper Sauce

Shito is a famous Ghanaian condiment made from blended pepper, shrimp, fish, onions, garlic, and spices slowly cooked in oil. The result is a dark, smoky, and spicy sauce that pairs with almost any dish.

You can enjoy shito with rice, fried yam, grilled fish, boiled plantain, or even bread. It adds a delicious punch to your food and a touch of Ghanaian warmth to every bite.

Try it at home:

• Add a spoonful to your fried rice or jollof rice for a spicy twist
• Use as a dip for fries, bread, or grilled chicken
  
  

Shop the best:

• Ghana Shito Hot Pepper Sauce 8oz
• Asiko Shito Sauce

Suya Spice – Nigeria’s Iconic Street Grill Flavor

Suya spice is a rich blend of roasted ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, and local herbs. It’s the key ingredient in Nigeria’s most famous street food, suya. The flavor is nutty, spicy, and slightly smoky, perfect for grilling meats or seasoning snacks.

You can use suya spice to season beef, chicken, or fish before grilling. It can also be sprinkled on roasted potatoes or popcorn for a spicy kick.

Try it at home:

• Marinate meat with suya spice and a little oil before grilling
• Sprinkle on your roasted plantains or fries for extra flavor
  
  

Shop the best:

• Yaji Suya Spice 8oz
• Asiko Suya Seasoning 4oz

African Seasoning Blends and Pepper Mixes

Every African home has a unique mix of spices that define its meals. From Cameroon pepper to fish seasoning, these blends add warmth, depth, and personality to every dish.

You can use African seasoning powders in soups, stews, grilled fish, or rice dishes. The combination of pepper, herbs, and natural flavors makes any meal instantly richer.

Try it at home:

• Add a spoon of pepper mix to your tomato stew
• Use fish seasoning when preparing egusi or okra soup
  
  

Shop the best:

• Asiko Fish Seasoning 8oz
• Royco Seasoning Powder 4oz
• Ground Cameroon Pepper 2oz

Hot Sauces and Pepper Pastes

If you love spice, African pepper sauces are made for you. From Nigeria’s ata din-din to Southern Africa’s peri-peri, they bring a balance of heat and flavor that keeps every meal exciting.

Add a spoonful of pepper sauce to soups, marinades, or stir-fries. You can even mix it with mayonnaise for a quick spicy dip.

Shop the best:

• Peri Peri Pepper Sauce
• Ata Din-Din Sauce

How to Make the Most of African Condiments

• Add shito or suya spice after cooking for a strong, fresh flavor
• Mix pepper sauces into noodles or rice for an instant meal
• Use suya spice as a dry rub for grilled meats and fish
• Combine shito with pasta or yam for a quick, flavorful dish

Bring the Taste of Africa to Your Kitchen

Cooking with African condiments is more than seasoning your food. It’s about bringing home the flavors, memories, and warmth of African kitchens. From shito to suya spice and pepper sauces, each one adds something unique to your table.

Shop authentic African condiments today and transform your everyday meals into something special.

Shop African Condiments at Mama Jones:

• Shito Pepper Sauce
• Suya Spice Blend
• African Seasoning Mixes
• Pepper Sauces and Pastes
  
  

Add a touch of Africa to every bite.