Suqaar (Somali Sautéed Diced Beef)
In short: Small cubes of beef fried hard with onion, green pepper, garlic and warm spices, then finished with fresh tomato, cilantro and lime. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 415 kcal
Suqaar is Somalia's quick meat dish: small cubes of beef, or goat or camel, fried hard with onion, green pepper, garlic and warm spices, then finished with fresh tomato and cilantro. It is served over rice, beside spaghetti or rolled in flatbread. The meat is cut small so it browns fast and stays juicy, and a squeeze of lime at the end sharpens the flavors.
Instructions
- Toss the beef with the cumin, coriander, black pepper, turmeric and salt in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat. Sear the beef in two batches for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then, until browned all over. Set it aside.
- Add the remaining oil and cook the onions for 5 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Add the green pepper and chili and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they soften and the juices thicken.
- Return the beef and its juices to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until no pink remains and the sauce clings to the meat.
- Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Serve hot with rice, spaghetti or flatbread.
Tips
- Do not crowd the pan. Searing the beef in batches gives browned edges and keeps the meat from stewing in its own juices.
- Goat, lamb or chicken thighs can replace the beef. Cut them the same size and cook chicken to 74°C (165°F).
Questions and answers
What do you serve with suqaar?
Rice and spaghetti are the most common partners, along with canjeero or flatbread. A banana and a spoonful of green hot sauce often sit on the side.
Can I make suqaar with potatoes?
Yes. Many families add diced potato, which should be boiled for 5 minutes first, then fried with the onions until golden.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Use a tender cut such as sirloin, cut it into small pieces and cook it quickly over high heat. Tougher cuts need a longer, slower simmer.
How long does it take to make Suqaar (Somali Sautéed Diced Beef)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Suqaar (Somali Sautéed Diced Beef)?
About 415 kcal per serving, with 40 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 415 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
