Satay Recipe

Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce. The most popular varieties are chicken and beef satay, but you can use other meats such as lamb, pork (in non-Muslim regions), or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Here's a recipe for chicken satay with peanut sauce:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Satay:

1. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts - 500g, cut into strips or cubes
2. Lemongrass - 1 stalk, finely minced (use the tender white part)
3. Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
4. Ginger - a 2-inch piece, minced
5. Soy sauce - 2 tbsp
6. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
7. Coriander powder - 1 tsp
8. Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
9. Brown sugar - 1 tbsp
10. Coconut milk - 1/4 cup
11. Salt - to taste
12. Bamboo skewers - soaked in water for at least 20 minutes

For the Peanut Sauce:

1. Peanuts - 1 cup, roasted and unsalted (or use 1/2 cup peanut butter as a shortcut)
2. Coconut milk - 1/2 cup
3. Soy sauce - 2 tbsp
4. Brown sugar - 2 tbsp
5. Tamarind paste - 1 tbsp (or lime juice as a substitute)
6. Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
7. Ginger - a 1-inch piece, minced
8. Water - as needed to adjust consistency
9. Red chili flakes - to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, turmeric, coriander, cumin, brown sugar, coconut milk, and salt. Mix well.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

   • Grind the peanuts into a fine texture using a food processor (skip this step if using peanut butter).
   • In a saucepan, combine ground peanuts or peanut butter with coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes if using. Cook over medium heat.
   • Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Add water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Grill the Chicken:

   • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
   • Grill the chicken skewers on a preheated grill or grill pan, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken satay hot with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce! This dish is great for gatherings as it can be eaten as an appetizer or main course. The rich flavors of the marinade and the creamy, spicy peanut sauce make it a favorite at many Southeast Asian restaurants.