Chicken satay is a beloved Southeast Asian dish, with its roots firmly planted in Indonesian and Malaysian culinary traditions. This dish consists of succulent, marinated chicken skewers that are grilled to perfection and served with a rich, nutty peanut sauce. Not only does chicken satay bring people together through its mouthwatering aroma and taste, but it also offers a simple yet flavorful experience that can easily be recreated in your own kitchen. In this post, we'll walk through how to make chicken satay at home, from selecting the best ingredients to the final savory bite.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Marinade:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small piece of ginger, grated (about 1 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemongrass paste (or finely chopped lemongrass)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Peanut Sauce:
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2-3 red chillies, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup water (to adjust thickness)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oil for cooking
- Skewers: Wooden or bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Steps to Prepare Chicken Satay
Marinate the Chicken
1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
2. Marinate: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor penetration.
3. Skewer the Chicken: After marinating, thread the chicken onto the skewers. Keep any remaining marinade aside for basting.
Make the Peanut Sauce
1. Blend: In a food processor or blender, combine the peanuts, peanut butter, chillies, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, kecap manis, tamarind paste, lime juice, and palm sugar. Blend until mostly smooth but still with some texture from the peanuts.
2. Cook: Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the peanut mixture, stirring constantly. Gradually add water to achieve your desired consistency. Simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more water.
🔥 Note: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with more water or chicken broth.
Grill the Chicken Satay
1. Preheat: Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill: Grill the chicken skewers for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until they are fully cooked and have a nice char. Baste with the remaining marinade for extra flavor.
🔥 Note: You can also use an oven broiler if you don’t have a grill.
Serve
Serve the chicken satay with the peanut sauce on the side. You can garnish with cucumber slices, red onion slices, and additional lime wedges for a traditional touch.
Variations
Chicken satay is versatile, allowing for different variations to suit various palates:
- Spiciness: Adjust the number of chillies in the peanut sauce for a milder or spicier sauce.
- Protein Alternatives: Try using beef, pork, or even tofu for different textures and flavors.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute chicken with tempeh or vegetables for a plant-based version.
- Regional Variations: Malaysian satay might include coconut milk in the marinade, while Thai satay could include galangal and turmeric for a unique twist.
This simple yet flavorful chicken satay recipe is an excellent way to introduce Southeast Asian flavors into your cooking repertoire. The combination of the marinated, grilled chicken with the creamy, spicy peanut sauce creates an irresistible dish that is perfect for gatherings or a delightful dinner at home. Whether you're grilling it on a barbecue or using a stovetop grill pan, the smoky aroma and taste are sure to transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia. Moreover, by exploring different variations, you can tailor the dish to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making chicken satay a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. By incorporating these tips and techniques, you're not just cooking a meal but engaging in a culinary journey that brings the essence of Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine right to your table.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
+
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. For best results, marinate overnight.
Can I use peanut butter instead of peanuts for the sauce?
+
Yes, you can substitute roasted peanuts with peanut butter, though using peanuts gives a more authentic texture.
What can I serve with chicken satay?
+
Traditionally, chicken satay is served with cucumber slices, red onion, rice cakes (ketupat), and sometimes with a spicy sambal sauce.
