Satay (Indonesia)

 

Satay is a popular Indonesian dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat, usually served with a flavorful peanut sauce. It is a beloved street food and can be found in various regions of Indonesia, each with their own unique twists and variations. Satay is commonly made with chicken, beef, pork, or even seafood, and it is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes.

Here's a basic recipe for chicken satay, along with a traditional peanut sauce:

Ingredients:

- 500 grams boneless chicken (breast or thigh), cut into small, thin strips

- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the peanut sauce:

- 1 cup roasted peanuts, unsalted

- 3 cloves garlic

- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your preferred spiciness)

- 1 cup coconut milk

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetable oil, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make a marinade.

2.  Add the chicken strips to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor.

3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine roasted peanuts, garlic cloves, tamarind paste, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, ground coriander, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.  Blend until you get a smooth paste.

4. Transfer the peanut paste to a saucepan and add coconut milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.

6. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked skewers.

7. Grill the chicken skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred. Baste them with the remaining marinade while grilling for extra flavor.

8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

9. Serve the chicken satay with the peanut sauce on the side. You can garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or sliced cucumbers if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce! Remember, you can experiment with different meats, vegetables, or even tofu to create your own variations of this classic dish.