Cuisines : Satay - How to prepare this popular South Asian dish

 

Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It consists of skewered and grilled meat, often served with a flavorful peanut sauce. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare traditional chicken satay:

 Ingredients:

 For the Satay:

- **Meat:** 500 grams of boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (beef, pork, or tofu can also be used)

- **Marinade:**

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 shallot, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  - 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

  - 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  - 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  - 1/2 teaspoon salt

  - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  - Juice of 1 lime

#### For the Peanut Sauce:

- 1 cup roasted peanuts (or 1 cup peanut butter)

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1-2 red chilies (seeded if you prefer less heat)

- 1 shallot

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or juice of 1 lime)

- 1 cup coconut milk

- 1/2 cup water

- Salt to taste

 Instructions:

 Preparing the Satay:

1. **Marinate the Meat:**

   - In a large bowl, mix together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.

   - Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.

   - Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.

2. **Skewer the Meat:**

   - If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

   - Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them tightly but leaving a little space between pieces to ensure even cooking.

3. **Grill the Satay:**

   - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also use a broiler if a grill is not available.

   - Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

   - Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.

#### Preparing the Peanut Sauce:

1. **Blend Ingredients:**

   - In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted peanuts (or peanut butter), garlic, chilies, and shallot. Blend until smooth.

2. **Cook the Sauce:**

   - In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat.

   - Add the blended peanut mixture to the coconut milk, stirring well to combine.

   - Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and tamarind paste (or lime juice).

   - Gradually add the water, stirring continuously, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

   - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more sugar or tamarind as needed.

#### Serving:

1. **Presentation:**

   - Arrange the satay skewers on a serving platter.

   - Serve with a bowl of warm peanut sauce on the side.

   - Garnish with fresh cucumber slices and red onion rings, and serve with rice cakes (ketupat) or steamed rice.

### Tips:

- For an even more authentic flavor, consider adding lemongrass or galangal to the marinade.

- Peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.

- If you prefer a smoother peanut sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve after blending.

This method ensures a delicious, authentic satay experience, bringing the rich, savory flavors of Southeast Asia to your table.