Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is like a summer vacation in your mouth. Imagine tender chicken skewers, marinated in a symphony of spices, grilled to perfection, then dipped in creamy, rich peanut sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the air, making your stomach growl louder than a hungry lion.
This dish isn’t just for fancy dinner parties; it’s perfect for backyard barbecues, casual get-togethers, or even an indulgent weeknight treat. I remember the first time I tasted satay at a bustling street market in Indonesia, surrounded by laughter and sizzling sounds. The burst of flavors transported me to culinary paradise, and now I’m here to share that delicious experience with you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The delightful marinade infuses each skewer with bold flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
- Whipping up this dish is simple enough for even beginner cooks to impress their friends.
- The vibrant colors of the grilled chicken and peanut sauce make it a feast for the eyes too!
- Perfect for serving at parties or as a quick weeknight meal that satisfies everyone.
Ingredients for Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Choose thighs over breasts for juicier results; they’re perfect for skewering and grilling.
Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness to the marinade; look for canned coconut milk without additives.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the marinade; avoid bottled versions if possible.
Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the best flavor in your sauce.
For the Sauce:
Brown Sugar: This balances out the savory flavors in your peanut sauce; light or dark brown sugar works well.
Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth to both the marinade and sauce; fresh cloves are always best.
Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro as a garnish to add color and brightness to your dish before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing boneless skinless chicken thighs into strips about one inch thick. In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed, then toss in your chicken pieces. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least one hour—or if you’re dreaming of flavor explosion—overnight is even better!
Step 2: Prepare Your Skewers
While your chicken gets its beauty sleep in that delicious marinade, soak wooden skewers in water for about thirty minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill—because nobody wants charcoal-flavored satay!
Step 3: Skewer Up
Once marinated, thread those succulent chicken strips onto soaked skewers like you’re assembling tiny chicken towers of glory. Make sure not to overcrowd them; give them some breathing room so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill Time
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Lightly oil the grill grates so your chicken doesn’t stick like an awkward date at prom. Grill those skewers for about six minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make That Peanut Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, and a splash of water to reach desired consistency. Stir until smooth and heated through—this will be the magic elixir that takes your satay from great to unforgettable!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer those beautiful skewers onto a plate—don’t forget to drizzle generously with that luscious peanut sauce! Garnish with chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Now you’ve got yourself an incredible platter of Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce that’s sure to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every bite as you bask in compliments like they’re sun rays on a beach day!
You Must Know
- This Indonesian chicken satay with peanut sauce brings a world of flavors to your dinner table.
- It’s easy to prepare and offers endless possibilities for customization.
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Perfect for grilling, but also delicious when baked or pan-seared.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. While the chicken soaks up those delightful spices, whip up your peanut sauce. Grill or bake the chicken until it’s perfectly cooked, and serve with the sauce drizzled on top.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a twist on this classic dish. Add fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil, for extra flavor. You can also adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce by adding more chili flakes if you dare.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through, ensuring you don’t overcook it again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate your chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion; this step is key to achieving that authentic taste.
- Always skew your satay tightly to ensure even cooking and avoid dry spots.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to your grill during cooking.
Sometimes I’ll make this dish for gatherings, and watching everyone devour the satay is one of my favorite parts—especially when they ask for my secret recipe!
FAQs :
What is Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce?
Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a popular dish that consists of skewered and grilled marinated chicken served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. The marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and spices, giving the chicken a burst of flavor. This dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or main course and is loved for its delicious combination of savory and nutty flavors.
How do you make the peanut sauce for Indonesian Chicken Satay?
To make the peanut sauce for Indonesian Chicken Satay, start by blending roasted peanuts with coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more coconut milk if needed. Simmer the mixture on low heat until it thickens slightly, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This sauce complements the grilled chicken perfectly and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken for satay?
Yes, you can use other meats such as beef, lamb, or even tofu for vegetarian options when making satay. Each type of meat will offer a different flavor profile. Just ensure that you adjust the marinating time according to the meat’s texture and thickness. For instance, beef may require longer marination to infuse flavors fully compared to chicken.
What side dishes pair well with Indonesian Chicken Satay?
Indonesian Chicken Satay pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Popular options include coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up the peanut sauce. You can also serve it alongside fresh cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, serving it with flatbreads adds a delightful touch that balances out the rich flavors of the satay.
Conclusion for Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce :
Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a delightful dish that captivates taste buds with its savory and nutty flavors. By marinating the chicken in aromatic spices and grilling it to perfection, you create an unforgettable experience. The creamy peanut sauce elevates this dish further, making it perfect for gatherings or family meals. Serve it alongside rice or fresh salads for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Indonesian Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Indonesian street food. Juicy, marinated chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, rich peanut sauce that complements the savory flavors beautifully. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners, making it an easy yet impressive meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Slice chicken thighs into strips about one inch thick. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for more flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers without overcrowding.
- Preheat grill to medium heat (350°F). Lightly oil grates and grill skewers for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- For the peanut sauce, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Serve skewers drizzled with peanut sauce and garnished with cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. - Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation. - Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes to the peanut sauce.
