Indonesian Satay Recipe

Indonesian satay is a beloved dish that brings together rich flavors, tender meat, and a variety of delicious spices. This popular street food is made by marinating meat, skewering it, and then grilling it to perfection. Paired with a savory peanut sauce, Indonesian satay is a treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re preparing chicken, beef, or lamb, this satay recipe will help you create an authentic and mouthwatering dish at home.

Ingredients for Indonesian Satay

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients for both the satay marinade and the peanut sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Satay Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs or beef/lamb (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for saltiness)
• 1 tablespoon kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons kecap manis
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup warm water (adjust for consistency)

How to Make Indonesian Satay

Step 1: Marinate the Meat

The first step is to marinate your choice of meat to infuse it with flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl (garlic, soy sauce, kecap manis, oil, ground spices, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper).
2. Add the meat cubes into the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate the marinated meat for at least 2 hours, but for best results, marinate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.

Pro Tip: For a tender texture, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. The thighs have more fat, which keeps the meat juicy during grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

While the meat is marinating, you can prepare the creamy, flavorful peanut sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, kecap manis, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
3. Gradually add coconut milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the sauce is smooth and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add warm water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, lime juice, or sugar if needed.

Pro Tip: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also makes an excellent dipping sauce for other dishes.

Step 3: Skewer the Meat

After marinating, it’s time to skewer the meat:

1. Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Don’t crowd the pieces—leave some space between them for even grilling.

Pro Tip: If using wooden skewers, make sure they are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Step 4: Grill the Satay

Now that your meat is skewered and the peanut sauce is ready, it’s time to grill:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the skewers with a little oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the satay for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a charcoal grill, the smoky flavor will add extra depth to the satay, making it even more authentic.

Step 5: Serve the Satay

Once your satay is grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve:

1. Serve the satay skewers on a platter with a generous drizzle of peanut sauce on top or served on the side for dipping.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and crunch.
3. Pair the satay with a side of steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Variations of Indonesian Satay

Indonesian satay can be made with different types of meat:

• Chicken satay is the most common variation, known as satay ayam.
• Beef satay, called satay sapi, offers a more robust flavor.
• Lamb satay, called satay kambing, is perfect for those who prefer a richer taste.

You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili flakes to the peanut sauce, or even adding fresh chopped chilies into the marinade.

Final Thoughts

Indonesian satay is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the best of Indonesian street food to your home. With the right marinade and a rich peanut sauce, your satay will be bursting with authentic flavors. Serve it at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner with loved ones.

Enjoy your delicious Indonesian satay with friends and family—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!