Satay: try these tasty Asian skewers with peanut sauce

Satay is a popular dish in Southeast Asia, especially in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. It consists of skewers of meat (chicken, pork, beef or even seafood) marinated and then grilled or barbecued. What makes Satay distinctive is its marinade and the peanut sauce with which it is traditionally served.

It has its roots in Indonesian cuisine, but has spread widely throughout the Southeast Asian region. Originally, the skewers are marinated in a mixture of local spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, galangal and garlic. They are then grilled or barbecued over charcoal, giving the meat a distinctive smoky and aromatic flavor.

At the table, this meal is typically presented on a large tray or plate with several skewers arranged neatly. Each meat skewer is usually small and served with a thick, flavorful peanut sauce for dipping.

To enjoy Satay, you take a skewer with your fingers and dip it in the peanut sauce before taking a bite. Peanut sauce usually has a slightly spicy and sweet-sour flavor, perfectly complementing the roasted meat and spices in the marinade.

It is often served with accompaniments such as steamed rice, flatbread (roti), salads or even as part of a larger multi-course meal. Depending on the country and region, there may be variations in the marinade, dipping sauce, and ingredients used for the skewers.

It is a dish commonly found at festivals, street markets and special occasions, celebrating local culinary skill and community.

How to prepare Satay at home

Ingredients

• 500 g of meat (you can use chicken, pork, beef or even tofu for a vegetarian option)
• bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• For the marinade:
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Black pepper to taste
• For the peanut sauce:
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon tamarind paste (optional, for a sour touch)

1. Meat preparation:
   • Cut the meat into thin, even strips, about the size of a skewer.
   • In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
   • Add the cut meat to the marinade and toss to make sure it is completely coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to absorb.
2. Preparation of peanut sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar (if using). Mix well until you obtain a smooth and creamy sauce. If you want a more sour flavor, you can add tamarind paste according to your preference. Reserve the sauce in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
3. Assembly and Cooking:
   • Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
   • Thread the marinated meat strips onto the previously soaked bamboo skewers.
   • Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through and has golden grill marks.
4. Serve:
   • Place the Satay skewers on a plate and serve with the peanut sauce. You can sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts on top to decorate.
   • Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Asian dish.