How to Make the Perfect Chicken Satay
Indonesian · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
Chicken satay is a beloved Indonesian street food featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled over charcoal and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce. The aromatic marinade of turmeric and lemongrass gives the chicken an irresistible golden color and deep flavor.
Why this recipe works
This Chicken Satay recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 600 grams boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons kecap manis sweet soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine kecap manis, ground turmeric, and minced lemongrass in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss until every piece is well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, lime juice, and 4 tablespoons of water. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed and season with a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers. Grill over high heat or a charcoal grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, basting with any remaining marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred at the edges.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Arrange the chicken satay skewers on a serving platter alongside the warm peanut dipping sauce. Garnish with sliced cucumber, red onion wedges, and a wedge of lime. Serve immediately while the skewers are hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken thighs → firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version
- fresh lemongrass → half a teaspoon of lemongrass paste or dried lemongrass flakes
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the marinating time which results in bland chicken lacking the signature deep flavor
- Not soaking bamboo skewers in water before grilling causing them to burn before the chicken is fully cooked
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 34g protein, 18g carbs, 24g fat, 3g fiber.
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