Satay, a popular Southeast Asian dish, is the epitome of simple street food turned gourmet delight. Originating from Indonesia, but widely loved throughout Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, Satay is essentially skewered and grilled meat, often served with a scrumptious peanut sauce. The meats, typically chicken, beef, or lamb, are marinated in a mixture of aromatic spices, lending a depth of flavor that is truly tantalizing. Paired with the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet peanut sauce, Satay is an explosion of flavors that is hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 500g of chicken, beef, or lamb, cut into small pieces
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
• For the marinade:
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
• For the peanut sauce:
  • 1 cup of roasted peanuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of water

Cooking Steps

• Combine all the marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the marinade over the meat and mix well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
• For the peanut sauce, blend the peanuts, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan, add the soy sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
• Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Grill the skewers on a hot grill or under a broiler, turning occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and slightly charred.
• Serve the skewers with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

In conclusion, Satay is a delightful dish that is both simple and flavorful. It’s a great option for a barbecue or a casual dinner, and it’s sure to impress your guests. The key to a tasty Satay lies in the marinade and the peanut sauce. Use fresh ingredients for the marinade to ensure the meat is flavorful. The peanut sauce should be creamy and balanced in flavor – not too sweet, not too spicy. So whether you’re a fan of chicken, beef, or lamb, give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Southeast Asia to your home.