Chicken Satay

Indonesian Chicken Satay Recipe with Tamari, Mirin, and Curry Powder

Region / culture: Indonesia | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish that features marinated and grilled chicken skewers served with a flavorful peanut sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties.

History

Chicken Satay originated in Indonesia and has since become a beloved dish throughout Southeast Asia. The marinade typically consists of a combination of soy sauce, spices, and aromatics, while the peanut sauce adds a creamy and nutty element to the dish.

Ingredients

16 skewers, 5 to 7 inches
3 tsp tamari soy sauce
2 tsp rice wine (mirin)
0.5 tsp curry powder
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into sixteen 1 oz (28 g) strips
freshly ground black pepper
ground coriander
pinch of sea salt
0.5 cup almond milk, or soy milk
1 tbsp canned unsweetened coconut milk
1 tbsp unsweetened peanut butter
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1.5 tsp arrowroot
juice of 0.5 lime
0.5 tsp Thai chili paste, optional
1 tbsp trimmed and thinly sliced scallions

How to prepare

If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tsp of tamari, wine, curry powder, and olive oil. Add the chicken and season with pepper, coriander, and a pinch of sea salt to taste. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
In a small pot over low heat, heat the almond milk for a minute. Whisk in the coconut milk, peanut butter, remaining 1 tsp tamari, and maple syrup.
In a separate bowl, mix the arrowroot with 2 tsp of water. Add the peanut sauce once it starts to simmer. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add lime juice and chili paste, if desired. Cover and keep in a warm place until ready to serve. Mix in the scallions just before serving.
Heat a nonstick grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Skewer the chicken pieces. Grill the chicken until cooked through, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. To check for doneness, insert a paring knife into the center of the thickest strip.
Serve with the warm peanut sauce.

Variations

Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add extra spices such as cumin, turmeric, or ginger to the marinade for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different nut butters such as almond or cashew for a unique twist on the peanut sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from burning.

- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Grill the chicken over medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly and remains juicy.

- Serve the Chicken Satay with a side of cucumber salad or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Satay with a side of cucumber salad, steamed rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling, marinating, simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute almond or cashew milk for soy milk for a nut-free alternative.

- Use honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a different sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken and prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. Store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chicken Satay skewers on a platter and drizzle the peanut sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped scallions and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and vibrant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Chicken Satay with a crisp and refreshing beer or a fruity white wine such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a glass of iced tea or coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Satay in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 30mg per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy

Summary

Chicken Satay is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein and healthy fats. However, it is important to be mindful of the calorie content and allergens present in the dish.

Summary

Chicken Satay is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a simple marinade, a creamy peanut sauce, and a few basic ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this Southeast Asian favorite with friends and family for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Chicken Satay.

I had never heard of Chicken Satay before, but the ingredients listed sounded intriguing. Peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken skewers - it seemed like the perfect combination of flavors. I decided to give it a try and see if I could recreate the dish.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. As I mixed the marinade together, the smell of garlic and soy sauce filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I let the chicken skewers marinate for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the meat.

When it was time to cook the chicken, I fired up the grill and carefully placed the skewers on the hot grates. The smell of sizzling meat and the sound of the flames crackling beneath filled me with excitement. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

After a few minutes, I flipped the skewers over, watching as the chicken cooked to perfection. The peanut butter in the marinade created a delicious crust on the outside of the meat, adding a richness and depth of flavor that I had never experienced before.

Finally, the chicken satay was ready. I plated the skewers and garnished them with chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

As I tasted the Chicken Satay for the first time, I was transported to a world of bold, savory flavors that danced on my taste buds. The tender chicken, coated in a sticky, sweet marinade with a hint of heat from the chili flakes, was a revelation. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Satay countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe in my mother's old cookbook and how it changed my culinary world forever.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making Chicken Satay as much as I have. Remember, cooking is an art form that allows us to express ourselves and share our love with others. So fire up the grill, mix up the marinade, and create a dish that will delight your senses and warm your soul. And who knows, maybe one day, you will pass on this recipe to your own grandchildren, creating a culinary legacy that will endure for generations to come.