Lemongrass Chicken Satay

Lemongrass Chicken Satay Recipe from Southeast Asia

Region / culture: Asia, Southeast Asia, Thailand | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemongrass Chicken Satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish that features tender chicken skewers infused with the aromatic flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and chili. This dish is perfect for grilling and makes a delicious appetizer or main course.

History

Chicken satay is believed to have originated in Indonesia, where it is a popular street food. The dish has since spread throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe. Lemongrass Chicken Satay is a variation that incorporates the fragrant and citrusy flavor of lemongrass into the traditional dish.

Ingredients

500 g chicken thighs
3 spring onions
3 red chilies
3 cloves of garlic
2 large eggs
2 limes, juiced
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp cornflour
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tsp white sugar
10 stalks of lemongrass, about 12 cm long
2 tbsp canola oil
sriracha or sweet chilli sauce, to serve

How to prepare

Mince the chicken thigh using a cleaver and set it aside.
Using a pestle and mortar, grind the spring onions, chillies, and garlic until they become very fine.
Add the minced chicken and continue grinding until the mixture resembles pate.
Transfer the mince to a mixing bowl and add the egg, lime juice, fish sauce, cornflour, pepper, and sugar.
Mix well, kneading until the mixture becomes thick and dough-like in consistency.
Leave the mixture to firm up in the fridge for about an hour.
Take about 2 tbsp of the mixture and shape it around a lemongrass stalk.
Repeat this process with the remaining mixture until it is all used up. Lightly brush the shaped satay with canola oil.
Heat the grill and cook the satay for 5–8 minutes, turning frequently until the chicken mixture is slightly charred.
Serve the satay warm with sweet chilli sauce.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option.
Add chopped peanuts or cashews to the satay mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely mince the chicken and other ingredients to ensure a smooth and cohesive texture for the satay mixture.

- Letting the mixture firm up in the fridge before shaping the satay will make it easier to handle and prevent it from falling apart on the grill.

- Brushing the shaped satay with oil before grilling will help prevent sticking and promote even browning.

- Turning the satay frequently while grilling will help ensure that it cooks evenly and develops a nice charred exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Lemongrass Chicken Satay can be served as an appetizer with sweet chili sauce for dipping, or as a main course with steamed rice and a side of fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the traditional method for cooking satay, but you can also bake or pan-fry the skewers if you don't have access to a grill.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find lemongrass, you can use lemon zest or lemongrass paste as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the satay mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and grilling the skewers.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Lemongrass Chicken Satay on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and extra chili for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lemongrass Chicken Satay with a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad, to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Lemongrass Chicken Satay can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemongrass Chicken Satay contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemongrass Chicken Satay contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemongrass Chicken Satay contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemongrass Chicken Satay contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemongrass Chicken Satay is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Lemongrass Chicken Satay is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It also provides a good amount of healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lemongrass Chicken Satay is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for grilling. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. I was at a bustling market in Thailand, surrounded by the sights and smells of exotic spices and ingredients. As I wandered through the stalls, a waft of lemongrass and garlic caught my attention, leading me to a small food stand where a woman was grilling skewers of chicken satay.

I watched as she expertly marinated the chicken in a fragrant mixture of lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce before threading it onto skewers and grilling it to perfection. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try a bite.

The first taste was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a subtle citrusy flavor from the lemongrass and a hint of heat from the chili peppers. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds, and I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

I struck up a conversation with the woman, who graciously shared her recipe with me. She explained that lemongrass chicken satay was a popular street food in Thailand, often enjoyed with a side of sticky rice and a spicy peanut sauce for dipping. She also told me that each chef had their own unique twist on the recipe, adding ingredients like coconut milk or lime juice to make it their own.

I thanked her profusely and made a mental note of the ingredients and techniques she had shared with me. When I returned home, I wasted no time in recreating the dish in my own kitchen.

I began by pounding the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers into a fragrant paste, adding soy sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar to round out the flavors. I then marinated the chicken in this mixture for several hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.

As the chicken grilled on skewers over an open flame, the aroma that filled my kitchen transported me back to that bustling market in Thailand. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the chicken satay was finally ready, I served it with a side of sticky rice and a spicy peanut sauce that I had made from scratch. The first bite was just as magical as I remembered, and I knew that I had truly captured the essence of lemongrass chicken satay.

Since that day, this recipe has become a staple in my repertoire. I have made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time, it brings me back to that moment in Thailand when I first discovered the beauty of lemongrass chicken satay.

I have also had the pleasure of sharing this recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. I love seeing their faces light up with delight as they taste the complex flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and chili peppers melded together in perfect harmony.

In a way, this recipe has become more than just a dish to me. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and experiences, to evoke memories and emotions, and to bring joy and comfort to those we share it with.

So the next time you find yourself in a bustling market, surrounded by the sights and smells of exotic spices and ingredients, keep an eye out for that elusive aroma of lemongrass and garlic. Who knows, it may just lead you to your next culinary adventure and a recipe that will become a cherished part of your own culinary journey.