Sate Meatballs

Sate Meatballs Recipe from Indonesia - Ground Beef in Peanut Sauce

Region / culture: Indonesia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sate Meatballs is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines juicy meatballs with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

History

Sate Meatballs is a popular Indonesian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of tender meatballs and a savory peanut sauce is a classic flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
0.5 cup soft breadcrumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 beaten egg

Sauce

1 tbsp oil
0.25 cup finely chopped onions
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp fish sauce (soy sauce may be substituted)
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs.
Shape the mixture into approximately 32 meatballs.
Arrange the meatballs on a baking pan and bake for 15 – 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
While the meatballs are cooking, heat oil in a large skillet and cook the onion until it becomes tender.
Stir in the coconut milk and peanut butter, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and mix well.
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
Gently stir the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly.
Continue cooking for an additional 2 – 3 minutes, or until the dish is heated through.

Variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add chopped peanuts or cilantro as a garnish for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lean ground beef for the meatballs to keep them juicy and flavorful.

- Be sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly before adding them to the sauce to ensure they are cooked through.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sate Meatballs over steamed rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures they cook evenly and retain their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter if you have allergies.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and combine before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a wedge of lime for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Sate Meatballs with a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 25g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy

Summary

Sate Meatballs is a rich and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fats. It is a great source of iron and provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

Summary

Sate Meatballs is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The juicy meatballs and creamy peanut sauce come together to create a flavor explosion that is sure to please everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Mary at her house. As I walked into her kitchen, a delicious aroma wafted through the air, leading me straight to the stove where Mary was cooking up a batch of sate meatballs.

I watched in awe as she mixed together ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a secret blend of spices. The sizzle of the meat hitting the hot pan filled the room, and my stomach growled in anticipation. Mary smiled at me and handed me a fork to taste the first meatball. It was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make these sate meatballs myself.

Mary showed me the recipe, handwritten on a yellowed piece of paper that had been passed down through her family for generations. She explained that sate meatballs were a traditional Indonesian dish, made with a spicy peanut sauce that added a unique kick to the savory meatballs. She taught me how to mix the ingredients just right, how to form the perfect meatballs, and how to cook them to perfection.

I practiced making sate meatballs every chance I got, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I added a little more garlic, sometimes I sprinkled in some extra chili flakes for an extra kick. Each time I made them, the scent of the sizzling meatballs filled my kitchen and brought back memories of that first taste at Mary's house.

Over the years, I shared my sate meatballs with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious they were. They asked me for the recipe, and I happily shared it with them, passing it on just like Mary had passed it on to me. I even entered a cooking competition at the local fair, where my sate meatballs won first prize.

As time went on, I continued to make sate meatballs for special occasions and family gatherings. They became a signature dish of mine, loved by all who tasted them. I loved the way the flavors melded together, the heat of the spices balanced perfectly by the creamy peanut sauce. It was a dish that brought people together, that filled their bellies and warmed their hearts.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of cooking, I can't help but smile as I make a fresh batch of sate meatballs. The memories of learning to make this dish, of sharing it with others, of the joy it has brought over the years, all flood back to me. And as I take a bite of a perfectly cooked meatball, I am reminded once again of why I fell in love with this recipe in the first place.

The sizzle of the meat hitting the hot pan, the scent of the spices mingling together, the taste of the savory meatball topped with creamy peanut sauce – it all comes together to create a dish that is more than just food. It is a connection to the past, a celebration of tradition, a symbol of love and friendship. And as I sit down to enjoy my sate meatballs once again, I am grateful for all the memories and moments that this recipe has brought into my life.