Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce

Italian Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 1-5 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. The marinade adds a depth of flavor to the meat, while the peanut pepper sauce provides a creamy and slightly spicy kick. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and tender meat.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Asian flavors, combining the savory taste of soy sauce with the heat of red pepper flakes and the richness of peanut butter. Grilling the meat adds a smoky char that complements the marinade and sauce perfectly. While the exact origins of this recipe are unknown, it has become a popular dish in many households due to its delicious taste and easy preparation.

Ingredients

1-2 lb (907 g) beef london broil or flank steak
OR
3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken legs & thighs

Marinade

0.33 cup Kikkoman natural brew soy sauce
0.25 cup sherry (cooking sherry is fine) or wine
1 tbsp dried, crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp italian seasoning (marjoram, thyme, rosemary, savory, sage, oregano & basil)
0.13 tsp each onion and garlic powder

Peanut-Pepper Sauce

0.5 cup milk
0.5 cup chicken broth
4 tbsp peanut butter (natural if available)
1 tsp Kikkoman soy sauce
1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

How to prepare

Combine all marinade ingredients.
Marinate the meat, turning occasionally, for 1-5 hours.
Prepare a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
Cook the beef on an open grill or chicken on foil until done. Use the marinade as a basting liquid.
Combine the peanut pepper sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Slice the beef into thin strips.
Serve the meat with the peanut sauce.

Variations

Use shrimp or tofu instead of beef or chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the grill for a complete meal.
Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter in the sauce for a different flavor profile.

Notes

Variation: Cut a 1-2 lb (907 g) flank steak into thin strips. Marinate 1-5 hours. Meanwhile soak in warm water 20-30 bamboo skewers. Thread meat onto skewers (zig-zag) and grill.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the meat for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the beef or chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.

- Baste the meat with the marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

- Be careful not to overcook the meat, as it can become tough and dry.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled beef or chicken with a side of steamed rice and a crisp green salad. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling, Marinating, Sauteing

Ingredient Substitutions

Tamari or coconut aminos can be used in place of soy sauce.

- White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in place of wine.

- Fresh garlic and basil can be used in place of garlic powder and dried basil.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the meat the night before and store it in the refrigerator until ready to grill. The peanut pepper sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced beef or chicken on a platter and drizzle the peanut pepper sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a cold beer. A side of steamed rice or noodles complements the flavors of the dish.

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

Beef: 300 calories

Chicken: 350 calories

Carbohydrates

Beef: 0g

Chicken: 0g

Fats

Beef: 12g

Chicken: 18g

Proteins

Beef: 24g

Chicken: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Beef: Iron, Zinc

Chicken: Niacin, Vitamin B6

Alergens

Peanut butter

Summary

This dish is high in protein and fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal. It is low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for those following a low-carb diet. The peanut butter in the sauce adds a dose of healthy fats and protein, while the meat provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. The marinade adds a depth of flavor to the meat, while the peanut pepper sauce provides a creamy and slightly spicy kick. This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah, who had just returned from a trip to Southeast Asia. She had brought back all sorts of exotic spices and ingredients, and she was eager to share them with me.

As we sat in her kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant aromas of ginger, lemongrass, and chili peppers, Sarah pulled out a tattered old recipe book that she had picked up at a market in Thailand. The pages were yellowed and stained, and the handwriting was faded, but the recipe for Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce caught my eye immediately.

"It's one of my favorite dishes from my travels," Sarah explained. "The marinade is a secret blend of spices and herbs that give the meat such a delicious flavor, and the peanut pepper sauce is the perfect accompaniment. I can't wait to show you how to make it!"

I watched intently as Sarah walked me through the recipe, carefully measuring out each ingredient and explaining the importance of balance and harmony in Thai cooking. She marinated the meat for hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply, and then grilled it to perfection over an open flame. The smell was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation of the first bite.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, the flavors exploded on my tongue. The meat was tender and juicy, infused with the fragrant spices of the marinade, and the peanut pepper sauce added a creamy, nutty richness that complemented the heat of the chilies perfectly. I was in culinary heaven, savoring every bite and marveling at the complexity of the flavors.

From that moment on, Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twists and tweaks to suit my taste, but the essence of the dish remained the same. It was a dish that never failed to impress, whether I was entertaining guests or simply cooking for myself.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious and aromatic dish. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to Sarah and our shared love of exotic flavors and culinary adventures. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and moments of joy around the dining table.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened, and I continued to seek out new recipes and techniques to expand my culinary horizons. But Grilled Beef or Chicken with Marinade and Peanut Pepper Sauce remained a constant in my kitchen, a reminder of where it all began and a testament to the enduring power of a good meal shared with loved ones.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition of cooking with love and passion, of exploring new flavors and textures, and of sharing the joy of a delicious meal with those you hold dear. May this recipe bring you as much happiness and fulfillment as it has brought me over the years, and may it be a source of comfort and connection in your own culinary adventures. Bon appétit!