Published Apr 26, 2020 Updated Nov 03, 2024 There’s really never a bad time to enjoy chicken satay. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue, you’re in for a treat with this classic Southeast Asian dish. Try this Malaysian chicken satay recipe served with authentic peanut sauce! With over 300 votes and an average rating of 4.6, you won’t regret making this because it has been loved by hundreds of home cooks worldwide. When I think of satay, I picture perfectly grilled and nicely charred chicken skewers dipped in a mouthwatering peanut sauce. Even if you’re not a fan of skewers, the combination of amazing flavors in satay is sure to win you over. The most common protein used for satay is chicken, but beef, pork, lamb or mutton, and even tofu are also great options. The marinade and spices may vary slightly depending on the region, but the result is always finger-licking good! Looking for more chicken skewer recipes? Try my Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers and Chicken Yakitori recipes! Called “Satay Ayam or Sate Ayam” in the Malaysian language, any real foodies who have been to the entire Southeast Asia region and try the food stalls will agree they are the best! While Thai chicken sate is tasty, it’s not as flavorful and scrumptious as the Malaysian version. And the difference lies in the marinade ingredients.
lemongrass – imparts that iconic fresh, sweet, lemony aroma to the meat while adding a slightly tangy flavor. shallots – adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. turmeric powder – important for that beautiful golden yellow hue! It also gives an earthy, slightly bitter note to balance out the flavors. coriander powder – boasts an intense citrusy and peppery note that pairs well with lemongrass. garlic – a must-have in any marinade! chili powder – optional but highly recommended! Adjust the amount based on your preferred level of spiciness. salt and sugar – enhance all the other flavors.
Traditionally, home cooks pound all the ingredients above with a mortar and pestle until it becomes a fine paste. Then, they let the meat (either chicken, beef, pork, or mutton) sit with this marinade overnight for maximum flavor. I personally use a food processor to make the marinade, and I always marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the meat becomes! See the recipe card for full information on ingredients. My authentic satay recipe is just as delicious as the ones you get from street vendors in Malaysia. Anyone who loves grilled meat must try this at least once in their lifetime! My version is different from other recipes because it’s light, mildly spicy, authentic, and incredibly flavorful! It’s a nice break from the usual sweet, heavy sauces. This dish goes well with plain jasmine rice, fried rice, or as a side dish to Asian noodles. In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is often eaten with bite-sized rice cakes called ketupat. If you are having an outdoor BBQ party, I recommend the following recipes: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
