Indonesian Sate - A Guide to Making Authentic Chicken Satay at Home

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of chicken thigh fillets
  • 20 skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced thinly
  • 1 small red onion, sliced thinly
  • 200 grams of rice cakes
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
    • For the marinade:
  • 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
    • For the peanut sauce:
  • 200 grams of roasted peanuts
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 2 small red chilies, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon of palm sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 200 ml of water

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by making the marinade. Combine the garlic, onion, kecap manis, lime juice, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. Add the chicken to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce. In a food processor, blend the peanuts, garlic, chilies, palm sugar, kecap manis, lime juice, salt, and water until smooth. Set aside.
  4. After marinating, thread the chicken onto the soaked skewers.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Add the skewers and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
  6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cucumber and onion. Combine in a bowl with the lime juice and kecap manis. Mix well.
  7. Once the chicken is done, serve the sate with the cucumber and onion mixture, rice cakes, and peanut sauce. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Grill pan - A pan with ridges for grilling the chicken skewers.
  • Skewers - Used to thread the marinated chicken for grilling.
  • Food processor - Used to blend the ingredients for the peanut sauce.
  • Bowl - Used for marinating the chicken and mixing the cucumber and onion mixture.
  • Knife - Used for slicing the cucumber and onion.
  • Soaking container - Used to soak the skewers in water before grilling.

Recipe variations

  • Use beef or pork instead of chicken for a different protein option.
  • Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Add lemongrass to the marinade for a fragrant twist.
  • Experiment with different types of dipping sauces such as a tamarind sauce or a spicy peanut sauce.
  • Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds as a garnish for extra crunch.
  • Grill or barbecue the sate instead of using a grill pan for a smoky flavor.
  • Try using different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms on the skewers.
  • Include pineapple or mango chunks between the meat or vegetables for a sweet and savory combination.
  • Marinate the meat overnight for more intense flavors.
  • Serve the sate with steamed rice or noodles instead of rice cakes.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our delicious Sate recipe! Originating from Indonesia, Sate is a popular dish consisting of skewered and grilled meats, served with a flavorful peanut sauce. In our version, we're using succulent chicken thighs marinated in a mix of traditional Indonesian spices and sweet soy sauce. Served with a side of cucumber and onion salad and rice cakes, this dish is a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. It's a bit of a process to make, with the marinating and the making of the peanut sauce, but the results are absolutely worth it. So, grab your skewers and let's get started!

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the chicken?
  2. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
  4. Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, pork, or even shrimp for this recipe.
  5. Do I need to soak the skewers?
  6. Yes, it is important to soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  7. Can I grill the sate outdoors?
  8. Definitely! You can use an outdoor charcoal or gas grill instead of a grill pan for a more authentic flavor.
  9. Can I make the peanut sauce in advance?
  10. Yes, you can make the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before serving.
  11. What can I serve with sate?
  12. Sate is often served with rice cakes, cucumber and onion salad, and peanut sauce. You can also serve it with steamed rice or a side of fresh salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill pan - A pan with ridges that allows for grilling the chicken skewers indoors.
  • Food processor - Used to blend the ingredients for the peanut sauce into a smooth consistency.
  • Skewers - Used to thread the marinated chicken and cook them on the grill pan.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the marinade, cucumber and onion mixture, and serving the peanut sauce.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping the chicken skewers while grilling.

Origin stories

Sate, also known as satay, is a dish that's a true testament to the diverse culinary landscape of Indonesia. Its origins are said to have been influenced by the Indian kebabs introduced by Muslim traders, who skewered and grilled their meats. However, Indonesians added their unique touch by incorporating local ingredients like lemongrass, turmeric, and tamarind. Today, sate is an integral part of the Indonesian identity, served everywhere from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. It's a celebration of flavors, a dance of sweet, sour, and spicy, much like Indonesia itself, a country known for its vibrant diversity. The dish is so beloved that the city of Ponorogo, East Java, is known as the City of Sate, and it even hosts an annual Sate Carnival. Now, isn't that a tasty piece of trivia?

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.