Sizzling Seafood Satay: A Delicious, Flavor-Packed Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels)
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Satay Peanut Sauce:
  • 1 cup of unsalted peanuts
  • 1/3 cup of water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, ground turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
  2. Add the mixed seafood to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat. While the grill is heating, thread the marinated seafood onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
  4. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the seafood is cooked through and lightly charred.
  5. While the seafood is grilling, prepare the peanut sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the peanuts, water, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, chili powder, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth.
  6. Serve the grilled seafood skewers with the peanut sauce on the side, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of seafood such as scallops, lobster, or fish fillets.
  • Try different marinades such as teriyaki sauce, coconut milk, or curry paste.
  • Add vegetables to the skewers like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs like ginger, paprika, or cilantro.
  • Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of seafood.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Add a touch of heat by including chopped chili peppers or hot sauce in the marinade.
  • Serve the satay with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
  • Try grilling the satay on a stovetop grill pan or baking them in the oven if a grill is not available.
  • Make a dipping sauce using ingredients like tamarind paste, hoisin sauce, or coconut cream.

Recipe overview

Seafood Satay is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of the sea and the aromatic spices of Southeast Asian cuisine. This recipe calls for a mix of shrimp, squid, and mussels, although you can use whatever seafood you prefer. The key to this dish is the flavorful marinade, which infuses the seafood with garlic, lemongrass, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and a variety of spices. After marinating, the seafood is threaded onto bamboo skewers and grilled to perfection. While the seafood grills, a simple peanut sauce is prepared, adding a deliciously nutty and slightly sweet element to the dish. The result is a beautifully presented, incredibly flavorful dish that's sure to impress at your next barbecue or dinner party. This recipe serves four.

Common questions

  1. Can I use only one type of seafood instead of a mix?
    Yes, you can use a single type of seafood such as shrimp, squid, or mussels, instead of a mix.
  2. Can I use a different type of oil?
    Yes, you can use any type of cooking oil that you prefer, such as canola oil or peanut oil.
  3. Can I substitute fresh lemongrass with dried lemongrass?
    Fresh lemongrass is recommended for better flavor, but if you don't have access to fresh lemongrass, you can substitute it with dried lemongrass. Use 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass instead of 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass.
  4. Can I grill the seafood skewers on a stovetop?
    Yes, if you don't have a grill, you can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or even in a regular frying pan.
  5. Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a stir before serving.
  6. Can I adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce?
    Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add some chopped fresh chili peppers. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill is needed to cook the seafood skewers to perfection.
  • Bamboo Skewers - These skewers are used to thread the marinated seafood for grilling.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is required to mix the marinade ingredients and coat the seafood.
  • Blender or Food Processor - A blender or food processor is needed to prepare the peanut sauce.
  • Serving Platter - A serving platter is helpful for presenting the grilled seafood skewers.
  • Knife - A knife is required for mincing garlic and chopping the lemongrass.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed for safely chopping the lemongrass and preparing other ingredients.

Origin stories

Seafood satay, a popular dish in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, is an interesting example of culinary fusion. Satay itself is thought to have originated from the Indonesian island of Java. It is believed that Indonesian street vendors were inspired by the kebab-making techniques of Arab traders and adapted it to their local ingredients and tastes, giving birth to what we know today as satay. The marinating and grilling technique used for seafood satay is no different from that used for other meats. Seafood satay, in particular, is a testament to the region's abundant marine resources and their people's expertise in crafting flavorful meals out of them. This dish, with its rich blend of spices and the complementary peanut sauce, is a delightful representation of Southeast Asia's vibrant and diverse food culture.

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.