Indonesian Chicken Satay

Flame-charred chicken skewers kept juicy by a turmeric marinade. The thick, creamy peanut sauce provides a rich texture that balances the chili heat.

• Prep time: 40 min
• Cook time: 15 min
• Difficulty: Medium
• Calories: 707
• Protein: 45 g
• Carbs: 24 g
• Fat: 44 g

Ingredients

• 600 g Chicken cutlet ( in thin strips )
• 3 piece Garlic ( finely minced )
• 1 piece Onion ( finely chopped )
• 2 piece lemongrass ( white bulb only, bruised )
• 4 piece Candlenuts ( crushed )
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Ginger powder
• 1 tsp Whole coriander seeds ( ground )
• 1 tsp Cumin ground
• 3 tbsp kecap manis
• 2 tbsp Peanut oil
• 150 g Peanut butter
• 200 ml Coconut milk
• 1 tbsp palm sugar ( grated )
• 1 piece Hot chili pepper ( seeded and minced )
• 1 piece Lime juice
• 12 piece Wooden skewers ( soaked in water to prevent burning )

Instructions

1. Preparing the aromatic base

   Pound the garlic, onion, lemongrass, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. Add turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander. The paste should be homogeneous and bright yellow.

2. Marinating the meat

   Mix the chicken strips with half of the aromatic paste, peanut oil, and sweet soy sauce. Massage the meat to ensure it's well-coated. Let it rest; the chicken must be colored through.

3. Reducing the satay sauce

   In a small saucepan, heat the remaining paste with coconut milk and peanut butter. Add chili and palm sugar. Simmer over low heat until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

4. Assembly and high-heat cooking

   Thread the chicken onto skewers. Sear on a very hot grill or pan. The meat should char quickly to stay tender inside while being flame-marked outside.

Chef's tips

• Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little hot water until it reaches a heavy cream consistency.
• Do not overcook the chicken; it should remain moist inside.

Storage

Satay sauce keeps for 4 days in the refrigerator. Cooked meat should be eaten immediately to retain its juices.