Chicken Satay - Thai Recipe

Chicken Satay – A Flavorful Delicacy with Exotic Accents

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I invite you to discover a recipe that combines the enticing flavors of marinated chicken with a creamy peanut butter sauce: Chicken Satay. These delicious skewers are not only a perfect choice for a savory dinner but also a dish that will surely impress your guests. The origins of this dish are steeped in tradition, often associated with festivals and festive meals, and today you have the opportunity to prepare them right at home.

Ingredients

For the skewers:
- 0.5 kg boneless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1/2 tablespoon Indian saffron (turmeric) – for a golden color
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 8 tablespoons coconut milk
- About 16 skewers

For the peanut butter sauce:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 crushed garlic cloves

Preparation

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: black pepper, cumin, coriander, Indian saffron, garlic, sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and coconut milk. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous composition. This marinade will give the chicken a deep flavor and tender texture.

2. Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into cubes of about 3-4 cm. Place the chicken cubes in a dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece of meat is well coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight for a more intense flavor).

3. Prepare the peanut butter sauce: In a small saucepan, add all the ingredients for the peanut butter sauce: peanut butter, water, soy sauce, lime juice, and crushed garlic. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little extra water. Once ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

4. Prepare the skewers: After the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, being careful to leave a little space between each piece. This will allow for even cooking and prevent the meat from sticking together.

5. Cook the skewers: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the meat is golden and crispy on the edges. You can check if they are done by cutting a piece – the meat should be opaque and juicy.

6. Serving: Serve the chicken skewers on a bed of green lettuce leaves, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Alongside, add the peanut butter sauce to complete and enhance the flavors. If desired, you can accompany this dish with boiled rice or fried new potatoes.

Practical tips

- Types of meat: Although chicken breast is the most commonly used, you can also experiment with chicken thighs or other types of meat, such as pork or beef.
- Marinating: The longer you let the meat sit in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance.
- Peanut butter sauce: You can add a dash of chili for a spicier sauce or use coconut-flavored peanut butter for a tropical note.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and coconut milk brings healthy fats that contribute to heart health. Garlic, used both in the marinade and in the sauce, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe is not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen meat? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before marinating to allow the spices to penetrate the meat well.
- What can I use instead of coconut milk? You can substitute coconut milk with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a less sweet option but with a similar creamy texture.
- How can I make the skewers healthier? Replace part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, and use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake.

Ideal combinations

Chicken Satay pairs perfectly with a fresh salad of crunchy vegetables or fragrant basmati rice. You can also try a tropical fruit cocktail, which will add a refreshing note to your meal. Additionally, a cold blonde beer or a dry white wine are excellent accompaniments for this dish.

Finish your meal with a light dessert, such as a fruit salad or coconut ice cream, to maintain that exotic atmosphere.

Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and enjoy this delicious Chicken Satay recipe, which is sure to become a family favorite!