Chicken Satay
Chicken satay is a delightful dish that combines tender marinated chicken skewers with a rich, flavorful peanut sauce. Originating from Southeast Asia, this dish is perfect for parties, barbecues, or simply a cozy dinner at home. With its tantalizing flavors and appealing presentation, chicken satay is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the delicious world of chicken satay, where every bite is a delightful experience!
Ingredients
– 500g chicken breast, cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
– For the peanut sauce:
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 125g of chicken satay with peanut sauce) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of protein, 25g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 4g of fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vegetable oil, honey, minced garlic, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
6. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
7. Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred.
8. In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar.
9. Cook over low heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
10. Serve the chicken satay with the warm peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Additionally, almond butter can replace peanut butter in the sauce for a nut-free alternative.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken satay pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or a side of fresh herbs like cilantro. You can also serve it with a tangy dipping sauce or a light vinaigrette for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Chicken satay can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip marinating time; it enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness.
- Ensure skewers are soaked if wooden, to prevent burning.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the peanut sauce; it’s essential for flavor.
- Be mindful of grill temperature; too hot can char the outside while leaving the inside raw.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C).
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different spices in the marinade for varied flavors.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges for added zest.
- Make extra peanut sauce for drizzling over rice or salads.
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill.
- Try adding chopped peanuts on top of the finished dish for crunch.
FAQs
What can I serve with chicken satay?
Chicken satay is excellent with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. Adding a tangy dipping sauce enhances the experience, making it a complete meal.
Can I make chicken satay in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator. Grill it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Is chicken satay healthy?
Chicken satay can be a healthy dish, especially if you control the amount of peanut sauce used. It offers lean protein and can be served with plenty of vegetables.
Can I use other meats for satay?
Absolutely! While chicken is popular, you can also use beef, pork, or even shrimp. Each variation will have a unique flavor profile and cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
Conclusion
Chicken satay is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors and aromas to your dining table. With its easy preparation and ability to please a crowd, it’s a must-try for any home cook. Enjoy the journey of flavors as you savor each bite of this delicious satay!
Chicken Satay
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, vegetable oil, honey, garlic, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until smooth and heated through.
- Serve the chicken satay with the peanut sauce on the side.
