What is chicken satay? Why is it so popular? How to make grilled chicken satay? In this article, we will provide a complete guide on how to make delicious chicken satay, from the ingredients you need, and how to make satay sauce, to tips for grilling the perfect satay. We will also share some must-try chicken satay recipes. Ready to try making chicken satay at home? Read on for the complete guide!

What is chicken satay?

Chicken satay or sate ayam is a traditional Indonesian dish made from chicken, cut into small pieces, skewered onto bamboo sticks, and grilled over an open flame. The chicken is usually marinated with a mixture of spices such as turmeric, garlic, shallots, and sweet soy sauce before grilling until fully cooked. This dish is commonly served with savory peanut sauce and often paired with ketupat (compressed rice cake), steamed rice, or lontong (rice cake).

Chicken satay is widely available at street food stalls as well as restaurants throughout Indonesia, making it one of the most popular street foods in the country.

The Uniqueness of Chicken Satay with Bamboo Sticks

The uniqueness of chicken satay lies in the use of bamboo skewers. Bamboo is lightweight, easily available, and adds a traditional touch to the satay. Additionally, bamboo helps stabilize the chicken pieces while grilling, preventing them from falling or burning. Bamboo skewers also emit a distinct aroma when grilled, enhancing the flavor of each bite of satay.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Satay

Here’s a simple recipe for making tasty and delicious chicken satay at home:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of chicken (either breast or thigh), cut into small cubes
• Bamboo skewers (soak in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning while grilling)

Peanut Sauce Ingredients:

• 100 grams roasted peanuts
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2-3 red chilies (adjust based on your preferred spice level)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 150 ml water
• Oil for frying

Steps to Make Chicken Satay:

Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce

• Heat oil in a pan, sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant.
• Roast the peanuts, red chilies, and garlic until cooked, then blend using a blender or pestle and mortar.
• Add the blended mixture into a pot, add brown sugar, salt, and water. Stir well and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then turn off the heat.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Cut the chicken into pieces and place in a bowl.
• Add about 1/3 of the peanut sauce to the chicken, mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
• Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb. For better results, refrigerate the chicken overnight.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Satay

• Soak the bamboo skewers and then thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers.
• Preheat the grill or BBQ (you can use charcoal or a gas grill).
• Grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown color. Brush a little of the remaining peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce on the satay to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Serve

• Serve the grilled chicken satay on a plate.
• Drizzle the peanut sauce over the satay or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
• Enjoy your chicken satay with rice, lontong, or ketupat. Add cucumber or tomato slices for freshness.

5 Must-Try Chicken Satay Recipes

• Madura Chicken Satay: Madura Chicken Satay is famous for its thick, sweet, and slightly spicy peanut sauce. The chicken is marinated with sweet soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, creating a balanced flavor of sweetness and savory. Grilled over charcoal, it gets a smoky aroma, making it a popular street food in Indonesia.

• Peanut Sauce Chicken Satay: Peanut Sauce Chicken Satay has a soft, rich peanut sauce. The peanut sauce gives it a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavor, making this satay very popular in Indonesia. The distinctive taste of the peanut sauce makes it perfect for various occasions.

• Sweet Soy Sauce Chicken Satay: Sweet Soy Sauce Chicken Satay highlights the sweetness of the soy sauce that coats the chicken. The combination of sweetness, a hint of spiciness, and acidity creates a light yet satisfying flavor. The sweet soy sauce caramelizes while grilling, adding a delicious flavor to the satay.

• Spicy-Sweet Chicken Satay: Spicy-Sweet Chicken Satay combines the sweetness of sweet soy sauce and the heat of chili, creating a layered, exciting flavor. This satay delivers the perfect amount of spiciness with a lingering sweetness, ideal for spicy food lovers.

• Balinese Chicken Satay: Balinese Chicken Satay is rich in spices, with a strong chili and shrimp paste flavor. The sauce often includes a touch of lime leaf and fresh lemongrass, giving it a refreshing aroma. This satay is perfect for those who enjoy complex, spicy flavors.

Conclusion

Chicken satay is a versatile dish that can be customized with various marinades, from sweet and spicy to savory and rich. With recipes like Madura Chicken Satay, Peanut Sauce Chicken Satay, and Spicy-Sweet Chicken Satay, you’re sure to find a variation that suits your taste. Don’t forget to choose high-quality bamboo skewers for the best grilling experience. Enjoy your delicious chicken satay with family or friends and savor the unique spice blends in every bite!