Grilled Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce
Experience the delightful flavors of Southeast Asia with this Grilled Chicken Satay, a recipe that brings together tender marinated chicken and rich, spicy peanut sauce. Inspired by my mother's culinary wisdom, each skewered piece is infused with a zesty marinade featuring garlic, soy sauce, and lime juice—creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. Cooked to perfection over charcoal or under the broiler, this appetizer promises a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve alongside a bowl of freshly prepared peanut sauce for dipping, making this dish a spectacular start to any meal. Ideal for gatherings or as a special treat for friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon
soy sauce
2 tablespoons
dark molasses
1 tablespoon
fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 lbs (cut into 1 inch cubes)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a deep bowl, combine the finely chopped garlic, salt, and white pepper. Using the back of a spoon, mash them together to form a paste.
2
Stir in the soy sauce, dark molasses, and fresh lime juice until well combined.
3
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
4
Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally to fully immerse the chicken in the flavors.
5
Once marinated, preheat your grill or broiler. If using a grill, prepare the charcoal for cooking.
6
Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread 4 or 5 pieces tightly onto small skewers (ideally 6 inches long).
7
Brush the chicken skewers evenly with vegetable oil to enhance the grilling process.
8
Cook the skewers over the charcoal or under the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is crisp and golden brown.
9
Serve the skewers immediately, accompanied by a bowl of spicy peanut sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
It is a Southeast Asian inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken skewers served with a rich, spicy peanut sauce.
What are the primary ingredients in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of finely chopped garlic, salt, white pepper, soy sauce, dark molasses, and fresh lime juice.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully absorb the flavors.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
How should the chicken be prepared before marinating?
The chicken should be cut into 1 inch cubes for even cooking and skewering.
What size skewers are recommended?
Small skewers, ideally 6 inches long, are perfect for this appetizer.
How many pieces of chicken go on each skewer?
Thread 4 or 5 pieces of marinated chicken tightly onto each skewer.
What is the purpose of brushing the chicken with vegetable oil?
Brushing with vegetable oil enhances the grilling process and helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
How long does it take to cook the chicken satay?
The chicken typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to cook until crisp and golden brown.
What cooking methods can be used?
You can cook the skewers over charcoal on a grill or under a broiler.
How do I create the garlic paste for the marinade?
Combine chopped garlic, salt, and white pepper in a bowl and mash them together using the back of a spoon.
What flavor profile does this dish offer?
It offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and zesty flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a spectacular start to any meal and ideal for hosting friends and family.
What should be served alongside the skewers?
The skewers should be served immediately with a bowl of freshly prepared spicy peanut sauce for dipping.
What role does dark molasses play in the recipe?
Dark molasses adds a deep sweetness and helps achieve a rich color during grilling.
How should I stir the chicken while it is marinating?
Stir the chicken occasionally while in the refrigerator to ensure every piece is fully immersed in the marinade.
What is the total number of ingredients needed for the chicken?
There are 8 main ingredients used to prepare the chicken and its marinade.
Should the skewers be turned while cooking?
Yes, turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even browning and to reach a crisp texture.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh lime juice for an authentic Southeast Asian tangy flavor.
What is the recommended serving size?
While not specified in grams, the recipe uses 2 lbs of chicken, intended as an appetizer.
What kind of pepper is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper for a specific heat profile.
Is the chicken satay considered an appetizer or main course?
It is primarily categorized as a spectacular appetizer.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely chopped before being mashed into a paste.
What type of grill is best?
A charcoal grill is recommended for a traditional smoky flavor, though a broiler works too.
Does the recipe include instructions for the peanut sauce?
The recipe focuses on the chicken prep but mentions serving it with a freshly prepared spicy peanut sauce.
What is the origin of the recipe's inspiration?
The recipe is inspired by the culinary wisdom of the creator's mother and Southeast Asian cuisine.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt to be mashed with the garlic.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken needs at least 2 hours of marination, and you can prepare the skewers before the guests arrive.
What should the final texture of the chicken be?
The chicken should be tender on the inside and crisp and golden brown on the outside.
Is soy sauce a key component of the marinade?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce are used to provide the essential salty and savory base.