Lemongrass Infused Chicken Satay Skewers
Delight your taste buds with these perfectly grilled Lemongrass Infused Chicken Satay Skewers. This Thai-style dish is bursting with aromatic flavors, thanks to the fresh lemongrass, zesty lime, and a hint of chili heat. It's simple to prepare and can be served as a fun appetizer at parties or as a satisfying family meal. These skewers deliver a unique taste experience that will impress your guests while still being easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Paired with a sweet chili sauce for dipping, this dish is bound to become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken thighs
500 (minced)
Spring onions
3 (finely chopped)
Red chilies
3 (finely chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Limes
2 (juiced)
Fish sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Cornflour
1 tablespoon (none)
Black pepper
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Lemongrass
10 stalks (trimmed to about 12 cm long)
Canola oil
2 tablespoons (for brushing)
Sweet chili sauce
to serve (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely mincing the chicken thighs using a cleaver or food processor, then set aside in a mixing bowl.
2
In a pestle and mortar (or food processor), grind the spring onions, red chilies, and garlic together until they form a fine paste.
3
Add the minced chicken to the mixture and continue to grind until the consistency resembles a smooth pâté.
4
Transfer the combined mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, lime juice, fish sauce, cornflour, black pepper, and sugar. Mix thoroughly using your hands, kneading until the mixture becomes thick and dough-like.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for about an hour to allow it to firm up.
6
Once chilled, take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and shape it around a lemongrass stalk, pressing gently to secure it. Repeat with the remaining mixture and stalks.
7
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and brush the skewers lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking.
8
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-8 minutes, turning frequently to achieve a nice char on all sides without burning.
9
Serve the skewers warm, accompanied by sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
19.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemongrass Infused Chicken Satay Skewers?
They are a Thai-style dish featuring minced chicken seasoned with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, lime, and chili, then grilled on lemongrass stalks.
What cut of chicken is best for this satay recipe?
Chicken thighs are recommended as they are more flavorful and remain moist during the grilling process.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, though the texture may be slightly drier than when using chicken thighs.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for these skewers?
Trim the lemongrass stalks to about 12 cm long; they will act as the physical skewers for the chicken mixture.
What gives the satay its aromatic Thai flavor?
The combination of fresh lemongrass, lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and red chilies creates the signature Thai aroma.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes a hint of heat from 3 red chilies, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
What is the purpose of chilling the chicken mixture?
Chilling the mixture for about an hour allows it to firm up, making it easier to shape and secure onto the lemongrass stalks.
How long should I refrigerate the chicken paste?
The chicken mixture should be refrigerated for at least one hour before shaping.
How do I shape the chicken onto the lemongrass stalks?
Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and press it gently around a lemongrass stalk until it is secure.
What is the recommended cooking method for these skewers?
The skewers should be cooked on a grill preheated to medium-high heat for the best flavor and char.
How long do the skewers take to grill?
They typically take 5 to 8 minutes to cook, depending on the heat of your grill.
What should I serve with Lemongrass Chicken Satay?
These skewers are traditionally served with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Can I cook these skewers in an oven if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can use a broiler or a very hot griddle pan as an alternative to an outdoor grill.
Are these skewers gluten-free?
The recipe uses cornflour, which is naturally gluten-free, but you should check your fish sauce and sweet chili sauce labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What is the calorie count per serving?
One serving of these chicken satay skewers contains approximately 180 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this satay?
Each serving provides about 19.5g of protein.
Can I use a food processor for the mincing and mixing?
Yes, a food processor is excellent for mincing the chicken and creating the fine spice paste from the garlic and chilies.
What role do the eggs play in the chicken mixture?
The eggs act as a binder, helping the minced chicken mixture stay together and adhere to the lemongrass stalks.
Why is cornflour included in the ingredients?
Cornflour helps thicken the mixture, giving it a dough-like consistency that is easier to mold.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly brush the prepared skewers with canola oil before placing them on the grill.
Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture several hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What length should the lemongrass stalks be trimmed to?
Trim them to approximately 12 cm (nearly 5 inches) in length to ensure they are easy to handle as skewers.
Is fish sauce essential for this recipe?
Fish sauce is a key ingredient for authentic Thai flavor, providing a deep savory and salty element.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you cannot find fish sauce, you can use soy sauce, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh stalks?
No, fresh stalks are necessary because they serve as the skewer itself and release fresh oils while grilling.
How do I achieve a nice char on the chicken?
Turn the skewers frequently while cooking over medium-high heat to ensure an even char without burning.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
It is high in protein and relatively low in carbs, though it does contain a small amount of sugar and cornflour.
What type of oil is best for brushing the skewers?
Canola oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
Can I serve these as a main course?
Yes, they work perfectly as a main course when served with a side of rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 13 ingredients including the chicken, aromatics, binders, and dipping sauce.