Indonesian Chicken Satay

Recipe for Indonesian Chicken Satay - marinated and grilled chicken skewers

The chicken satay is originally from Indonesia, but is also very popular in many countries of Southeast Asia. Traditionally, chicken breast strips are marinated with exotic spices, put on bamboo skewers and then perfectly grilled over a wood fire. Usually they are served with spicy peanut sauce and one of the most popular Asian appetizers. If you like, you can also use any kind of meat, such as beef, lamb, pork or even shrimp or tofu.

Ingredients for 4 persons:

500 g chicken fillets or boneless and skinless chicken breasts
200 ml unsweetened coconut milk (1 can)
2 tblsp. sugar
3 tblsp. fish sauce or soy sauce
2 tblsp. lime juice
2 cloves of garlic
1 red chilli (to taste)
1 stalk lof emongrass or 2 strips lemon peel (5 cm)
½ tsp. black pepper, ground
½ tsp. coriander powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
3 tblsp. chopped fresh coriander leaves to garnish
32 small bamboo or wooden skewers (soaked in cold water for 1 hour)

Preparation:

Cut any fat, sinew or bone from the chicken, then rinse under running cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Then cut the meat into very thin strips (about 3 x 10 cm). Thread the chicken meat onto the bamboo skewers and place them in a baking dish or a deep plate.

Peel the garlic and chop finely, seed the chili pepper and cut into thin rings and clean the lemon grass stalk (cut off the root and peel), finely chop the white interior.

Stir together coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice sugar, garlic, chilli rings, lemongrass, coriander, turmeric and pepper in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Toss the marinade with the chicken skewers, cover them and marinate for at least 30 minutes or best for several hours. During this time you should turn the skewers several times.

Preheat a grill for medium to high heat and brush the grade with oil. Grill the skewers about 1 – 2 minutes per side or until cooked through. Arrange the satays on a plate and sprinkle with fresh, chopped coriander.
Serve with rice, a fresh green salad and warm peanut sauce.

Photo credits: Fotolia - #69182971 - Satay © dolphfyn