Chicken Satay Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the complex and aromatic world of Southeast Asian cuisine with this mouthwatering recipe for Chicken Satay Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce. Perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or as a standout appetizer, these skewers are sure to impress. The tenderness of the marinated chicken complimented by the rich, nutty flavor of the spicy peanut sauce creates a symphony of flavors you won’t soon forget.

Ingredients:

For Chicken Satay:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into strips
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For Spicy Peanut Sauce:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (add more if you like it spicier)

Garnishing:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges
• Crushed peanuts

Instructions:

Marinating Chicken:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, ground turmeric, and curry powder to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken strips to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally, overnight for the best flavor infusion.

Preparing the Spicy Peanut Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, gently heat the peanut butter and coconut milk on medium-low heat.
2. Whisk in the soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
3. Continue to heat for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Grilling the Chicken:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates and place the skewers on the grill.
4. Grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the meat has beautiful char marks and is cooked through.
5. Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest briefly.

Serving:

1. Arrange the chicken satay skewers on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle some of the spicy peanut sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side in a dipping bowl.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.

Pairing Suggestions:

Chicken Satay Skewers pair beautifully with a crisp side salad, steamed jasmine rice, or a fresh cucumber salad to complete your Southeast Asian culinary experience.

Chef’s Note:

Expanding on traditional recipes, consider adding a squeeze of zesty lime or a hint of fresh lemongrass to your marinade for an extra pop of flavor.

Prepare to delight in every bite of these Chicken Satay Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce, a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy that promises to be the star of your next gathering or family meal.