Satay (Sate Ayam)
KOENIndonesianMain course⏱ 25 minEdit history

Satay (Sate Ayam)

Indonesia's beloved street food: chicken marinated in turmeric and spices, skewered and grilled, served with a rich peanut sauce. Once marinated, grilling takes just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

4servings
  • Chicken thigh (or breast) · 2cm cubes500 g
  • Wooden skewers · soaked 30 min12
  • Marinade
  • Soy sauce (or kecap manis)2 tbsp
  • Turmeric1 tsp
  • Ground coriander1 tsp
  • Garlic · minced2 cloves
  • Cooking oil1 tbsp
  • Sugar1 tsp
  • Peanut sauce
  • Peanut butter (or ground peanuts)4 tbsp
  • Coconut milk (or water)100 ml
  • Soy sauce1 tbsp
  • Lime juice1 tbsp
  • Sugar1 tbsp
  • Chili (sambal or flakes) · optional1 tsp

Steps

  1. Cube the chicken and toss with the marinade; rest at least 30 minutes (overnight if you can).

    ⏲ 30 min
  2. Soak the wooden skewers 30 minutes so they don't burn, then thread on the chicken.

    ⏲ 5 min
  3. Peanut sauce: warm the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy, lime, sugar, and chili in a small pan over low heat until smooth (thin with water if needed).

    ⏲ 5 min
  4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat (lightly oiled).

    ⏲ 2 min
  5. Grill the skewers, turning, 2–3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (8–10 minutes total), brushing with leftover marinade.

    ⏲ 9 min
  6. Plate with the peanut sauce and serve with lime, red onion, and cucumber — great with rice or lontong (rice cakes).

    ⏲ 1 min

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Sate kambing: Use lamb instead of chicken.
  • Beef/pork/shrimp: Use your favorite protein.
  • Kecap manis: Indonesian sweet soy for a richer, sweeter glaze.
  • Oven/air-fryer: No grill needed — roast at 200°C.

Tips

  • Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight for deep flavor.
  • Soak wooden skewers so they don't burn.
  • Char over high heat for smoky flavor but don't overcook.
  • Adjust the peanut sauce with water or coconut milk if too thick.
  • Brush with marinade while grilling for gloss and flavor.

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