Malaysian Chicken Satay is an irresistible dish that brings together tender marinated chicken skewers infused with a delightful blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a luscious peanut sauce. This iconic street food captures the essence of Malaysian cuisine, balancing sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that appeal to a wide array of palates. Whether served as an appetizer for a gathering or a main dish for a cozy weeknight dinner, this satay is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Malaysian Chicken Satay is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. The marination process allows the chicken to absorb a medley of aromatic spices, resulting in juicy and tender meat. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish fits well into various dietary lifestyles, and the grilling aspect adds a lovely smoky aroma that enhances the overall taste. Plus, the creamy peanut sauce perfectly complements the skewers, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your Malaysian Chicken Satay turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips:
- Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply.
- Use Soaked Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Uniform Size: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 1-inch cubes.
- Grill at High Heat: Preheat the grill to high heat to achieve that beautiful char and smoky flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
For those with busy schedules, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The peanut sauce can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Malaysian Chicken Satay:
- Different Proteins: Swap chicken for beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes for a milder or spicier satay.
- Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan.
How to Serve
Serve your Malaysian Chicken Satay on a large platter, garnished with fresh cucumber slices, cilantro, and lime wedges for a refreshing touch. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the skewers or serve it in small bowls for dipping. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts can add a delightful crunch.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your Malaysian Chicken Satay, consider pairing it with a refreshing iced tea or a light Riesling for a wine option. For side dishes, coconut rice or a simple cucumber salad works beautifully, and a tropical fruit salad can serve as a light dessert to round off the meal.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the chicken skewers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Reheat the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or on a grill for a few minutes to regain that char.
Equipment Needed
You will need:
- Grilling skewers (wooden or metal)
- A grill or grill pan
- A mixing bowl for marinating
- A whisk for the peanut sauce
If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or even an oven broiler can work as an alternative.
Dietary Adaptations
For a vegan option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Use a plant-based peanut butter for the sauce. To make it gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free and double-check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint can enhance the dish’s freshness. In winter, consider adding warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the marinade for a cozy twist.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work well for this recipe.
- How long should I cook the skewers? Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.
- What if I can’t find palm sugar? Brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used as substitutes.
Malaysian Chicken Satay
Malaysian Chicken Satay is an irresistible dish that brings together tender marinated chicken skewers infused with a delightful blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a luscious peanut sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt to taste
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
- Water, as needed for thinning
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, palm sugar, vegetable oil, curry powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, chili flakes, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- For the peanut sauce, mix together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chili paste in a separate bowl. Whisk until smooth. If too thick, add water to reach desired consistency.
- Preheat your grill to high heat. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with the peanut sauce and garnishes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 563Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1630mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 5gSugar: 15gProtein: 17g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Malaysian Chicken Satay is a delightful dish that encapsulates the flavors of Southeast Asia in a simple, approachable way. With its combination of succulent chicken and rich peanut sauce, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of making it, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite!
