The Satay (or Sate, as it is called in Indonesia and Malaysia) is thought to have originated in Java. It subsequently spread throughout South East Asia. The reason for this is not hard to find. It is simply fantastic ! Succulent marinated chicken that has either been fried or barbecued is served with spicy satay sauce. This dish has a fantastic combination of sweet, sour and saltiness, with just a hint of Chilli. Good eating that will not disappoint !
Ingredients
For the chicken
Chicken thigh fillets – 500 grams
Butter – 2 to three tablespoons ( see note *)
Wooden skewers – 10 to 12
For the marinade
Soya sauce - 1 tablespoon (see note **)
Sugar – 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice – two tablespoons
For the satay sauce
Smooth peanut butter – 150 grams (cashew, or almond butter can also be used).
Coconut milk - 1 cup (250ml) coconut milk
Soya sauce – 2 tablespoons ( see note **)
Vegetable oil – one tablespoon
Lemongrass puree – ½ teaspoon
Garlic puree – two teaspoons
Onion – one medium – finely diced
Birds-Eye Chillies – 3 to 4 (finely sliced)
Sugar – 2 teaspoons)
Lime juice – one tablespoon
Instructions
Pre- preparation
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces (approximately 25 mm x 25 mm).
Combine all the ingredients under "for the marinade" in a glass dish or bowl.
Add the chicken pieces. Cover with cling film and allow to marinate for one to two hours in the refrigerator.
If you are planning to barbecue the chicken, now is an excellent time to start soaking the skewers in water = so that they don't burn over the open flames.
Making the satay sauce
Add the vegetable oil to a small pot and bring to a medium heat.
Add the onions and fry until translucent.
Add the Chillies and the garlic, stir-fry for two to three minutes.
Add the nut butter, coconut milk, soya sauce, lime juice, lemongrass puree and sugar.
Turn down the heat slightly
Stir the sauce continuously until all ingredients have combined and have heated through (7 to 10 minutes).
Keep warm until serving
Cooking the chicken
Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
Thread the chicken pieces onto the wooden skewers
Heat the butter in a large frying pan.
Fry the chicken; three to four skewers at a time until nicely browned (keep the fried chicken warm in a heated oven while cooking the rest).
Once all the chicken has been fried. Transfer to plates
Spoon satay sauce into a bowl or pouring jug
The sauce is poured/ spooned over the chicken skewers prior to eating
Notes
*If you intend to barbecue the kebabs, paint the skewers with one tablespoon of melted butter