Balinese Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

A tantalizing dish that captures the essence of this enchanting Indonesian island. Balinese cuisine is known for its vibrant and aromatic dishes, and chicken satay is a beloved culinary gem that showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage. In this recipe, succulent pieces of marinated chicken are skewered and grilled to perfection, creating a tantalizing charred exterior and tender, juicy interior. Served with a luscious peanut sauce on the side, each mouthwatering bite of Balinese Chicken Satay promises a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the tropical paradise of Bali. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of Bali to your culinary adventures or hosting a gathering with friends, this easy-to-follow recipe will surely be a hit at your table.

Ingredients:

For Chicken Satay:

• 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
• Water, as needed to adjust the consistency

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, soy sauce, kecap manis, vegetable oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, and turmeric powder to create the marinade for the chicken satay.
2. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3. In the meantime, prepare the peanut sauce. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, tamarind paste (or lime juice), palm sugar (or brown sugar), minced garlic, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture until the peanut butter is fully melted and the ingredients are well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add water gradually to achieve your desired consistency. Keep warm until serving.
4. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked bamboo skewers, shaking off any excess marinade.
6. Grill the chicken satay for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nicely charred exterior.
7. Serve the Balinese Chicken Satay hot with the luscious peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
8. Enjoy the Tropical Temptation of Balinese Chicken Satay, a culinary journey that brings the flavors of Bali to your taste buds.