Looking to add some excitement to your dinner routine? Look no further than this delicious Thai chicken satay recipe with peanut sauce. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy night in, this recipe is packed with flavor and spice, thanks to the combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, and a blend of spices in the satay marinade. The chicken is then threaded onto wooden skewers and grilled to perfection over medium-high heat, resulting in juicy, tender meat with beautiful grill marks. But what really takes this dish to the next level is the spicy peanut sauce. Made with creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, and red curry paste, it's the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, and it's incredibly easy to make. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile - it can be served as a main dish, an appetizer, or as part of a larger spread of Thai food.
So why not try something new tonight and whip up this mouth-watering Thai chicken satay with peanut sauce? Your taste buds will thank you!
Table of Contents:
1 - What Will You Love About This Thai Chicken Satay Recipe
If you're anything like me or many other meat lovers out there, you might occasionally find yourself in a rut when it comes to cooking your favorite dishes. But this recipe is here to save the day. With its tantalizing combination of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be able to shake up your regular meat dishes in no time. Say goodbye to boring meat dishes and hello to a new level of culinary delight. So why not give it a try? I guarantee that you won't regret it.
Here are three main things that people will love about this Thai chicken satay recipe with peanut sauce.
- First, the marinade for the chicken is a flavor bomb.
Made with fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime zest, and a blend of spices like curry powder, ginger, and cardamom, this marinade is sure to give your taste buds a wake-up call. The chicken is then threaded onto wooden skewers and grilled over medium-high heat until juicy and tender, with beautiful grill marks to boot.
- Second, the peanut sauce is the star of the show.
Made with creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, and red curry paste, it's the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make. Simply whisk together the ingredients in a small saucepan and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until thick and creamy.
- Last but not least, this recipe is incredibly versatile.
While it's great as a main dish, it can also be served as an appetizer or as part of a larger spread of Thai food. Pair it with some coconut rice, pad thai, or green curry for a full Thai feast. And if you're feeling extra fancy, add some chopped red onion, sesame seeds, or cashew nuts as a garnish. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Thai chicken satay recipe with peanut sauce is sure to be a hit.
2 - Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken
For this Thai Chicken Satay recipe, chicken breast is used because it is a leaner cut of meat and easier to handle when skewering. It also cooks relatively quickly, making it perfect for grilling. When picking the best quality chicken breast, look for ones that are fresh and not frozen. The chicken should have a pinkish hue and firm to the touch. It's also important to check for any signs of discoloration, bad odor, or sliminess. If purchasing from a local farmer's market or butcher, ask about the chicken's diet and living conditions to ensure that it was raised humanely.
If chicken breast is not your preference, other poultry alternatives like chicken tenders, thighs or even turkey breast can be used to achieve similar results. However, keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the cut of meat used.
To wash and trim the chicken breast before using it in the recipe, first, rinse the chicken breast under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, using a sharp knife, remove any visible fat or unwanted parts. Cut the chicken breast into thin, even pieces, making sure that they are roughly the same size for even cooking. It's important to sanitize any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination. Dispose of any packaging materials and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before proceeding with the recipe.
3 - Cooking Tips for Perfect Thai Chicken Satay Skewers
In order to ensure that your Thai Chicken Satay turns out perfectly every time, there are some key cooking tips that you should keep in mind.
- Marinate the chicken: To get the most flavor out of the chicken, marinate it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade fully. If you are short on time, you can marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but the longer the marinating time, the better the flavor.
- Use high heat: To get a crispy and caramelized exterior on the chicken skewers, make sure to grill them over high heat. This will create grill marks and seal in the flavor of the marinade. Brush the chicken with oil before grilling to prevent sticking, and turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough, so it's essential to cook the chicken just until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. The ideal cooking time for the chicken skewers is about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. To check for doneness, you can cut into one of the skewers and ensure that the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Bonus tip: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning on the grill.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Thai Chicken Satay skewers come out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
4 - Cooking Directions
Blending the Ingredients for the Marinade and Adding the Diced Chicken
Marinating is the key to creating succulent and flavorful Thai Chicken Satay, and it all starts with a perfectly blended marinade. In a bowl, mix together the ingredients for the marinade, including the fragrant spices, tangy fish sauce, and savory soy sauce.
Stir until well combined, and then add the diced chicken to the mixture. Make sure each piece is coated evenly with the marinade by giving it a good stir.
For maximum flavor infusion, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Trust us, it's worth the wait!
- Preparing the Peanut Sauce
Elevate the flavor of your Thai Chicken Satay by making a tangy and delicious peanut sauce! To start, grab a small saucepan and combine natural peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, chili paste, etc. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook it to prevent burning the sauce. Once it's done, set it aside and get ready to add a flavorful punch to your chicken skewers!
- Preparing and Grilling the Skewers after the Marinade
Thread the chicken onto wooden skewers, ensuring that each piece is evenly spaced to allow for even cooking.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through, turning them over once during grilling to get grill marks on both sides. You can also cook the skewers on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Serving the Skewers
The perfectly grilled skewers are ready to be served! Give them a final touch of finesse by garnishing with a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander. Don't forget to serve the irresistible peanut sauce on the side, for that ultimate flavor explosion!
These skewers can be served as a delicious main course, accompanied by fluffy jasmine rice and silky glass noodles, or as a tempting appetizer, paired with crispy cheese wontons and delectable spring rolls. The options are endless, but the satisfaction is guaranteed!
5 - Recipe Card
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs skinless chicken breast
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon dark brown sugar packed
- 1 unit lime Zest
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- ¼ teaspoon cardamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Sauce
- 13 oz coconut milk 1 can - do not use low fat
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1.5 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 3 tablespoon lime juice from 2 fresh limes
For Serving
- lime wedges optional
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness between two pieces of wax or parchment paper. Cut the chicken into 1½-inch pieces and set them aside.
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, make the marinade by combining the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, lime zest, vegetable oil, garlic, curry powder, ginger, cardamom, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Peanut Butter Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red curry paste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the fresh lime juice, then set aside.
Time to Grill!
- Preheat the grill to high heat. Meanwhile, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Grease the grill. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning once, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken skewers with the Coconut-Peanut Sauce and lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and thread onto skewers.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the skewers on the sheet.
- Bake the skewers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and has browned on the outside.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the peanut sauce according to the recipe directions.
- Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken skewers hot with the peanut sauce on the side.
Nutrition
6 - Storage Instructions
To store the Thai Chicken Satay, place the cooked skewers and the peanut sauce in separate airtight containers. Store the chicken skewers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat the skewers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the skewers in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes on high, or until heated through.
To reheat the peanut sauce, transfer it to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, heat the sauce in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
It's important to note that reheated satay meat may not be as tender and juicy as freshly cooked satay meat, but it should still be delicious. Additionally, sour sauce can be served with the satay as an optional condiment.
7 - Side Dishes for this Thai Chicken Satay recipe
Papaya Salad
This refreshing and tangy salad is a popular side dish in Thai cuisine, and it complements the rich and savory flavors of the satay chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 small papaya, peeled, seeded, and shredded
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar
- 1 small Thai chili pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya, cilantro, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and Thai chili pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture, and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with roasted peanuts before serving.
Coconut Rice
Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk and water, then garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chopped cilantro for a flavorful and fragrant side dish that pairs well with the satay chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then transfer it to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chopped cilantro.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables adds a healthy and tasty complement to the satay chicken. Use your favorite vegetables and seasonings to customize this dish to your liking.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the onion, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce, and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Thai Chicken Satay recipe is a delicious and easy way to add some excitement to your mealtime. Whether you're a meat lover looking to try a new recipe or a fan of Thai cuisine, these skewers are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. So fire up your grill and enjoy the bold and tangy flavors of these chicken satay skewers tonight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Thai satay is a popular Southeast Asian dish made of marinated and grilled meat skewers, typically served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Yes, Thai satay sauce can be spicy, as it often contains chili paste or Thai red curry paste. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal taste.
It can be gluten-free if made with gluten-free ingredients. Be sure to check the ingredients of the marinade and sauce, as some may contain soy sauce or hoisin sauce, which are not gluten-free.
Yes, Thai peanut sauce can be frozen. To freeze, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Taylor's Thai Satay Sauce can be found in specialty Asian grocery stores or ordered online from retailers such as Amazon or Walmart.
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