Authentic Malaysia Chicken Satay Recipe | Traditional Malaysian Grilled Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Malaysia Chicken Satay is one of the country's most famous street foods, featuring tender pieces of marinated chicken threaded onto bamboo skewers and grilled over charcoal until perfectly smoky and juicy. Served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce, fresh cucumber, onions, and compressed rice cakes (ketupat), Satay is a beloved dish enjoyed at night markets, family gatherings, festivals, and celebrations throughout Malaysia.
The chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, coriander, and coconut milk, creating layers of savory, mildly sweet, and aromatic flavors. Once grilled, the skewers develop a lightly charred exterior while remaining tender inside. The accompanying peanut sauce, made with roasted peanuts, coconut milk, chili, tamarind, and spices, perfectly complements the smoky grilled meat.
Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Malaysia Chicken Satay is an iconic Southeast Asian dish that delivers authentic Malaysian flavors in every bite.
Cooking Method
- In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, coriander, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- Preheat a charcoal grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with any remaining marinade until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce by heating the curry paste in a saucepan for 1 minute.
- Stir in the ground peanuts, coconut milk, brown sugar, tamarind paste, soy sauce, and water.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring regularly until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick.
- Arrange the grilled satay on a serving platter with cucumber slices, onion wedges, and ketupat if using.
- Serve hot with the warm peanut sauce for dipping.
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