Authentic Thai Satay Recipe (สะเต๊ะ) – Grilled Skewered Meat with Peanut Sauce

🥗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Tender and flavorful grilled meat – marinated in Thai herbs and spices

• ✅ Authentic Thai taste – tastes like street food in Bangkok

• ✅ Perfect for gatherings – great for parties or family dinners

• ✅ Customizable – make it with chicken, pork, or tofu

🧂 Ingredients

For the Meat Marinade (serves 4):

• 500 g chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp coconut milk

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp curry powder

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup peanut butter (unsweetened or natural)

• ½ cup coconut milk

• 1 tbsp red curry paste

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1–2 tsp lime juice (optional)

• Water as needed to thin sauce

Optional Cucumber Relish:

• ½ cucumber, diced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1–2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• Pinch of salt

🍳 How to Make Thai Satay

1. Marinate the meat:
   Mix coconut milk, turmeric, curry powder, ground coriander, garlic, sugar, and salt. Add sliced meat and marinate at least 1–2 hours (overnight for best flavor).

2. Skewer the meat:
   Thread marinated meat onto soaked bamboo skewers.

3. Prepare the peanut sauce:
   In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, red curry paste, soy/fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Cook over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened. Add water if needed for desired consistency.

4. Grill the skewers:
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side or until cooked through and lightly charred.

5. Prepare cucumber relish (optional):
   Mix diced cucumber, sliced red onion, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

6. Serve:
   Serve hot grilled skewers with peanut sauce and cucumber relish on the side.

🌶️ Tips for Perfect Thai Satay

• Soak skewers in water to prevent burning on the grill.

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.

• Use medium heat to cook skewers evenly without burning the exterior.

• Serve with peanut sauce for dipping and cucumber relish to balance richness.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer or main dish with steamed jasmine rice.

• Perfect for BBQs, parties, or street food-style meals at home.

• Pair with Thai iced tea or fresh coconut water for an authentic experience.

💡 Fun Fact

Satay was influenced by Indonesian cuisine but evolved into a distinct Thai version with its rich peanut sauce and tangy cucumber relish. Today, it’s one of Thailand’s most popular street foods, served in night markets and restaurants across the country.