Satays with a peanut dipping sauce are one of our favorite snacking and party foods. Originally from Indonesia, this dish is seasoned, skewered and grilled meat like beef, chicken, goat, mutton or pork. We also enjoy satays prepared with venison and rabbit.
The satay is a staple in Indonesian cuisine, and considered its national dish. Served in both in fine dining establishments and as street food, there are many different variations for its preparation. Basically, the meat is cut and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and wine or sake with garlic, ginger and other seasonings. Because the marinade breaks down the tough tendons in the meat, chewier cuts of meat become more delicate and easier to eat.
This recipe for Beef Satays with Peanut Sauce is adapted from one by Helen Corbitt, the New York born dietician and hostess that entertained hundreds of people at the flagship Neiman Marcus store in Texas for almost 40 years. This recipe is simple and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for large parties, as the meat can marinate for several days before grilling, and once cooked, the satays are delicious both hot and at room temperature.
Traditional satays were skewered with the midrib of the coconut palm frond. Bamboo skewers work well, just be sure to soak them in water before skewering and cooking the meat. Chunky or smooth peanut butter are tasty in the sauce, just be mindful of the sodium. This dish can be quite salty. To spice it up, add some chili pepper flakes … and a good beer or wine.
BEEF SATAYS WITH PEANUT SAUCE
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine or sake
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh or frozen ginger
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Trim beef, cut into cubes and place in a shallow pan. Whisk together the marinade ingredients and pour over the beef. Cover, refrigerate, and allow to marinate for 1 hour or longer.
- Remove from the marinade. Skewer with bamboo sticks (presoaked in water) or stainless steel. Cook on a hot grill, turning every 4 minutes or so, until done.
- Serve hot or at room temperature with peanut sauce for dipping.
Cheryl's Notes
PEANUT SAUCE
Ingredients
- 2/3 cups unsalted peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
- 2/3 cup cream
Instructions
- Add the peanut butter, butter, lemon juice and garlic to the bowl of a double boiler and cook over hot water until hot.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cream. Keep warm over hot water and serve warm.