Javanese-style Grilled Meat Skewers

Ingredients

In this Javanese adaptation of Sarajevski ćevapi, we replace the traditional Bosnian spices with Javanese flavors. The original dish features a blend of paprika, garlic, and black pepper, while the Javanese version incorporates turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, and lemongrass. Additionally, the Javanese-style grilled meat skewers are served with peanut sauce and steamed rice, which are typical accompaniments in Javanese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Sarajevski ćevapi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• For the peanut sauce: For the peanut sauce:
• 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts, finely ground 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts, finely ground
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 100ml (1/2 cup) water 100ml (1/2 cup) water
• For serving: For serving:
• Steamed rice Steamed rice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, lemongrass, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   While the skewers are grilling, prepare the peanut sauce. In a saucepan, combine the ground peanuts, minced garlic, sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, chili powder, and water. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
7. 7.
   Serve the Javanese-style grilled meat skewers with steamed rice and the peanut sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife before finely chopping it.
• Tamarind paste — If you can't find tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lime juice for a tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.
• For a spicier version, add chopped bird's eye chili to the marinade or peanut sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother peanut sauce, you can blend the ground peanuts with water before cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Javanese-style grilled meat skewers with steamed rice and a side of peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or fried shallots for added flavor and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, placing them diagonally for an attractive presentation. Drizzle some peanut sauce over the skewers and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or fried shallots. Serve the steamed rice in a separate bowl or on individual plates.