Sate Madura with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast or beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast or beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced 1 shallot, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• For the peanut sauce: For the peanut sauce:
• 150g (1 cup) roasted peanuts, unsalted 150g (1 cup) roasted peanuts, unsalted
• 2 cloves garlic 2 cloves garlic
• 1 shallot 1 shallot
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar 2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 200ml (3/4 cup) water 200ml (3/4 cup) water
• For serving: For serving:
• Steamed rice Steamed rice
• Cucumber slices Cucumber slices
• Shallot slices Shallot slices

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sweet soy sauce, minced garlic, minced shallot, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, brown sugar, salt, and chili powder (if using). Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken or beef pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce. In a blender or food processor, blend the roasted peanuts, garlic, shallot, palm sugar, tamarind paste, salt, chili powder (if using), and water until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
6. 6.
   Serve the Sate Madura skewers with steamed rice, cucumber slices, shallot slices, and a generous drizzle of the peanut sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken or beef — Ensure that the meat is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If using chicken, choose boneless and skinless chicken breast for the best results.
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) — Look for this Indonesian condiment in Asian grocery stores or online. If unavailable, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar.
• Tamarind paste — Tamarind paste adds a tangy flavor to the peanut sauce. If you can't find tamarind paste, you can use lime juice as a substitute, but the taste will be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the meat to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Baste the skewers with the marinade while grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
• For a spicier peanut sauce, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother peanut sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any coarse bits.
• Leftover peanut sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a dip or dressing for other dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Sate Madura skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Place the peanut sauce in a separate bowl for dipping or drizzle it over the skewers for a more indulgent experience. Accompany the dish with steamed rice, cucumber slices, and shallot slices for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers in a visually appealing manner on the platter, with the vibrant colors of the meat and garnishes contrasting against the peanut sauce. Consider using banana leaves or other decorative elements to enhance the presentation and evoke the traditional Indonesian aesthetic.