Saté ajam
Chicken satay
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Satay's origins are believed to be rooted in Javanese cuisine, influenced by Middle Eastern kebab brought by Arab and Indian traders. It evolved into a distinct Indonesian dish, incorporating local spices and peanut sauce, becoming widely popular throughout the archipelago and beyond.
Saté Ajam is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, enjoyed as street food, at restaurants, and during celebrations, reflecting the country's diverse culinary heritage and social gatherings.
Street Food Staple
Saté Ajam is a ubiquitous street food, sold by vendors from pushcarts (kaki lima) throughout Indonesia. The aroma of grilling satay is a familiar and comforting part of the Indonesian street scene.
Social Gathering Food
Satay is often served at gatherings and celebrations, such as weddings, Eid al-Fitr, and Independence Day festivities, symbolizing togetherness and shared enjoyment.
Regional Variations
While Saté Ajam is the most common type, numerous regional variations exist across Indonesia, featuring different meats, marinades, and peanut sauce recipes, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of the archipelago.
Saté Ajam offers a complex flavor profile characterized by savory grilled chicken, sweet and nutty peanut sauce, and aromatic spices.
The chicken is typically marinated in a blend of spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic, and ginger, giving it a warm, earthy, and slightly pungent flavor. Grilling over charcoal imparts a smoky char. The peanut sauce, the defining element, provides sweetness from palm sugar, savory notes from peanuts, a hint of chili spice, and often a touch of shrimp paste (terasi/belacan) for umami. Lime juice or tamarind pulp adds a refreshing tang, balancing the richness.
Marinating Time
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful satay.
Grilling Technique
Grill the satay over medium heat to ensure the chicken is cooked through without burning. Baste the skewers with a little oil or marinade while grilling to keep them moist.
Peanut Sauce Consistency
Adjust the consistency of the peanut sauce by adding more water or broth as needed. It should be thick enough to coat the satay but not too thick that it becomes difficult to dip.
Peanut Sauce Freshness
Roast the peanuts before grinding them for the peanut sauce. This brings out the nutty flavour. Using fresh, good-quality peanuts is crucial for the best-tasting sauce. Store bought peanut butter is generally not recommended.
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