Saté Ajam
Chicken skewers in peanut sauce. Often mentioned in reviews.
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, including Saté Ajam, emerged in Indonesia, likely influenced by Arab traders and Indian cuisine. Indonesian cooks adapted the concept of skewered and grilled meats, incorporating local spices and the now-signature peanut sauce. It quickly became a popular street food and restaurant dish, spreading throughout Southeast Asia.
Saté Ajam is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culinary culture, representing accessibility, communal eating, and celebration.
Street Food Staple
Saté Ajam is a ubiquitous street food, sold by vendors from mobile carts and small stalls across Indonesia. It's a quick, affordable, and delicious meal enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Celebratory Dish
Saté is often served during celebrations, festivals, and gatherings. It's a dish that brings people together and is associated with joy and festivity.
Regional Variations
While the basic concept of satay remains consistent, regional variations exist in the marinade, peanut sauce ingredients, and accompanying condiments. For example, some regions may use a spicier peanut sauce or add different spices to the chicken marinade.
Symbol of Indonesian Cuisine
Saté is one of Indonesia's most iconic dishes, representing the country's rich culinary heritage and diverse flavors on the world stage.
Saté Ajam features a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, smoky, and nutty flavors. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and slightly spicy mixture, grilled to perfection, and then generously coated in a rich and complex peanut sauce.
The savory notes come from the marinated chicken, typically using soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes turmeric. The sweetness is imparted by kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). The grilling process adds a smoky char to the chicken. The peanut sauce is the star, composed of ground roasted peanuts, chili peppers (for heat), garlic, shallots, galangal, kecap manis, lime juice, and sometimes candlenuts for added richness. The combination of these ingredients creates a deeply flavorful and satisfying experience.
Marinating Matters
Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. This will result in more flavorful and tender chicken skewers.
Peanut Sauce Perfection
Roast the peanuts before grinding them to enhance their flavor and aroma. Adjust the chili peppers in the peanut sauce to your desired level of spiciness. Adding a touch of tamarind paste can provide a pleasant tanginess.
Grilling Technique
Grill the chicken over medium heat to prevent it from burning on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. Basting the chicken with the marinade during grilling will keep it moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Saté Ajam with lontong (compressed rice cakes), ketupat (rice dumplings), or steamed rice. Garnish with sliced shallots, bird's eye chili peppers, and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor and visual appeal.
Consistency of peanut sauce
The peanut sauce should be smooth and thick enough to coat the satay without being too clumpy. Add water gradually to thin it, if necessary.
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