Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Indonesia with this mouthwatering Sate Kai Chicken Satay recipe! Imagine tender, juicy chicken cubes infused with a tantalizing blend of coconut milk, curry powder, and zesty lime, grilled to perfection and promising to make your dinner guests absolutely swoon. This isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary adventure that brings the exotic flavors of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen, with a simplicity that will shock even novice home cooks!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indonesian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Skewers, for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat from the thighs and cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, lime juice, and brown sugar to create a marinade. The mixture should have a smooth, consistent texture.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-3 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure all sides are evenly charred and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
- Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
- Serve hot with traditional accompaniments like peanut sauce, cucumber salad, or steamed rice.
Tips
- Marination is KEY: Don't rush the marinating process. While 30 minutes works, letting the chicken sit for 2-3 hours will dramatically enhance the flavor depth.
- Skewer Smart: Leave a small gap between chicken pieces on skewers to ensure even heat distribution and perfect charring.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F - this guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Wooden Skewer Hack: Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Rest Your Meat: Allow the grilled skewers to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute those delicious juices.Pro tip: Serve with homemade peanut sauce or a fresh cucumber salad to elevate your Sate Kai from great to absolutely extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
