Who doesn’t love Madura satay? This iconic Indonesian dish is famous for its rich peanut sauce, tender meat, and irresistible smoky aroma. Made from small pieces of chicken, beef, or lamb skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal, Madura satay stands out due to its unique seasoning and marinade.
If you want to try making Madura satay at home, don’t worry! This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees tender, flavorful satay with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Below, you'll find the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and essential tips to help you make authentic Madura-style satay just like the ones sold by street vendors.
Ingredients for Madura Satay
Main Ingredients:
- 500 grams of chicken meat (can be substituted with beef or lamb), cut into small cubes
- 15-20 skewers, soaked in water to prevent burning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
Peanut Sauce Ingredients:
- 150 grams roasted peanuts, ground
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 shallots
- 2 large red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tbsp grated palm sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 200 ml hot water
Side Dishes:
- Lontong (rice cakes) or steamed rice
- Fried shallots
- Sweet soy sauce sambal (chopped bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and sweet soy sauce)
How to Make Delicious Madura Satay
1. Marinate the Meat for Maximum Flavor
To enhance the taste, marinate the meat before grilling. Mix the meat cubes with salt, ground coriander, black pepper, and lime juice. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb. After marinating, skewer the meat onto the bamboo sticks.
2. Preparing the Signature Peanut Sauce
The peanut sauce is the highlight of Madura satay. Blend the roasted peanuts with shallots, garlic, and red chilies until smooth. Sauté the mixture in a little oil until fragrant, then add kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, salt, and hot water. Simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens and reaches the desired consistency.
3. Grilling the Satay to Perfection
Preheat the grill or charcoal fire, then brush the satay with sweet soy sauce to enhance its caramelized flavor. Grill the satay while turning it frequently to ensure even cooking. Occasionally, baste the satay with the peanut sauce to add depth to the flavor. The grilling process takes about 10-15 minutes until the meat turns golden brown and is cooked through.
Tips for Making the Best Madura Satay
1. Choose High-Quality Meat
For the most tender and juicy satay, use chicken thigh meat or beef tenderloin, as they cook quickly and remain succulent.
2. Marinate for a Longer Time
For a more intense flavor, marinate the meat for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator before grilling.
3. Use Medium Heat While Grilling
Avoid using high heat, as it can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked. Flip the satay frequently and baste with peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Madura Satay
Madura satay is best enjoyed with lontong (rice cakes) or warm steamed rice. Sprinkle some crispy fried shallots on top for extra aroma and crunch. If you love spicy food, serve it with sambal made from chopped bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and sweet soy sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Making Madura satay at home is easier than you think! By following this recipe, you can create juicy, flavorful satay with an authentic peanut sauce that captures the true taste of Madura. Serve it as a special meal for your family or a delicious dish for gatherings with friends. Give it a try, and enjoy your homemade Madura satay!