The Rich Tradition of Indonesian Beef Satay
Indonesian beef satay with peanut sauce is one of the country’s most beloved dishes, known for its bold, aromatic flavours. Traditionally cooked over charcoal, this dish boasts a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savoury notes. The marinade, packed with garlic, ginger, and kecap manis, deeply infuses the beef with incredible taste, while the peanut sauce adds a rich and nutty finish.
Perfect for grilling season, this beef satay pairs beautifully with Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables with Feta or Greek Lemon Herb Rice. If you are looking for a dipping sauce alternative, try it with Zesty Lemon and Tahini Sauce.
Classic Indonesian Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
For the beef satay
- 500 g steak sirloin, cut into cubes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger fresh, grated
- 2 tbsp kecap manis sweet soy sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp coriander ground
- 1 tsp cumin ground
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp black pepper ground
For the peanut sauce
- 150 g peanuts roasted, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red chilli smal, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp kecap manis
- 200 ml coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar brown
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Preparing the beef satay
- In a bowl, combine garlic, ginger, kecap manis, soy sauce, lime juice, oil, and spices. Mix well.
- Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavour.
- Thread the marinated beef onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
Making the peanut sauce
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and chilli, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground peanuts, soy sauce, kecap manis, and coconut milk. Mix well.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add lime juice, brown sugar, and salt. Stir and adjust seasoning to taste.
Cooking the satay
- Preheat a grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until the beef is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with the peanut sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
For a full Indonesian-inspired meal, serve these beef satay skewers with Soft Fluffy Pita Breads or Garlic Butter Flatbreads. Pair them with Spiced Roasted Sweet Potatoes for an extra flavour boost.
This Indonesian beef satay is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual barbecue or a festive gathering. With its rich marinade and creamy peanut sauce, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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