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Beef Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

A delicious combination of grilled marinated beef skewers served with a rich and creamy homemade Thai peanut sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Satay
  • 1 lb beef top sirloin Choose a good-quality cut for tenderness
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk For basting
  • 30 6-inch bamboo skewers Soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
  • 4 slices white bread Optional—great for serving
For the Marinade
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds Toasted for stronger flavor
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds Toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons lemongrass Thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons galangal Chopped, optional, but highly recommended
  • 1 inch fresh turmeric This gives vibrant color
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar Or granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2/3 cup coconut milk
For the Peanut Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped palm sugar Or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
For Ajaad (Pickled Cucumber Relish)
  • 1/2 cup quartered and sliced cucumber
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced shallots
  • 8 slices Thai chilies or jalapeños Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by cutting the beef into 1/4-inch thick slices against the grain. Then dice each slice into small, bite-sized pieces and place them into a mixing bowl.
  2. For the marinade, grind the coriander, cumin, and black peppercorns until fine. Add the lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, cinnamon, sugar, salt, vinegar, and coconut milk. Mix thoroughly and pour this aromatic blend over the sliced beef.
  3. Massage the marinade into the meat for a few minutes, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour (the longer, the better!).
Prepare the Peanut Sauce
  1. While the beef is marinating, grind the roasted peanuts and sesame seeds into a fine meal in a food processor.
  2. In a pot over medium-low heat, warm 1/4 cup of coconut milk, then add the red curry paste and cook for about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the remaining coconut milk, ground peanuts, fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind paste. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes until thick.
Make Ajaad
  1. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, and salt to make the pickling liquid. Stir until dissolved then let cool.
  2. Once cooled, toss in cucumber, shallots, and chilies. Set aside.
Grill the Beef
  1. Skewer the marinated beef pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium heat and brush each skewer with coconut milk to keep them moist while cooking.
  3. Grill each skewer for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking. Look for beautiful charred markings!
Serve
  1. Mix the pickled cucumber mixture with the pickling liquid right before serving.
  2. Present the beef satay with a side of the peanut sauce and Ajaad for dunking.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Marinate overnight if time allows.