Singapore Satay Chicken Skewers (Satay Ayam)

satay ayam

Singapore Satay Chicken Skewers, also known as Satay Ayam, are a popular street food that perfectly embodies the rich culinary heritage of Singapore.

These skewers feature juicy chunks of marinated chicken, grilled to golden perfection, and served with a luscious peanut sauce. The marinade, infused with soy sauce, oyster sauce, turmeric, coriander, and cumin, imparts a robust flavour to the chicken, making each bite a delightful explosion of taste. Served on a banana leaf with fresh salad greens, this dish offers a beautiful blend of textures and colours, reminiscent of the vibrant food stalls lining the streets of Singapore.

This recipe captures the essence of Singaporean street food, bringing a taste of Southeast Asia to your home. The peanut sauce, made with roasted peanuts, coconut milk, and a hint of red curry paste, adds a rich and creamy complement to the succulent chicken skewers. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for an exotic dish to impress your guests, these Singapore Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the authentic flavours of Singapore with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Singapore Satay Chicken Skewers (Satay Ayam)

    Ingredients

    For the Chicken Skewers

    • 500 gram chicken breast (cut into large chunks)
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon coriander (ground)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin (ground)
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

    For the Peanut Sauce

    For Serving

    • banana leaves (optional)
    • mixed salad greens

    Instructions

    For the Chicken Skewers

    1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, turmeric powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, minced garlic, and vegetable oil.
    2. Add the chicken chunks to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
    3. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Preheat a grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown colour.

    For the Peanut Sauce

    1. If using whole roasted peanuts, finely chop or grind them in a food processor.
    2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste (or lime juice), and red curry paste. Stir well.
    3. Stir in the chopped or ground peanuts and sesame seeds (if using). Add water to reach your desired consistency. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
    4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

    To Serve

    1. Arrange banana leaves on a serving platter. Place the grilled chicken skewers on top of the banana leaves.
    2. Serve skewers on top of or with a side of mixed salad greens.
    3. Pour the peanut sauce into a small bowl and serve alongside the chicken skewers.

    Nutritional Information

    • Per serving
    • Energy: 556 kcal / 2324 kJ
    • Fat: 36.5 g
    • Protein: 38.2 g
    • Carbs: 39.8 g