Saté

Saté – flavorful Surinamese grilled skewers
Suriname
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Saté is a beloved street food in Suriname, featuring marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. This dish showcases the rich blend of Indonesian and Creole influences in Surinamese cuisine, often enjoyed at festive gatherings and food markets. Perfect for sharing, Saté brings people together over delicious flavors.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketjap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) or dark soy sauce with a bit of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
  • For the Peanut Sauce:
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketjap manis
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder (optional, for heat)
  • Water (as needed to thin the sauce)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketjap manis, vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground black pepper.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer for more flavor.

Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, ketjap manis, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground chili powder (if using).

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The sauce should be thick but pourable.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.

Cook the Saté

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve

Serve the saté hot with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saté?

Saté is a dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat, typically served with a rich peanut sauce or marinade. It is known for its smoky flavor and tender texture.

Where does Saté come from?

While Saté has Indonesian origins, it has become a staple in Suriname, where it reflects the country's multicultural culinary heritage.

What are the main ingredients in Saté?

Key ingredients include chicken, soy sauce, ketjap manis, garlic, ginger, and various spices.

How long does Saté take to make?

Saté takes approximately 53-70 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Saté?

Saté is commonly served with rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or a spicy peanut sauce for dipping.