Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce

Satay is a brilliant way to transform budget cuts of protein, which are usually tougher and less flavorful, into a delicious dish. This beef satay with peanut sauce recipe involves soaking skirt steak in a rich curry coconut marinade. Then, it’s grilled to add smoky and charred notes. Finally, the skewers are topped with a creamy and aromatic sauce that’s so irresistible that you’ll want to keep spooning it on top.

Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce Ingredients

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• Strip steak: We use strip steak for this beef satay recipe because it’s a cost-effective cut of meat that absorbs a lot of flavor from the marinade and sauce.
• Marinade:  Marinate the skirt steak in coconut milk, sugar, curry paste, curry powder, baking soda and salt to add depths of flavor to this beef satay.
• Peanut sauce: To create an ultra-creamy and aromatic topping, we make a sauce out of coconut milk, peanut butter, curry paste, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, lemongrass and water.
• Garnishes: We garnish this beef satay with fresh lime juice, dry roasted peanuts and cilantro.

Directions

Step 1: Make the peanut sauce

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Whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, curry paste, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and lemongrass in a small bowl. Then mix in the water to thin the marinade, as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the beef satay marinade

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Whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, curry paste, curry powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Then, add the skirt steak and toss to coat. Cover; refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.

Step 3: Assemble the beef skewers

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Thread the strip steak pieces onto 16 soaked wooden skewers. Then, grill the skewers covered over medium-high heat until the beef reaches the desired doneness, about six to eight minutes. Turn the meat occasionally.

Editor’s Tip: For medium-rare beef satay, your thermometer should read 135°F.  Medium doneness should read 140°, and medium-well should read 145°.

Step 4: Coat the beef satay in peanut sauce

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Transfer the beef satay to a plate and drizzle with peanut sauce. Sprinkle the peanuts and cilantro and garnish with lime wedges.

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Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy: Kick up the heat in this beef satay recipe by adding minced serranos or bird’s eye chili.
• Swap the vinegar: Instead of white vinegar, use apple cider to infuse earthy flavors into this beef satay recipe.
• Use a pungent soy sauce: Tamari is a thicker and rich-tasting soy sauce that will infuse deep notes of umami into this recipe.

How to Store Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce

Allow your beef satay with peanut sauce to cool and come to room temperature. Then, divide it into smaller portions and store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers for three to four days.

Can you make this recipe for beef satay with peanut sauce ahead of time?

This beef satay with peanut sauce is ideal for a fun dinner party. Follow the recipe and keep the skirt steak uncooked yet marinating in the fridge for up to a day. You can grill it fresh for your guests when you’re ready to eat.

Can you freeze this beef satay?

You can freeze this beef satay with peanut sauce for two to three months. Storing it in a large freezer-friendly bag makes it easier to reheat the dish. You can pop it in the oven to reheat it.

How long does this beef satay recipe last?

You can store beef satay with peanut sauce in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for two to three months.

Satay Beef Tips

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What other kinds of meat can you use to make satay?

Satay simply translates to grilled skewers of protein. While this recipe leans on strip steak, you can easily try this recipe with chicken thighs, shrimp or tofu.

What type of curry powder should I use in this recipe?

There are countless types of curry powder from various cultures. Depending on the kind you get, some have spicier notes like those from Jamaica. Others may have more earthy flavors, such as Maharajah curry powder, an Indian spice blend. When in doubt, try checking out a spice shop to taste-test and find one you like.

What can I serve alongside this beef satay with peanut sauce?

This beef satay with peanut sauce packs rich, aromatic and creamy flavors. It’ll pair deliciously with a zesty side like Thai-inspired green beans, udon noodles with a pineapple vinaigrette or a three-pepper slaw.