Spicy Sweet Chicken Satay: An English Recipe

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a flavor explosion? Today, we're going to make spicy sweet chicken satay, and I'm giving you the recipe in English! This dish is a fantastic blend of savory, spicy, and sweet, making it a guaranteed hit at any BBQ, potluck, or even just a regular weeknight dinner. So, grab your aprons, and let's get cooking!

What is Sate Ayam Pedas Manis?

Okay, let's break this down for those who might not be familiar. Sate Ayam simply means chicken satay in Indonesian and Malay. Now, pedas manis translates to spicy sweet. So, we're essentially talking about grilled chicken skewers marinated in a sauce that balances both heat and sweetness. Think of it as the ultimate flavor rollercoaster! The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, making it perfect for both those who love a fiery kick and those who prefer a milder taste. The combination of spices, sweet soy sauce, and a hint of citrus creates a truly unique and unforgettable flavor profile.

Sate, in general, is a widely popular dish in Southeast Asia, with each country and region boasting its own unique variations. From the peanut-based sauces of Indonesia to the pineapple-infused marinades of Thailand, the possibilities are endless. What sets sate ayam pedas manis apart is its emphasis on the interplay between heat and sweetness. This dynamic duo creates a truly addictive flavor that will keep you coming back for more. The dish is often served with a side of rice or lontong (compressed rice cake), allowing you to soak up all the delicious sauce. Garnish it with some fresh cucumber and red onion slices to add a refreshing crunch and balance out the richness of the satay. Whether you're a seasoned satay enthusiast or a curious newbie, sate ayam pedas manis is a must-try dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is pretty straightforward, and you might already have most of these in your pantry:

Chicken: About 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are preferred because they stay juicy and don't dry out as easily as chicken breasts, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
Skewers: Bamboo skewers. Remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

For the Marinade:

Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): 1/4 cup. This is the key to that sweet flavor. You can find it in most Asian grocery stores.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Adds a salty, umami depth.
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons. Brightens up the flavors and adds a tangy kick.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Because everything's better with garlic!
Ginger: 1 inch piece, grated. Adds a warm, aromatic note.
Chili Paste (Sambal Oelek): 1-2 tablespoons, depending on your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon. For color and a subtle earthy flavor.
Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds a warm, citrusy note.
Cumin Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. For a smoky, earthy depth.
Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon. Enhances the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons. Helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist.

For the Peanut Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended):

Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup. Smooth or crunchy, your choice!
Water: 1/4 cup. To thin out the sauce.
Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): 2 tablespoons. More sweetness!
Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon. For a tangy contrast.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. More garlic goodness.
Chili Paste (Sambal Oelek): 1/2 - 1 teaspoon, adjust to your spice level.
Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon. To balance the flavors.
Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon. A touch of saltiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get down to business! Follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying delicious sate ayam pedas manis in no time.

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to eat on skewers.
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Make sure everything is well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Soak the Skewers: While the chicken is marinating, soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.
Thread the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This will allow for even cooking.
Make the Peanut Sauce (Optional): While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the peanut butter, water, sweet soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, chili paste, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
Grill the Satay: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken satay for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
Serve: Remove the satay from the grill and serve immediately. Drizzle with the peanut sauce (if using) and garnish with fresh cucumber and red onion slices. Serve with rice or lontong for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sate Ayam Pedas Manis

Don't skip the marinating: Marinating is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderizing it. The longer you marinate, the better!
Control the heat: Adjust the amount of chili paste to your liking. If you're not a fan of spicy food, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Use the right cut of chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts and will stay juicier on the grill. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook them.
Soak the skewers: Soaking the bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill. Nobody wants burnt skewers!
Grill over medium heat: Grilling over medium heat ensures that the chicken cooks through without burning on the outside.
Don't overcrowd the grill: Leave enough space between the skewers so that the heat can circulate evenly.
Make the peanut sauce ahead of time: The peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you time on the day of grilling.
Get creative with the garnishes: Feel free to experiment with different garnishes, such as chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of cooking is that you can always adapt recipes to suit your own tastes and preferences. Here are a few variations and adaptations you can try with this sate ayam pedas manis recipe:

Vegetarian Satay: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version. Be sure to press the tofu or tempeh to remove excess water before marinating.
Seafood Satay: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or fish for a seafood twist. Marinate the seafood for a shorter amount of time, as it cooks much faster than chicken.
Different Spices: Experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, curry powder, or even some five-spice powder.
Sweetener Options: If you don't have brown sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even agave nectar as a substitute.
Nut-Free Peanut Sauce: If you have a peanut allergy, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as a substitute for peanut butter in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Sate ayam pedas manis is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As an appetizer: Serve the satay as a delicious and flavorful appetizer at your next party or gathering.
As a main course: Serve the satay with rice or lontong and a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
In a sandwich: Use the satay as a filling for a delicious and unique sandwich or wrap.
On a salad: Add the satay to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful boost.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A super easy and incredibly delicious sate ayam pedas manis recipe that you can make right at home. Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients; most of them are pantry staples, and the result is totally worth it. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavor-packed dish. Happy grilling, and enjoy your spicy sweet chicken satay! You'll be surprised at how quickly it becomes a family favorite. And hey, don't forget to share your creations with me – I'd love to see how they turn out! Happy cooking, everyone!