If you’re a fan of Southeast Asian street food, Thai satay is a must-try! These flavorful, tender skewers of marinated meat are a staple at markets and festivals across Thailand. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate authentic Thai satay right in your own kitchen — complete with a rich, savory peanut sauce and fragrant jasmine rice.

Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or just craving a taste of Thailand, this recipe will bring vibrant flavors straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Satay

• Authentic flavor: Traditional Thai spices and marinades.
• Flexible: Works with chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu.
• Perfect for parties: Fun, hand-held food that everyone loves.
• Make-ahead friendly: Marinate in advance and grill when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• ¼ cup fresh or frozen minced lemongrass
• 2 shallots (or ¼ of a small onion), sliced
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1–2 fresh red chilies (or ½–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal or ginger, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 tablespoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar (yes, all of it!)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Meat:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced

For Serving:

• Thai peanut dipping sauce
• Steamed jasmine rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a food processor or blender, combine lemongrass, shallots, garlic, chilies, galangal, turmeric, coriander, cumin, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Blend until you have a smooth, aromatic paste.

Tip: Taste the marinade — it should be sweet, salty, and a little spicy. Adjust with more sugar or fish sauce to balance the flavors to your liking.

2. Marinate the Meat

Place the sliced chicken in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, reserving a small amount for basting later. Mix well, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or for maximum flavor, overnight.

3. Skewer the Chicken

Before threading the chicken onto wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving about one-third of the skewer free as a handle.

4. Grill the Satay

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade once during grilling.
The satay should have a beautiful char and be cooked through — juicy, not dry.

Alternative: If using an oven, broil the skewers on a foil-lined tray about 3 inches from the heat for about 5 minutes per side.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange the satay on a platter with a side of Thai peanut dipping sauce and fluffy jasmine rice.
For a special twist, serve it with coconut rice or a Thai cucumber salad.

Pro Tips for Perfect Thai Satay

• Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemongrass and galangal give the most authentic flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Sugar: The brown sugar helps caramelize the meat and balances the salty and spicy notes.
• Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure they grill at the same rate.
• Double Batch: This satay is always a crowd-pleaser — make extra!

Common Questions

Can I use other meats?

Absolutely! Beef, pork, or even tofu can be marinated and grilled the same way.

How long should I marinate?

At least 2 hours is needed, but marinating overnight gives deeper flavor.

Is Thai satay spicy?

It’s mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chilies.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Approximate values)

• Calories: 789 kcal
• Fat: 46g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 71g

Final Thoughts

Making authentic Thai satay at home is easier than you think — and the results are absolutely mouthwatering.
The tender, juicy skewers infused with fragrant Thai spices, dipped in creamy peanut sauce, will transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok.

Try this recipe for your next gathering or even just a weeknight treat, and bring a taste of Thailand to your table!

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