Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Southeast Asian Classic

Few dishes capture the essence of Southeast Asian street food quite like beef satay with peanut sauce. Tender, marinated beef skewers grilled to perfection and served with a creamy, nutty, slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce—it’s a combination that’s both bold and comforting.

I first tasted satay while wandering through a bustling night market in Kuala Lumpur. The smoky aroma of skewered meats sizzling over charcoal drew me in instantly. The beef satay was juicy, fragrant with spices, and paired beautifully with the rich peanut sauce that balanced sweet, savory, and spicy notes. That unforgettable experience inspired me to recreate beef satay at home, and it has since become a go-to recipe for barbecues, family dinners, and even weeknight meals.

What Is Beef Satay?

Satay is a Southeast Asian dish of skewered and grilled meat, widely enjoyed in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. While chicken and lamb are popular, beef satay has its own distinct appeal—meaty, hearty, and perfect for absorbing the flavors of a rich marinade.

The dish is traditionally served with a peanut sauce (satay sauce), cucumber slices, onions, and sometimes rice cakes (ketupat). The magic lies in the marinade: aromatic spices, soy sauce, lemongrass, and garlic infuse the beef with deep flavor before grilling.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce Recipe

• Bold Southeast Asian flavors – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy.

• Juicy, tender beef – Thanks to a flavorful marinade and quick grilling.

• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for barbecues, parties, and family meals.

• Homemade peanut sauce – Creamy, nutty, and better than takeout.

• Versatile – Can be served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack.

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Ingredients for Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon lemongrass paste)

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon chili paste or Sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ teaspoon grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

For Serving:

• Fresh cucumber slices

• Red onion wedges

• Steamed rice or rice cakes (ketupat)

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, coriander, turmeric, and chili flakes.

2. Add beef slices, coating well in the marinade.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. Thread marinated beef slices onto skewers.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili paste, coconut milk, garlic, and ginger.

2. Stir over medium heat until smooth and creamy.

3. Adjust consistency with water if too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lime for tang, sugar for sweetness, or chili for spice).

Step 4: Grill the Satay

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. Brush grill lightly with oil.

3. Grill skewers 2–3 minutes per side until beef is cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 5: Serve

1. Arrange beef satay on a platter.

2. Serve with peanut sauce, cucumber slices, onions, and steamed rice.

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Serving Suggestions

Beef satay is best enjoyed fresh off the grill with sides that complement its bold flavors:

• Traditional accompaniments – Peanut sauce, cucumber, onion, and rice cakes.

• With steamed rice or fried rice – Makes it a complete meal.

• As an appetizer – Serve skewers with dipping sauce at parties.

• In wraps – Use flatbreads or tortillas for a fusion-style wrap.

For drinks, pair with Thai iced tea, iced lime water, or a crisp lager.

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Tips for the Best Beef Satay

• Slice beef thinly – Thin strips cook quickly and absorb marinade better.

• Marinate long enough – At least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for deeper flavor.

• Use high heat – A hot grill ensures caramelization and smoky char.

• Don’t overcrowd the grill – Gives each skewer room to cook evenly.

• Serve hot – Satay tastes best fresh off the grill.

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Variations of Beef Satay

This dish is versatile and can be adapted in many ways:

• Chicken Satay – Swap beef for chicken thighs or breasts.

• Lamb Satay – A richer version with bold flavor.

• Spicy Satay – Increase chili paste or add fresh chilies to the marinade.

• Vegan Satay – Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef.

• Gluten-free Satay – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Marinade ahead – Beef can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance.

• Refrigerator – Store leftover cooked skewers for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Freeze marinated raw beef skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling.

• Peanut sauce – Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook satay without a grill?
Yes, you can cook satay on a stovetop grill pan, under the broiler, or even bake in the oven at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.

What cut of beef is best for satay?
Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye works best since they stay tender when grilled.

Is peanut sauce spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on the amount of chili paste you add.

Can I make this nut-free?
Yes. Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar creamy texture.

How do I keep skewers juicy?
Avoid overcooking and marinate long enough to lock in moisture.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 460

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fat: 30g

• Fiber: 3g

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Conclusion

Beef satay with peanut sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. Juicy, marinated beef grilled to smoky perfection, paired with a creamy, nutty sauce, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and full of character. It’s no wonder satay has become a beloved street food across Southeast Asia and beyond.

This recipe is perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s guaranteed to impress every time.

So fire up the grill, whip up that luscious peanut sauce, and bring the flavors of Southeast Asia right into your kitchen.

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