Thai food was an unexpected family favorite as a child. My father learned to cook Thai food when I was about 10 years old, from the chef at a small family run Thai food restaurant that we frequented. Lots of fond memories there. My Dad started making stir fry dishes, papaya salad, and sticky rice at home- we even had sticky rice balls in our lunches!
As my brother and I grew and left home, the favorite choice for family meet ups with my father was a Thai food restaurant named Chars. It was delicious, but the memories we all had together there were the best. One of my go-to dishes was the chicken satay with the sweet cucumber relish and peanut sauce, so I decided to give it a go at home- and I am so happy I did! This recipe is legit and gives you all the delicious flavors you would get in any Thai restaurant.
Satay is a great appetizer or pair for a meal with jasmine rice, and grilled pineapple for a fresh and delicious side.
I followed this recipe for the Satay: Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce - Damn Delicious, however substituted the chicken thighs for chicken breast for a lower cholesterol and saturated fat option.
There are a few ingredients that you may not have on hand, so may need to plan ahead. They are easy to find, just may not be a home staple. Here are the less common ingredients you will need:
Coconut milk
Yellow Curry Powder
Turmeric
Fish Sauce
Fresh Ginger
I used store bought peanut sauce, but there is also a recipe included for that as well.
1. First step is to cube and marinate the chicken:
2. Once marinated- I recommend at least a couple of hours to maximize flavor, assemble the kabobs and grill. For a fun fresh side, slice fresh pineapple and put on the grill as well.
To me, it is not satay without Ajaad! If you are not familiar, it is the cold, sweet cucumber relish that pairs perfectly with flavors of the satay- and turns out it is very easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. You can make this while the chicken is marinating, cover, and refrigerate till ready to eat.
Ajaad - Sweet Cucumber Relish
1. In a small bowl, add the following ingredients:
1/2 red onion diced (shallots are another option)
1 large cucumber diced
1/2 - 1 jalapeno diced
Next combine the following in a small saucepan, and heat on medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
Once the sugar is dissolved, add 1/2 cup of rice vinegar, and stir. Continuing heating and stirring for a few minutes until the mixture starts to thicken a bit. Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl to let cool. Once cooled, pour over the diced vegetables and mix thoroughly. Thats it! You are ready to serve.
Nutritional Notes:
Chicken Breast vs Thighs - https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/cholesterol-in-chicken
Coconut Milk: Coconut Milk: Health Benefits and Uses (healthline.com)
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