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Grilled Pork Satay with Peanut Sauce

A celebration of flavors with grilled pork skewers marinated in spices and served with a creamy peanut sauce and refreshing cucumber relish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Indonesian, Southeast Asian, Thai
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 1 lb pork loin, cut into 2 cm thick chops
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk for basting
  • Small bamboo skewers, soaked in water
For the Marinade
  • 1 1/2 tsp coriander seeds, toasted
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 tsp white peppercorns
  • 1 Tbsp lemongrass, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp minced galangal
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh turmeric or 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground clove
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/3 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp Thai red curry paste
For the Peanut Sauce
  • 1 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 2 Tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
  • 1 to 2 tsp fish sauce
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped palm sugar
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp tamarind paste
For the Vegetable Relish (Ajaad)
  • 1/2 cup quartered and sliced cucumber
  • 1 Tbsp thinly sliced shallots
  • 8 to 10 slices spur chilies
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • A pinch of salt
Optional
  • 4 slices white bread for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the pork chops down the length of the fatty rind and slice each piece into small rectangles to maximize the marinade's absorption.
  2. Grind coriander, cumin seeds, and white peppercorns until fine. Then, add minced galangal, finely chopped lemongrass, and fresh turmeric. Pound until they reach a fine consistency.
  3. Now, add turmeric powder, cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, salt, vinegar, coconut milk, and water; stir until smooth.
  4. Pour this vibrant marinade over the pork pieces. Massage gently to ensure each piece is coated, then cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes (though overnight is even better for deep flavor).
  5. In a food processor, grind the peanuts and sesame seeds into a fine meal. In a pot, reduce 1/4 cup of coconut milk and then add curry paste, cooking for about 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the remaining coconut milk, ground peanuts, ground sesame seeds, fish sauce, palm sugar, and tamarind juice. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. In a separate pot, combine vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves, then let cool.
  8. In a bowl, mix cucumber, shallots, and chilies. Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over them and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Grilling
  1. Preheat your grill to medium. Skewer the marinated pork pieces, brushing with coconut milk.
  2. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until the meat reaches a nice char.
  3. Plate those mouthwatering satay skewers alongside your creamy peanut sauce and refreshing ajaad.
  4. Optionally, serve toasted slices of white bread for some added comfort.

Notes

You can make the pork a day in advance for deeper flavor. Leftover satay can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.