BeefCuisineDips and SaucesGrilledKoreanMainsMeatQuick & Easy

Beef Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

20 mins Cook
Scroll to recipe
NomNom Recipes 14 2

Beef satay is one of those staple dishes in Thai restaurants. If you want something, do it at home! ! You’ll love how the cut of beef is economical and so juicy you’ll swear it’s premium meat. These skewers are so good you could eat them as is, but no one can pass up Thai peanut sauce!
Important note: They are great for grilling, or even better, grilling over charcoal for a truly authentic Thai experience.

Thai Peanut Sauce
Beef Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce-NomNomWow

Thai Beef Satay

When I eat at Thai restaurants I tend to use the chicken satay menu because I know it’s hard to go wrong with chicken. Beef satay, on the other hand, can be a serious fluke. Bald, tough, dry beef is a very common adverb.

To experience the authentic taste of beef satay, it is best to make it yourself. It’s easy to do, cheaper, and you know it will be a hit!

What brand is this? These are juicy pieces of beef that are first marinated in satay seasoning. They are then placed on a hot pan to char the outer skin while keeping the inside nice and pink.
To serve, accompany the skewers with a bowl of rich and creamy Thai peanut sauce, perfect with these smoky lollipops.

The secret for tenderising beef: baking soda / bi-carb

This beef shatu recipe is a bit special because it includes an easy way to use baking soda/baking soda to tenderize tougher cuts of beef so they become juicier. Marinate the carpaccio overnight in a bechamel with a little baking soda (only 1/2 teaspoon for 600g of beef) and cook as usual.

Baking soda magically loosens fibers from meat, making beef more tender without changing the texture of the beef itself. It is based on a method called velvet which is used in Chinese restaurants.
Here is the velvet recipe detailing the technique. The Chinese method works for thinner strips of beef, uses more baking soda, and a shorter marinating time (about 40 minutes to 1 hour). Baking soda is also rinsed off before cooking. The result is a soft “velvet”-like texture, hence the name.

However, for these Thai beef sausages, I really wanted to keep the original texture of the beef, so I used less baking soda and marinated overnight.
The amount is too small to taste.

The result? The juicy cuts of beef you swear by are premium cuts! As a bonus, it’s also nearly impossible to overcook beef with baking soda.

Ingredients in Thai Beef Satay

In this section, I have separated the ingredients as follows:

  • Beef Satay Marinade and
  • Thai Peanut Sauce.

1. INGREDIENTS FOR BEEF SATAY MARINADE WITH TENDERISER

Here are the ingredients needed for the beef and sausage marinade:

A quick look at some of the ingredients:

  • Beef – I like to use rump steak (porter sirloin equivalent to American sirloin) which I then tenderize with baking soda/double carbs as described in the previous section. This is a moderately priced, premium cut of beef that has a good meaty flavor and retains its neat cube shape when cooked. However, it can be a little hard, so soaking it in baking soda overnight to soften it is perfect.
  • Feel free to use more expensive and tender cuts of beef such as boneless tenderloins/ribs. If you do, skip the baking soda, as there’s clearly no benefit to tenderizing the beef further.
    Be careful not to overcook!
  • Baking Soda/Double Carbs – As mentioned in the previous section, baking soda/double carbs are the magic ingredient for tenderizing the toughest cuts of beef in this recipe;
  • Thai Red Curry Paste – It’s Thai An essential key seasoning in stir fries, beef marinades and peanut sauces, as it’s high in umami (a nerd term for savory). You can make your own curry paste, but since this recipe only calls for 3 tbsp, I tend to only use store-bought.
  • The brand of red curry paste that I recommend is Maesri, as shown in the image below. It comes in small boxes and is very inexpensive (around $1).
    25) It is available in major Australian grocery stores (Coles, Woolworths, Harris Farms) as well as Asian grocery stores. The taste is much better (in my opinion) than other traditional curry pastes.
  • Coconut Milk – Not all coconut milks are created equal. Cheaper brands are diluted with water and contain less coconut, as well as less coconut flavor and fat. I recommend the Ayam brand which is 89% coconut extract (some other brands are as low as 53%!) You can use low fat coconut milk but I won’t tolerate it!
  • Leftover Coconut Milk – This recipe doesn’t use the whole can, so if you’re not using the leftovers right away, freeze them.
    Otherwise, click here for other coconut milk recipes.
  • Curry Powder – Curry powder is another flavoring used in casseroles. It is a background fragrance, so there is no need to use a specific type. Any generic “curry powder” will do here. I use Clives or Keens (mild, not hot).

2. THAI PEANUT SAUCE

This is the restaurant-style Thai peanut sauce for you!

  • Red Curry Paste – This is a key ingredient in Thai Peanut Sauce, so I really encourage you to try the Maesri brand recommended in the previous section! But if you can’t do that, any Thai red curry paste you can find will do;
  • Natural Peanut Butter – This peanut butter is often sold in the health food aisle of grocery stores. It differs from consumer products because it contains no added sugar, salt or other preservatives. It also has a stronger peanut flavor and is runnier than sweet peanut butters such as Kraft or Bega. This means better flavor for the sauce and gives the sauce the right consistency.
    Commercial peanut butter spreads, on the other hand, are thicker and less peanut flavored. So you have to use more to get the same flavor, which makes the sauce thicker than ideally. That said, store-bought peanut butter works great as a substitute!
  • Dark Soy – Add salt to the sauce to make it darker. Otherwise, you can also use light soy sauce or all-purpose soy sauce.
    The sauce will be a little lighter;
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – lots of options here, we just need a vinegar to add to the broth to balance out the taste of the sauce;
  • Coconut milk – the main liquid in Thai peanut sauce. As with marinades, a good brand high in coconut is what you want (check the label for ingredients). I use Ayam. Don’t tell me low fat coconut milk!

How to make Thai Beef Satay

1. THAI PEANUT SAUCE

Peanut butter is a quick job and slow cooker:

  • Place all ingredients in medium saucepan over medium-low heat; and
  • simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from sticking.

Like I said, this is an easy “plop stew”! !

2. HOW TO MAKE THAI BEEF SATAY

  • Cut beef into 1-inch/2.5-cm cubes.
  • Mix the satay marinade in a bowl.
  • Mix the beef with the sausage marinade.
  • Marinate the beef for 24 hours.
    For this recipe, I wouldn’t recommend reducing the marinating time to ensure the baking soda has enough time to properly tenderize the beef.
  • Beef skewers on a spit. I like to use short skewers that fit in the pan. Usually I put 4 cubes on each skewer, but if I go as an appetizer, I might only make 3.
  • Cook the skewers in a griddle or skillet on the stove or better yet grill them over high heat.
    For the most authentic Thai street food experience, cook with charcoal!
  • Flip skewers and cook each side (i.e. all 4) until charred and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. It is important to know that beef tenderized with baking soda will only be tender when cooked through. If it’s medium-rare, the beef will be pretty tough because we’re using economy cuts of beef. Yes, that’s the exact opposite of everything you’ve read about cooking steak!
    !
  • One of the most amazing facts about beef tenderized with baking soda is that it’s almost impossible to overcook. In fact, even cooked, the inside was still pink!
  • Let the brochettes rest for 3 minutes before serving. For added color and visual interest, garnish with a handful of chopped peanuts, cilantro/cilantro, and chopped red pepper (use a large pepper so it doesn’t get too spicy).
    And of course, don’t forget the peanut butter

It really is impossible to accurately capture the tenderness of beef in a photo or even a recipe video!

Notice the pink inside the beef, even though it’s medium doneness. This is where the baking soda comes in – the beef stays pink even when cooked medium. This is typical of some types of crazy beef, such as Korean Galbi beef.

What to serve with Thai Beef Satay

Beef satay is often listed as an appetizer in Thai restaurants. However when I do it tends to be part of a main dish. Asian BBQ is my favorite menu theme when I have friends over!

Here are some suggested sides or appetizers:

Thai Fish Cakes – a popular appetizer in Thai restaurants served with sweet chilli sauce;

Thai Lettuce Wraps – Thai version of Chinese lettuce wraps served with delicious lemongrass Flavored chicken or pork

Rice of your choice – Jasmine rice is a traditional rice in Thailand. Nature is great because you’ll have peanut butter on top!
Or, try the Pad Thai or Pineapple Fried Rice;

Choice of salad – the fresh Thai som tam salad is a classic! In the meantime, here are a few other options to choose from: grated cucumber salad with ginger vinaigrette (a personal favorite!); Asian salad; asian salad. Of course, my standard goes to anything Asian, probably Australia’s favorite salad: Chang’s Crispy Noodle Salad (a must for backpacker life!).

Share
Beef Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

Beef Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce

maimoona
Beef satay is one of those staple dishes in Thai restaurants. If you want something, do it at home! ! You'll love how the cut of beef is economical and so juicy you'll swear it's premium meat. These skewers are so good you could eat them as is, but no one can pass up Thai peanut sauce!
prep time
10 mins
cooking time
20 mins
servings
2
total time
30 mins

Equipment

Ingredients

  • MARINADE:

  • 600g / 1.2lb beef rump steak (top sirloin in the US) , 2.5 cm/1" pieces (Note 2)

  • 1/4 cup coconut mik , full fat (I use Ayam, Note 3)

  • 1 tbsp curry powder (Note 4)

  • 1 tsp white sugar

  • 2 tsp red curry paste (Note 5)

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda / bi-carb (tenderiser, Note 6)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • THAI PEANUT SAUCE:

  • 1 tbsp red curry paste (Note 5)

  • 2/3 cup coconut milk , full fat (I use Ayam, Note 3)

  • 1/3 cup natural peanut butter , smooth (Note 7)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp white sugar

  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce (Note 8)

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp cider vinegar (Note 9)

  • 1/3 cup water

  • COOKING & SERVING:

  • 1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil , for cooking

  • 2 tbsp peanuts , finely chopped

  • Lime wedges (optional)

  • Coriander / cilantro leaves and sliced red chilli (optional)

Instructions

1
If cooking on a grill or charcoal, soak the skewers in water for 2 hours to prevent them from burning.
2

THAI BEEF SATAY SPKE:

Combine beef and marinade in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate overnight (do not reduce marinating time or beef may not be tender enough).
3
Skewers - I make 4 of each. Hot 1.
4
Heat 5 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
5
Cook for 10 minutes (yes, well done!): Cook the skewers in batches on all 4 sides for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, until nicely browned (8 to 10 minutes total) and well cooked. (Note: Beef tenderized with baking soda must be cooked through to be tender. Medium-sized beef will always be a little tough.
6
Rest: Transfer skewers to a plate and let rest 3 minutes before serving with peanut butter.
7

Thai Peanut Sauce:

Place all peanut butter ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
8
Stir to combine, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the consistency with water - it should be a runny but thick sauce.
9
Remove from stove and cover to keep warm while cooking skewers. Serving Size:
10
Ladle sauce into bowls. Sprinkle with peanuts - stir a little if desired.
11
Arrange the skewers on a platter and sprinkle with the rest of the peanuts, coriander and chilli.
12
Served with sauce. Add a serving of Jasmine Rice or Pad Thai or Pineapple Fried Rice to complete the meal!

Notes

Asian kebabs tend to use shorter skewers than Western kebabs. I love them because they fit in a pan! I bought it in an Asian store. Feel free to jumbo with longer roasts. Beef - I use rump steak (top sirloin in the US), which is a medium budget cut with good meat but can be a little tough at times. However, the baking soda/bicarbonate in the marinade will sweeten it - the secret to Thai cooking! If you are using a better marbled steak, such as beef tenderloin (boneless entrecote), you do not need to use baking soda. However, be careful not to overcook the beef when cooking the skewers! Theoretically this recipe would also work with pork (including tenderizing), but I haven't tried a different cut. For the chicken, see Thai Chicken Satay. Coconut Milk - Not all coconut milks are created equal. Cheaper brands are diluted with water, so they have less coconut smell. The Ayam I use is 89% (some are as low as 53%). As for low fat? I take no responsibility if you choose to use it! Leftover Coconut Milk - Freeze. Find a recipe that uses leftovers by typing "coconut milk" into my site's search bar, then click "use this ingredient." Curry powder - any will do as this is a base flavor. I use Clives or Keens (mild, not spicy) Red curry paste - The best Thai red curry paste (in my opinion) is Maesri which comes in small cans and happens to be the cheapest. Available in supermarkets (Coles, Woolies, Harris), Asian stores. But any brand will do, as it is an enhancer and not the main flavor. If using homemade Thai red curry paste, double the curry paste, add 1 tsp fish sauce + 1 tsp sugar to beef marinade, add 2 tsp fish sauce + 2 tsp sugar to peanut sauce (homemade pasta without breadcrumbs). 6. Baking Soda/Double Carbs – This will soften the beef and make a medium steak juicy. Based on the famous Chinese restaurant minced beef technique. See the post for more information. Natural peanut butter is made from 100% peanuts and has a stronger peanut flavor than commercial peanut butters which contain sugar and other additives. It's also thinner, so less water is needed to get the right consistency. It is now common in the health section of supermarkets. Regular peanut butter can be used as a spread, but the flavor of peanuts is not as good and the sauce will be thicker. Don't try to dilute with too much water - it will dilute the flavor. Sub: 1 cup raw unsalted peanuts, whipped until smooth with about 1/2 cup coconut milk needed in the peanut butter (helps make it super smooth). Dark soy sauce adds flavor and color to the sauce. You can use light soy sauce or everyday soy sauce for more subtlety, but the sauce will be lighter in color. Apple cider vinegar can be diluted with ordinary white vinegar. Lime juice, rice vinegar, or other clear vinegars are good substitutes, but not 100% authentic. Peanut butter – make a little more. Store in the refrigerator for 1 week - or freeze. Use leftovers in: Thai chicken satay Gado Gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) Rice, noodles, vegetable sauce (raw or steamed) Shrimp chips and vegetable dip As a dressing for chinese chicken salad noodle salad, peanut noodles Salad or sesame noodles Nutrition assumes all peanut butter is eaten
You may also like
BowlsChickenCuisineDips and SaucesFrenchItalianMainsMeatMexicanQuick & Easy

Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast

15 mins Cook
These juicy chook breasts are filled with garlicky mushrooms, spinach, and a blanket of oozing melted cheese. simple to make with only some ingredients, this is the way to transform bird breast from ho-hum into “oh yum!”
ChineseCuisineFriedIndianKoreanMainsPakistaniQuick & EasyVeganVegan Curries

Greek Lemon Potatoes

15 mins Cook
In reality a cut above the standard roasted potatoes! The particular issue approximately Greek Lemon Potatoes is that they are cooked in a heavily flavored lemon garlic broth so that they suck up all that flavor earlier than roasting to golden perfection. They’re entirely addictive!
CuisineIndianQuick & EasyVeganVegan AppetizersVegan Bowls

Chicken Vegetable Ramen Noodles

15 mins Cook
Another one to feature on your arsenal of ramen noodle recipes! Loaded with hidden veggies, fowl Vegetable Ramen Noodles is a fantastic short dinner concept that’s low-priced, flexible, and healthy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

×
BeefCuisineGrilledKoreanMainsMeatQuick & Easy

Slow-Cooked Beef Ribs In Korean BBQ Sauce Slow-Co

20 mins Cook