Chicken Satay: Singapore Street food
DifficultyMedium
Servings4
Prep time20 minutes
Total time32 minutes
Chicken Satay especially the Singaporean style is one of the best street foods you must try when visiting Singapore. The rich aroma of smoky, charred skewers wafting through the air, the perfectly marinated bite-sized pieces infused with spices, and the creamy peanut sauce that adds a nutty depth make satay an irresistible experience.
Growing up, Singapore was like a second home to me. My dad worked there, and every summer, my family would travel and live in Singapore for two to three months before school started. Those months felt like a vibrant immersion into a culture that embraced food as a way of life.
One of the best things about Singapore? The food stalls, undoubtedly some of the best and most affordable places to indulge in local delicacies. Unlike fancy restaurants, these stalls hold authenticity in every dish they serve. I was lucky to have Singaporean friends who taught me the true way to enjoy street food, how to eat it properly, how to savor the flavors, and which stalls had the best dishes.
We lived in Pasir Ris, close to White Sands Mall, and often walked to Loyang Point. This area became one of my favorite places, always bustling with energy, always filled with the scent of delicious food, and always making my mouth water. I remember the joy of wandering through the stalls, the anticipation of taking my first bite, and the deep satisfaction that followed.
Chicken Satay, to me, represents not just food but nostalgia. It reminds me of warm nights spent at food stalls, surrounded by sizzling skewers, the rhythmic sounds of grilling, and the laughter of family and friends. If you ever visit Singapore, don’t just eat satay, experience it. Order a few skewers, dip them generously into the peanut sauce, and let the flavors transport you to a place where food tells a story.
Singaporean Chicken Satay isn’t just a dish, it’s a memory, a connection, and an essential bite of Singapore’s soul.
What Makes Singaporean Chicken Satay So Interesting?
Chicken Satay isn’t just about grilled skewers, it’s a dish deeply rooted in tradition, packed with bold flavors, and meant to be shared. But Singaporean-style Chicken Satay has its own distinct charm that sets it apart from other variations.
Flavorful Marinade
The chicken is soaked in spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin, giving it a rich, deep taste.
Perfectly Grilled
Satay is cooked over charcoal, making it smoky, slightly crispy on the edges, and juicy inside.
Street Food Vibes
Eating Chicken Satay is more than just tasting good food—it’s about the experience. In Singapore, satay stalls come alive in bustling hawker centers, filled with sizzling sounds, aromatic smoke, and the laughter of locals enjoying their meal. It’s a social dish, served fresh off the grill and enjoyed with friends or family, making it feel truly special.
Classic Sides
Satay is served with fresh cucumber, red onion, and sometimes ketupat (rice cakes), adding texture and balance to every bite.
A Dish Full of Memories
For many, satay is tied to childhood, family, and travel. Eating it brings back warm memories and connects you to Singapore’s vibrant food culture.
Chicken Satay: Singapore Street food
4
servings20
minutes12
minutes32
minutesChicken Satay is a tasty dish made of small pieces of chicken soaked in a mix of yummy spices, then grilled until juicy and a little crispy. The chicken is served on sticks, kind of like food on a sword! Dip each piece into a smooth peanut sauce that’s nutty and sweet. It’s a fun and delicious meal, perfect for sharing, and filled with flavor in every bite.
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Ingredients:
1 lb 1 Chicken Thigh Fillets, Cut into bite-sized pieces
3 pieces 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 tbs 1 Ginger, Grated
1 tbs 1 Tumeric Powder
2 tbs 2 Coriander Powder
2 tbs 2 Cumin Powder
2 tbs 2 Soy Sauce
2 tbs 2 Fish Sauce
2 tbs 2 Cooking Oil
1 tbs 1 Brown Sugar or Palm Sugar
1 1 Juice of Lime
Peanut Sauce, Dipping
1 Small 1 Red Onion, Garnish
1 1 Cucumber, Thinly Slice for garnish
1 1 Lime, Cut into Wedges for Garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic and ginger with ground turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, and fresh lime juice, blending until well combined and aromatic.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours preferably overnight to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- Prep the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching during grilling.
- Assemble and Grill: Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, then grill skewers for 4–6 minutes on each side, or until charred and cooked through.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange skewers on a serving platter alongside peanut dipping sauce, fresh onion and cucumber slices, and wedges of lime for garnish.
Equipment:
- Mixing Bowls
- Grill or grill pan
- Skewers
Notes:
- Marination Depth: For bold, aromatic flavor, marinate the chicken for a minimum of 3 hours—overnight yields the most tender texture and well-developed taste.
- Grilling Moisture: To prevent the chicken from drying out over high heat, baste the skewers with a light brush of oil during grilling. This adds richness and encourages a beautifully charred finish.
- Nut-Free Option: For guests with peanut allergies, substitute the dipping sauce with almond or cashew butter. Each offers a creamy, nutty profile that complements the grilled flavors.
- Heat Elevation: To infuse a fiery kick, incorporate one finely chopped Thai chili into the marinade. Adjust to taste for a balance of spice and savor.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
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Peanut Sauce
If you want to make the famous chicken satay sauce, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you! This rich, creamy peanut sauce is packed with bold flavors and pairs perfectly with smoky, grilled satay. Click here to see the Peanut Sauce Recipe and bring authentic street food flavors to your kitchen!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Satay is a tasty way to enjoy bold, savory-sweet flavors on a stick. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a cookout or as part of a cozy dinner, the rich marinade and creamy peanut sauce bring something special to every bite. Add some rice or a light cucumber salad, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal that’s hard to resist.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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