Chicken Satay

Chicken Satay

The Chef
Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Spice Market

Servings
Serves 6

Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon peanut oil
1 teaspoon red curry paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1⁄2 cup coconut milk
1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped, roasted peanuts
1 teaspoon soy sauce

Spice Paste
4 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
3 tablespoons ground roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted and ground
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
1⁄2 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon condensed milk
1 tablespoon palm sugar (or light brown sugar)
2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
1 tablespoon whiskey
Pinch salt

Skewers
1 1⁄2 pounds boneless chicken breast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions
Peanut Sauce
Heat the oil in a saucepan, and sweat the curry and sugar until the sugar melts and starts to caramelize. Add the coconut milk, and bring to a boil. Stir in the peanuts, and season with soy sauce.

Spice Paste
In a blender, purée the shallots, peanuts, coriander, and cumin into a paste, then add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.

Skewers
Cut the chicken into strips 1 inch wide, 3 to 4 inches long, and at least 1⁄4 inch thick, and thread onto skewers. Coat the chicken with spice paste, and season with salt and pepper. Heat the grill to medium-high, and cook until lightly charred on one side, then turn to cook other side. Do not overcook, or the chicken will become rubbery. Serve with peanut sauce.

Photograph by Christopher Baker.