Beef Satays with Spicy Peanut Marinade

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This is one of those recipes where the marinade does the work. Garlic, ginger, warm spices, and a touch of peanut add real depth to the beef without relying on salt. Cooked quickly over high heat and served with a simple sauce, it’s bold, balanced, and easy enough for any night.

Serves 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating) | Cook Time: 6–8 minutes | Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey

• 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)

• Adjust the cayenne pepper (optional) to control heat level-use more for spicier satays or omit for milder flavor. The marinade and sauce can also be balanced with more lime or sugar to suit your taste.

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1–2 tsp brown sugar or honey

• 1/4 tsp ground cumin

• 2–4 tbsp warm water

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, ginger, lime juice, brown sugar, peanut butter, and spices. Stir until smooth.

3. Add the beef and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

4. Thread the beef onto skewers, keeping the pieces fairly flat.

5. Preheat a grill or broiler to high heat.

6. Cook the satays for 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly charred and the beef is just cooked through. Look for a slight firmness and no pink in the center to ensure safety and optimal flavor.

7. While the beef cooks, stir together the sauce ingredients, adding warm water until smooth and pourable.

8. Serve hot with the sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

Cook’s Note

Flank steak or sirloin works best here — be sure to slice against the grain for tenderness. If unsure, ask your butcher for advice. Even a short marinade helps, but longer gives deeper flavor. If using a broiler, keep the meat close to the heat and watch it closely.

Looking for more ideas? Try the Tandoori Chicken or Basil Pork Chops.