Satay Chicken Curry (Malaysian)

Why Make This Recipe

Satay Chicken Curry is a delightful Malaysian dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional curry with the smoky taste of satay. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The recipe is packed with spices and ingredients that come together to create a fragrant and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s fairly easy to make, making it a great option for both novice cooks and experienced chefs looking for something new.

How to Make Satay Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet or normal, not smoked or spicy)
• 1 1/4 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste, not US "Chili Powder")
• 3 1/2 tsp curry powder (not HOT)
• 1 1/4 tsp salt (cooking/kosher, or 1 tsp table salt)
• 2 tsp white sugar
• 750g / 1.5 lb chicken thigh fillets (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1/2 onion (brown, white or yellow, grated)
• 2 tbsp oil (separated)
• 3 – 6 birds eye chillies or other small hot red chillies (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup onion (brown, white or yellow, finely diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth/stock
• 3/4 cup peanuts, roasted unsalted (chopped, separated)
• 2 tsp kecap manis
• 3 tsp dark soy sauce
• 400g / 14oz coconut milk (preferably full fat)
• 2 tbsp peanut butter (pure best but spread ok too, crunchy or smooth)
• 2 tbsp lime juice (to taste)
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 lemongrass stalk (white part only, smashed to burst open)
• Peanuts (chopped, for serving)
• Cilantro/coriander leaves (for garnish)
• Fresh chili, finely chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Combine Satay Seasoning Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, curry powder, salt, and sugar together to create the satay seasoning.

2. Marinate & Cook Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with the grated onion and half of the satay seasoning. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Satay Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining oil and the finely diced onion, birds eye chillies, and garlic. Sauté until soft. Stir in the remaining satay seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Add the chopped peanuts, kecap manis, dark soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. Bring to a simmer.

4. Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

How to Serve Satay Chicken Curry

Serve the Satay Chicken Curry over steamed rice or with flatbreads. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro leaves, and fresh chili for an extra kick. Enjoy this dish warm and share the incredible flavors with your loved ones!

How to Store Satay Chicken Curry

Allow the curry to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Place the curry in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it should last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Satay Chicken Curry

• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder and birds eye chillies.
• For a nuttier flavor, you can add more chopped peanuts into the curry.
• Make sure to use fresh spices for the best flavor.
• If you like it creamier, you can add more coconut milk, but keep an eye on the balance of flavors.

Variation

You can also make a vegetarian version of this dish by replacing the chicken with firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked well.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it may be less tender than thigh fillets. Make sure not to overcook to keep it juicy.

2. Is Satay Chicken Curry spicy?
The spice level can vary based on the amount of chili powder and chillies you use. You can adjust these ingredients to make it milder or spicier.

3. Can I use store-bought satay sauce?
You can, but making your own as per this recipe will give you a fresher flavor and better control over the ingredients.