Malaysian Beef Satay

Name: Malaysian Beef Satay
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Malaysia
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into strips; 2 stalks lemongrass, minced; 3 shallots, minced; 2 tbsp ground turmeric; 2 tbsp coriander seed, ground; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 cup roasted peanuts, ground; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 tbsp tamarind paste; 2 red chilies; Bamboo skewers, soaked; Compressed rice cakes (ketupat) and sliced onion, for serving

4 servings30 min prep15 min cookEasy Malaysia

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Malaysian Beef Satay

Story updated September 17, 2026

Satay's origins trace to Java, but the dish spread widely across the Malay world through trade and migration, taking root firmly in Malaysia, where the town of Kajang in Selangor became so associated with skewered, grilled meat that it's nicknamed Malaysia's 'satay town.' Malaysian beef satay is typically served with peanut sauce and pressed rice cakes.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into strips
2 stalks lemongrass, minced
3 shallots, minced
2 tbsp ground turmeric
2 tbsp coriander seed, ground
2 tbsp sugar
1 cup roasted peanuts, ground
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp tamarind paste
2 red chilies
Bamboo skewers, soaked
Compressed rice cakes (ketupat) and sliced onion, for serving

Instructions

1Blend lemongrass, shallots, turmeric, and coriander into a paste and mix with sugar to marinate the beef strips for at least 30 minutes.
2Thread the marinated beef onto soaked skewers.
3Blend ground peanuts, coconut milk, tamarind paste, and chilies into a smooth sauce, then simmer until thickened.
4Grill the skewers over hot coals or a grill pan, turning frequently, for 8-10 minutes until charred and cooked through.
5Serve hot with the peanut sauce, ketupat, and sliced raw onion.

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