Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1.5 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger
• 20 bamboo skewers
• 3/4 cup unsweetened creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup canned coconut milk (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup water (for sauce)
• 1 English cucumber
• 1 shallot
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 3 tbsp sugar (for relish)
• 1/2 tsp salt (for relish)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for relish)

Instructions

1. 1Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. 2Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch wide strips, about 3-4 inches long.
3. 3In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, turmeric, 3 minced garlic cloves, and grated ginger.
4. 4Add the chicken strips to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
5. 5While chicken marinates, prepare the peanut sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, red curry paste, lime juice, and water.
6. 6Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 4-5 minutes. If too thick, add a splash more water. Set aside and keep warm.
7. 7Prepare the cucumber relish: Thinly slice English cucumber and shallot. In a bowl, mix white vinegar, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes until dissolved.
8. 8Add the sliced cucumber and shallot to the vinegar mixture, stir, and let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.
9. 9Preheat grill to medium-high heat (or broiler to high with rack 6 inches from heat). Thread 4-5 chicken pieces onto each soaked skewer, folding or weaving if needed to fit.
10. 10Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), about 8-10 minutes total. Alternatively, broil 4-5 minutes per side.
11. 11Serve 4-skewers per person with a generous drizzle or side of warm peanut sauce and a small bowl of the cucumber relish on the side.