Sate Betawi

Introduction

Sate Betawi is a traditional Indonesian dish that originates from the Betawi people, who are the descendants of the diverse ethnic groups living around Jakarta. This flavorful skewer dish typically uses beef or chicken and is distinguished by its rich, spicy sauce usually made with peanuts and coconut milk. Sate, or satay, is a quintessential dish enjoyed across Indonesia, with each region offering its unique variation.

History of Sate Betawi

Betawi, the term referring to the native Jakartans with roots going as far back as the 17th century, have a rich cultural history, which is deeply reflected in their cuisine. Sate Betawi is believed to have been influenced by Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Dutch cuisines, brought in by traders, colonialists, and migrants over centuries. Today, Sate Betawi stands as a celebrated street food and a beloved feature in Indonesian menus worldwide.

Ingredients

• Beef - 500g, cubed
• Chicken - 500g, cubed (optional, as some prefer just beef)
• Shallots - 8 cloves
• Garlic - 4 cloves
• Coriander seeds - 2 teaspoons
• Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ginger - 1 inch piece
• Lemongrass - 1 stalk, chopped
• Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 4 tablespoons
• Peanuts - 200g, roasted
• Coconut milk - 200ml
• Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce) - 3 tablespoons
• Chili peppers - 2, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Skewers - as needed

Preparation

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a blender, combine shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, cumin, ginger, and lemongrass. Blend into a smooth paste.
2. Add lime juice and soy sauce to the paste and mix well.
3. In a large bowl, coat the beef and chicken evenly with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Making the Peanut Sauce

1. Grind the peanuts into a fine crumb using a food processor or blender.
2. In a pan over medium heat, add blended peanuts, coconut milk, and kecap manis.
3. Add chopped chili peppers and salt to taste. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Sate

1. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread marinated beef and chicken cubes onto the skewers. Leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
3. Prepare a grill or griddle pan and ensure it is hot. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and charred to your preference. This process usually takes 10-15 minutes. To keep track of the time, use a cooking timer.

Serving and Enjoying Sate Betawi

1. Arrange the grilled skewers on a serving plate.
2. Generously pour the peanut sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Traditionally, Sate Betawi is served with steamed rice cakes or lontong. You can also enjoy it with a simple serving of rice, slices of cucumbers, and pickled chilies for an authentic experience.
4. Savor the complex flavors with a balance of smoky, spicy, nutty, and sweet elements, reminiscing the cultural richness of Jakarta's street food era.