satay
Satay is a Southeast Asian dish consisting of small, seasoned, skewered pieces of meat that are grilled over an open flame, typically charcoal. The mental image is of thin strips of marinated chicken, beef, or mutton sizzling on a hot grill, often accompanied by a rich, savory peanut-based dipping sauce. It is a quintessential street food, often associated with social gatherings or night markets. While it is a specific culinary term, it is frequently used to describe the entire experience of the meal, including the side of compressed rice cakes (ketupat), cucumber, and onions served alongside the skewers.
In conversation
Planning dinner
I'm craving something smoky for dinner. How about satay?
I'm craving something smoky for dinner. How about satay?
That sounds perfect! Let's hit that stall by the station.
That sounds perfect! Let's hit that stall by the station.
Used here to suggest a specific type of grilled food for a casual meal.
After the meal
Did you enjoy the peanut sauce with your satay?
Did you enjoy the peanut sauce with your satay?
It was delicious, the perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
It was delicious, the perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
Mentions the essential peanut sauce that defines the dish.
Examples
We bought some chicken satay from the street vendor.
We bought some chicken satay from the street vendor.
The secret to great satay is the marinade and the charcoal grill.
The secret to great satay is the marinade and the charcoal grill.
The aromatic smoke of grilling satay wafted through the night market, drawing in hungry crowds.
The aromatic smoke of grilling satay wafted through the night market, drawing in hungry crowds.
