How to Make Tasty Satay Beef at Home

Satay beef is a delicious Asian dish that combines thinly sliced beef with a addictive peanut satay sauce This Thai and Southeast Asian inspired beef is packed with amazing flavors from aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, ginger and chili. The end result is tender, juicy beef coated in a sweet, nutty and slightly spicy peanut satay sauce Make this restaurant quality satay beef at home in just 30 minutes!

Overview of Satay Beef

Satay beef originated from street food in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. It was traditionally served threaded onto wooden skewers and grilled over hot coals. The meat would then be coated with a smooth peanut sauce before serving. While the grilled version is iconic, pan fried satay beef has become a popular quick fix. This Chinese style satay beef uses flank steak cut into thin strips then stir fried in a wok with the satay sauce. No skewers required!

This homemade version yields the same amazing flavor The aromatic lemongrass, garlic, shallot and ginger infuse the beef with exotic Southeast Asian essence. Chili pepper kicks up the heat while brown sugar balances with a touch of sweetness Peanut butter is the star of the show, lending its nutty richness to each slice of beef. A drizzle of sesame oil finishes it off.

Benefits of Making Satay Beef at Home

Making satay beef at home has many advantages over ordering takeout. You can control the quality of ingredients and customize it to your taste preferences. The homemade sauce is lower in sodium and preservatives. Portion sizes can be adjusted to your needs. Cooking this recipe yourself also costs a fraction of the price of restaurant satay beef.

Most importantly, preparing this dish at home is quick and easy. With simple ingredients and steps, anyone can make restaurant-worthy satay beef in their own kitchen. Skip the long wait for delivery when intense satay cravings hit!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to make flavorful satay beef in just 30 minutes:

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1-2 bell peppers, chopped
• Oil for stir-frying
• Marinade: soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, baking soda, oil
• Satay sauce: peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass, shallot, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, chili

Directions

1. Slice flank steak thinly against the grain and place in a bowl. For easier slicing, freeze steak briefly until firm but not frozen solid

2. Make marinade by combining soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, baking soda and oil. Pour marinade over beef and let sit 10-15 minutes.

3. Make satay sauce by blending peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, lemongrass, shallot, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and chili.

4. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and stir fry until brown on edges, about 5 minutes.

5. Add peppers and continue stir-frying another 2 minutes.

6. Pour prepared satay sauce into pan and mix well to coat beef. Cook 1-2 minutes until beef is just cooked through.

7. Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables. Enjoy!

Tips

• Use fresh lemongrass stalk for best flavor. Peel off tough outer layers then mince the tender inner part.

• Let steak marinate at least 15 minutes, up to overnight for most tender meat.

• Don’t overcook the beef! Remove from heat as soon as no longer pink inside.

• Add other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, carrots or mushrooms.

• Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro and lime wedges.

• Store leftover satay beef and sauce separately up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Satay Beef Variations

Once you master the basic satay beef recipe, try these fun variations:

• Satay Beef Skewers – Thread marinated steak and vegetables onto skewers. Grill until charred and cooked through.

• Thai Satay Beef Salad – Toss cooked satay beef with mixed greens, red onion, carrot, cucumber and chopped peanuts. Drizzle with lime and Thai chili vinaigrette.

• Satay Beef Sandwich – Stuff satay beef with sliced cucumbers and carrots into a toasted baguette or rolls.

• Satay Beef Noodles – Serve stir-fried satay beef over ramen, rice noodles or egg noodles. Top with cilantro, peanuts and lime.

• Satay Beef Pizza – Spread satay sauce over pizza dough. Top with satay beef, red onion, pineapple and mozzarella cheese.

The possibilities are endless when you make your own satay beef at home! Adjust the recipe to your liking and create your own signature version of this Southeast Asian favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for satay?

Flank steak is the most common cut used because it’s lean yet flavorful. When sliced thin, it cooks up quickly while staying tender. Other options are sirloin tip, tri-tip, hanger steak or top round.

Is it better to use chunky or smooth peanut butter?

Smooth peanut butter blends into the sauce more evenly. For textural contrast, reserve some chopped peanuts to sprinkle on top.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne powder or red pepper flakes.

What sides go well with satay beef?

Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables and tangy cucumber salad balance the rich peanut sauce.

How long does satay beef last?

Store cooked satay beef and sauce separately up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. The sauce keeps longer, about 1 week refrigerated.

Conclusion

Satay beef is a quick, flavorful meal that’s easy to make any night of the week. Follow this simple recipe for tender steak strips bathed in an irresistible peanut satay sauce. Filled with aromatic Thai flavors, this 30-minute dish will satisfy any satay craving. Experiment with fun additions like veggies, noodles or skewers. Making your own allows customizing to your taste and saves money compared to takeout. Impress family and friends with your homemade version of this Southeast Asian specialty.