Satay Peanut Stir Fry: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Satay Peanut Stir Fry: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia! Imagine tender, perfectly cooked vegetables and your choice of protein, all coated in a luscious, savory-sweet peanut sauce that’s simply irresistible. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

Satay, traditionally grilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut sauce, has a rich history rooted in Indonesian cuisine. Over time, it has evolved and spread throughout Southeast Asia, with each region adding its unique twist. Our Satay Peanut Stir Fry takes the essence of this beloved dish and transforms it into a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal.

What makes this dish so universally appealing? It’s the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy, nutty sauce perfectly complements the crisp-tender vegetables and the savory protein. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein sources. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies and enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. Get ready to experience the magic of Satay Peanut Stir Fry!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Satay Sauce:
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I prefer natural, but any kind works!)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best to control the saltiness)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds a nice tang!)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness and balance)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (essential for that nutty flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed is always better!)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh is best, but ground works in a pinch)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little kick! Omit if you’re sensitive to spice)
• 1/4 cup water (or more, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency)
• For the Stir Fry:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or substitute with tofu, shrimp, or beef)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 2 cups cooked rice, for serving (I love jasmine or brown rice)
• Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, cilantro, sesame seeds, lime wedges

Preparing the Satay Sauce:

This sauce is the star of the show, and it’s surprisingly easy to make! I usually whip it up while the rice is cooking or while I’m prepping the veggies. It can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and lime juice. Make sure the peanut butter is well incorporated and there are no lumps.
2. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
3. Gradually add the water, a tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. I like mine to be thick enough to coat the vegetables and chicken, but still pourable. You might need a little more or less water depending on the peanut butter you use.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more honey if it’s too salty, or a little more lime juice if it needs more tang. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
5. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the stir fry.

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

This part is all about getting your ingredients ready to go. Having everything prepped and within reach will make the stir-frying process much smoother and faster. I like to chop all the vegetables before I even start cooking, so I can just toss them into the pan as needed.

1. If using chicken, pat it dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This will help it cook evenly and quickly.
2. Slice the onion, bell peppers, and carrots. Cut the broccoli into florets. Trim the ends off the snow peas.
3. Make sure you have your cooked rice ready to go. You can cook it while you’re prepping the other ingredients, or use leftover rice from the day before.

Cooking the Stir Fry:

Now for the fun part! This is where all the flavors come together. The key to a good stir fry is to use high heat and cook the ingredients quickly, so they stay crisp and tender. Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start cooking, because things will move fast!

1. Heat the olive oil (or other cooking oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before you add the chicken.
2. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be cooked through, but still have a little bit of crunch.
6. Add the snow peas to the pan and cook for just a minute or two, until they’re bright green and slightly softened.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
8. Pour the satay sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly.
9. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through and the chicken and vegetables are well coated. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.

Assembling and Serving:

The final step is to put it all together and enjoy! I love to serve this stir fry over a bed of fluffy rice, topped with some crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice finishing touch.

1. Divide the cooked rice among bowls or plates.
2. Spoon the satay chicken and vegetable stir fry over the rice.
3. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, beef, or any other protein you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetables: You can use any vegetables you have on hand. Some other good options include mushrooms, zucchini, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you want a milder dish, omit them altogether. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Sweetness: You can use honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to sweeten the sauce. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Make it Vegan: Use tofu as the protein and maple syrup as the sweetener to make this dish vegan.
• Leftovers: This stir fry is great for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Satay Peanut Stir Fry! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Satay Peanut Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The rich, nutty satay sauce, combined with the vibrant vegetables and your choice of protein, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, customizable, and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your takeout cravings without sacrificing freshness or quality.

Why is this Satay Peanut Stir Fry a must-try? Because it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Vegetarian? Tofu or tempeh work beautifully. Craving something heartier? Chicken, shrimp, or beef are fantastic additions. And don’t even get me started on the vegetables! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas – the possibilities are endless. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients that will shine through in the final dish.

But the real star of the show is, of course, the satay sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the stir-fried ingredients. I’ve spent years perfecting this sauce, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the kind of sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a complete meal, serve this Satay Peanut Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.

Here are a few variations to get you started:

* Spicy Satay Stir Fry: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the satay sauce.
* Coconut Satay Stir Fry: Stir in a quarter cup of coconut milk to the satay sauce for a creamier, richer flavor.
* Noodle Satay Stir Fry: Toss the stir-fried ingredients with your favorite noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles.
* Satay Lettuce Wraps: Serve the stir-fried mixture in crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing appetizer or snack.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of homemade Satay Peanut Stir Fry. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Now it’s your turn! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature version. I’m always eager to hear about your culinary adventures. Share your photos and comments on social media using #SatayPeanutStirFry – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! I am sure you will love this Satay Peanut Stir Fry as much as I do.