Satay may be the one of most celebrated street foods in the history of global cuisine. Originating in Malaysia possibly as far back as the 1400s, love for satay has spread across Southeast Asia in the ensuing centuries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, where it has since been enshrined as a national dish. Now a favourite among foodies the world over, the popularity of satay skewers has brought with it a commensurate appreciation for satay sauce (also known as sambal kacang.) As our very own TJ's Thai Peanut Satay Sauce demonstrates, this sweet, savoury, and lightly spicy peanut-based sauce makes the ideal accompaniment to a classic chicken satay skewer—and so much more, too.
Made for TJ's by a supplier in Thailand, their Peanut Satay Sauce starts with a base of rich coconut milk, peanuts, and aromatic red curry paste, to which their supplier adds a mix of savoury seasonings including lemongrass, shallot, garlic, galangal, and tamarind paste. In addition to making a delicious dipping sauce for grilled, skewered proteins of all kinds (we’re especially fond of it with shrimp, pork loin, or tofu), it also makes a fantastic condiment for burgers and lettuce wraps, and a superb sauce for serving over Thai Wheat Noodles. And for an effortless and flavourful salad dressing, simply add a bit of Rice Vinegar to a few spoonfuls of Satay Sauce in a bowl, mix, and enjoy.
