Beef satay skewers with peanut sauce are a quick and flavour-packed Asian-style recipe made with marinated steak, grilled to perfection, and served with a creamy coconut and peanut dipping sauce. Ideal for BBQs, dinner parties, or weeknight meals, this easy beef skewer recipe uses ingredients like lemongrass, fish sauce, and soy sauce for bold, authentic flavour. Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.

Tender strips of marinated beef, grilled to perfection and basted in a fragrant coconut-spice mixture, served with a rich and creamy homemade satay sauce. Perfect for a summer BBQ or as an appetiser for a Southeast Asian-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade:

500 g (1.1 lbs) Denver steak, sliced into ¼-inch thick strips against the grain (skirt or flank steak also work)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce

For the Basting Sauce:

200 ml (7 oz) coconut milk (from a tin)
3 tbsp dark brown sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp lemongrass paste (or finely minced inner part of 2 lemongrass stalks)
2 tsp minced ginger
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander

For the Satay Sauce:

3 heaped tbsp chunky peanut butter
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
½ tsp chilli flakes
1 tbsp fish sauce
200 ml (7 oz) coconut milk
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
½ tsp ground coriander
Juice of 1 lime

To Serve:

1 fresh red chilli, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
½ tsp chilli flakes
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Skewers:
Soak 10 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, mix the beef strips with the oil, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Massage the marinade into the meat for a minute, then cover and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate for longer, up to overnight).
Mix the Basting Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the basting sauce. Set aside.
Make the Satay Sauce:
Add all satay sauce ingredients except lime juice to a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring regularly. As it nears boiling, it will begin to thicken—do not boil. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the lime juice.
Assemble the Skewers:
Remove skewers from water and shake off excess moisture. Thread the marinated beef strips onto the skewers. Brush generously with the basting sauce.
Grill the Skewers:
Heat a grill pan or barbecue over high heat. Cook the skewers for 5–6 minutes, turning a couple of times and basting again each time. The pan may smoke, so ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
Serve:
Arrange skewers on plates. Reheat the satay sauce if desired and serve alongside in a bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander, sliced red chilli, and optional toppings like red onion, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra chilli flakes.

Tips

Slice the beef thinly and against the grain for tenderness.
Don’t skip soaking the skewers if you’re using wood—they’ll burn quickly otherwise.
Use a very hot grill or griddle to get a nice char on the meat.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options: Substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu strips for a different take.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly satay.
Spice Level: Adjust the chilli flakes in both the satay and garnishes based on your heat preference.

FAQs

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes. You can marinate and thread the beef ahead of time. Keep the skewers covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Is the satay sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat gently.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Denver steak is ideal for tenderness, but skirt or flank steak also work well when sliced thinly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or flatbreads.
Add a crunchy cucumber salad or pickled vegetables on the side for freshness.
Turn into a party appetiser by serving with toothpicks and dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef satay recipe is packed with bold flavours from Southeast Asian ingredients like lemongrass, fish sauce, and coconut milk. It’s easy to prepare ahead, perfect for grilling, and paired with a creamy, sweet-salty peanut sauce that brings everything together. Great for family meals, BBQs, or sharing platters.