Satay is the Indonesian grilled skewer dish commonly served with a peanut sauce.
Small pieces of seasoned meat are threaded onto bamboo skewers and grilled over charcoal. Chicken, goat, beef, and other meats may be used, depending on the region and recipe. Satay is often accompanied by peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, lontong rice cakes, sliced onions, or pickles.
The dish is associated with Java and Sumatra and spread widely through Indonesia’s food culture. Indonesian satay has also influenced or inspired related preparations across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand. Seasonings and serving styles vary considerably.
Satay is not one single recipe. Madura satay, for example, is known for a sweet-savory seasoning and peanut sauce, while Padang satay uses a different spice profile and sauce. Rendang is a slow-cooked dish, gado-gado is a vegetable salad, and pempek is a fish-based specialty, so none is a synonym for satay.