Sate sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that has been a staple in Indonesian cuisine for generations. However, I have learned that sate sauce is loved by many food enthusiasts around the world. From traditional Indonesian dishes to modern fusion cuisine, sate sauce has become a popular ingredient that can be found in various recipes. To learn more about sate sauce, be sure to check out Yelo’s blog, where you can find in-depth information on this delicious sauce, including its history, ingredients, and preparation techniques.
What is sate sauce?
Sate sauce is a flavorful condiment that is often used as a dipping sauce or marinade in Indonesian cuisine. It is typically made from ingredients such as peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers.
The exact origin of sate sauce is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Indonesia, where it has been a staple in their cuisine for centuries. The sauce has since gained popularity in other parts of the world and is now commonly used in fusion dishes.
It is unclear who specifically invented sate sauce, as it has been a part of Indonesian culture for generations. However, it is believed that the sauce was created as a way to enhance the flavor of grilled meats and vegetables.
Vietnamese “sate” sauce is different from “satay” sauce. While both sauces are commonly used as a condiment or marinade for grilled meats, they have distinct differences in ingredients and flavors. Vietnamese sate sauce typically includes lemongrass, chili, and garlic, while satay sauce often contains peanuts, soy sauce, and coconut milk. Therefore, be sure to read the label carefully when purchasing or ordering these sauces to ensure you get the one you desire.
What does sate sauce taste like?
Sate sauce has a complex flavor profile that is both savory and sweet, with a hint of spiciness. The sauce has a creamy texture and a nutty flavor, thanks to the addition of peanut butter or other nut butter. The sweetness comes from the palm sugar or brown sugar used in the recipe.
The sauce also has a slightly tangy flavor, which comes from the tamarind paste. The spiciness of sate sauce can vary, depending on the amount of chili peppers used. Some versions of the sauce can be quite spicy, while others are milder.
What is sate sauce made of?
Sate sauce is typically made from a variety of ingredients, including peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, chili peppers, brown sugar, and coconut milk. These ingredients are blended together to create a smooth and creamy sauce that is full of flavor.
However, variations of sate sauce can be found across different regions, with some using different ingredients or preparation methods. For example, some regions may use tamarind, lemongrass, or ginger to add a unique flavor to the sauce. In some areas, coconut milk may not be used, resulting in a thinner and more savory sauce.
The ratio of ingredients can also vary depending on personal preference or regional tradition. Some people may prefer their sate sauce to be sweeter or spicier, while others may prefer a more savory flavor, and you have the answer to “what is sate sauce made of“. Ultimately, the ingredients and ratios used in sate sauce can vary depending on the region, recipe, or personal taste.
Sate sauce recipe
The sate sauce recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of sate sauce, sate sauce recipe:
Cooking note
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes.
- Total Time: 15 minutes.
- Course: Condiment.
- Cuisine: Vietnamese.
- Equipment: Blender or food processor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Table about nutrient facts of sate sauce
Here is a table about the nutrient facts of sate sauce, per 1 tablespoon (15g) serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 75 |
| Total Fat | 6.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 113mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6g |
| Sugars | 1.3g |
| Protein | 2.3g |
Note: Nutrient facts may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
How to make sate sauce?
Sate sauce, also known as peanut sauce, is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:
- In a saucepan, combine the peanut butter, water, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, coriander, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve the sate sauce warm or at room temperature with grilled meat or vegetables.
How long is sate sauce good for?
The shelf life of homemade Vietnamese sate sauce will depend on how it is stored and whether any preservatives were added during preparation.
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade sate sauce can last for up to 3-4 months, and pre-made sate sauce has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
However, if the sauce has been left out at room temperature for an extended period, it should be discarded after 2 hours to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. It is important to always practice proper food safety measures when preparing and storing homemade sauces, including washing your hands and utensils thoroughly, using fresh ingredients, and storing the sauce in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Tips for cooking with sate sauce
To make delicious and error-free sate sauce at home, here are a few tips to help you make delicious sate sauce at home with anything.
Dos:
- Use sate sauce as a marinade for meats or vegetables before grilling or baking.
- Add sate sauce to stir-fries, noodles, or rice dishes for extra flavor.
- Use sate sauce as a dipping sauce for fried or grilled foods.
- Experiment with different variations of sate sauce to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Pair sate sauce with complementary ingredients, such as lime juice, soy sauce, or ginger, to enhance the flavor.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use sate sauce as a substitute for other types of sauce in a recipe unless it specifically calls for sate sauce.
- Don’t overuse sate sauce, as it can overpower the other flavors in a dish.
- Don’t add sate sauce to a dish that is already heavily seasoned, as it can become too salty or spicy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding too much water to the sate sauce can result in a thinner consistency and less intense flavor.
- Using expired or spoiled sate sauce, which can negatively affect the taste of the dish.
- Failing to taste test the sate sauce before using it in a dish, can result in an unbalanced or unsatisfying flavor.
- Cooking the sate sauce at too high of a heat, can cause it to burn or become too thick.
What are popular dishes with Vietnamese sate sauce?
Sate sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions with sate sauce:
- Grilled meat – Ste sauce is commonly used as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled meat such as chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp.
- Skewers – Skewered meat or vegetables, such as sate or shish kabobs, can be served with sate sauce as a dipping sauce.
- Noodles – Vietnamese sate sauce can be used as a flavoring for noodle dishes such as vermicelli bowls or pho.
- Stir-fry – Vietnamese sate sauce can be used as a stir-fry sauce for vegetables, tofu, or meat.
- Sandwiches – Vietnamese sate sauce can be used as a spread or dip for sandwiches, such as banh mi.
- Salad – Vietnamese sate sauce can be used as a dressing for salads like Vietnamese rice paper salad or as a dip for raw vegetables.
- Rice – Vietnamese sate sauce can be used as a topping for rice dishes or as a flavoring for fried rice.
These are just a few examples of dishes that can be served with Vietnamese sate sauce. The sweet and savory flavor of the sauce pairs well with a variety of different dishes.
Variations of sate sauce
Sate sauce has many variations across different cultures and regions. Here are some of the most popular variations of sate sauce:
- Sate BBQ Sauce: A variation of sate sauce that includes barbecue sauce for a smoky and sweet flavor.
- Pepper Sate Sauce: A variation of sate sauce that includes black pepper for a more complex and spicy flavor.
- Sate Tom Sauce: A Thai variation of sate sauce that includes tamarind, lemongrass, and fish sauce.
- Sate Hot Sauce: A spicy version of sate sauce that includes more chili peppers or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegan Sate: A plant-based version of sate sauce that uses alternative ingredients like tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
In addition to a few variations of sate by ingredients, I’ll give you a hint about sate variations from different places.
- Chinese Sate Sauce: A variation of sate sauce that is often served with skewered meat or vegetables and includes ingredients like hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Vietnamese Sate Sauce: A variation of sate sauce that is commonly used as a marinade for grilled meats and includes ingredients like lemongrass, fish sauce, and garlic.
What can be substituted for sate sauce?
If you don’t have access to sate sauce or are looking for a substitute for it, there are several options to consider. Some possible substitutions for sate sauce include:
- Peanut sauce: Similar to sate sauce, peanut sauce is made from peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers, among other ingredients.
- Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savory sauce made from soybeans, sugar, vinegar, and various spices. It can be used as a dipping sauce or marinade.
- Sweet chili sauce: A spicy and sweet sauce made from chili peppers, vinegar, and sugar. It’s often used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls and other fried foods.
- Barbecue sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, and various spices. It’s often used as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled meats.
- Teriyaki sauce: A sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. It’s often used as a marinade or glaze for grilled or baked meats.
The best substitute for sate sauce will depend on the specific recipe or dish you are preparing and your personal taste preferences.
What are the best sate sauce brand?
It’s difficult to definitively say which the best sate sauce brand, as taste preferences can vary greatly depending on the individual. However, here are some popular brands of sate sauce:
- Caravelle Pepper Sate Sauce: A Vietnamese brand that is known for its spicy and flavorful sate sauce.
- Cholimex Sate Chili: A Vietnamese brand that offers a spicy sate sauce with a hint of lemongrass.
- Conimex Sate Sauce: A Dutch brand that offers a peanut-based sate sauce that is commonly used as a dipping sauce.
- Sauce Sate Thermomix: A homemade-style sate sauce that can be made using a Thermomix machine.
The best sate sauce brand will depend on your personal taste preferences and the specific recipe or dish you are preparing.
Where to buy pre-made Vietnamese sate sauce?
Pre-made Vietnamese sate sauce can be found at many Asian grocery stores or online retailers that specialize in Asian ingredients. Here are some places where you may be able to find pre-made Vietnamese sate sauce:
- Local Asian grocery stores – Check your local Asian grocery stores to see if they carry pre-made Vietnamese sate sauce. They may have a variety of brands and flavors to choose from.
- Online retailers – Many online retailers that specialize in Asian ingredients, such as Amazon or Asian Food Grocery, carry pre-made Vietnamese sate sauce. You can browse their selection and have it shipped directly to your doorstep.
- Vietnamese restaurants – Some Vietnamese restaurants may also sell pre-made sate sauce for customers to take home. If you have a favorite Vietnamese restaurant in your area, it’s worth asking if they sell pre-made sate sauce.
When buying pre-made Vietnamese sate sauce, be sure to check the ingredients and the level of spiciness to make sure it suits your taste preferences.
What are the price of sate sauce?
The prices of sate sauce can vary depending on the brand, quantity, and retailer. In general, a small jar or bottle of sate sauce can cost around $2 to $5, while larger sizes can cost $10 or more. Some specialty or organic brands may be more expensive.
Prices may also vary based on the region or country, as sate sauce is more commonly found and consumed in Southeast Asia. It’s worth noting that making sate sauce from scratch using fresh ingredients can be a more cost-effective option compared to purchasing pre-made sauce.
FAQs
How do you pronounce sate sauce?
Sate sauce is pronounced “sah-tay” sauce. The “e” at the end of “sate” is silent.
How long are sauces good in the fridge?
The shelf life of sauces in the fridge can vary depending on the type of sauce and its ingredients. In general, most sauces can last for 1–2 weeks in the fridge, but it’s important to check the packaging for specific storage instructions and expiration dates.
If the sauce develops an unusual odor or appearance, or if it has been stored for an extended period of time, it’s best to discard it.
Is sate sauce gluten-free?
Most sate sauce recipes are gluten-free, as the main ingredients are typically peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices. However, it’s important to check the label or ingredients list of pre-made sate sauce to ensure that it does not contain any gluten or wheat products.
Some brands may use wheat-based soy sauce or other gluten-containing ingredients. If you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, it’s always best to double-check the ingredients and choose a gluten-free option.
Can sate sauce be frozen?
Yes, sate sauce can be frozen for later use. It’s best to store sate sauce in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and label it with the date. Sate sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, and then heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I make sate sauce less spicy?
To make sate sauce less spicy, you can reduce or omit the amount of chili peppers used in the recipe. You can also balance out the spiciness by adding more sugar or coconut milk to the sauce.
Another option is to use a milder variety of chili pepper, such as jalapeño or Anaheim peppers, instead of the spicier Thai or bird’s eye chili peppers.
How can I make sate sauce thinner?
To make sate sauce thinner, you can add more water or coconut milk to the recipe. Start by adding small amounts of liquid at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thin, you can thicken it back up by simmering it on the stove until it reduces and thickens to your liking.
How can I make sate sauce thicker?
To make sate sauce thicker, you can simmer it on the stove over low heat until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add more peanut butter or ground peanuts to the recipe, which will help thicken the sauce.
Can sate sauce be made with tofu?
Sate sauce is traditionally made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and other ingredients, but it’s possible to make a variation of sate sauce using tofu. This would involve using blended silken tofu or crumbled firm tofu as a base, along with peanut butter, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
Can sate sauce be made without a blender?
Yes, sate sauce can be made without a blender by simply whisking together the ingredients in a bowl or using a mortar and pestle to grind the peanuts. The texture may be slightly different from if the sauce is blended, but it can still be just as delicious.
What is the difference between sate sauce and peanut sauce?
Sate sauce and peanut sauce are similar in that they both use peanut butter as a base, but there are some differences.
- Sate sauce typically includes soy sauce, garlic, chili peppers, and sometimes coconut milk, which gives it a unique flavor profile.
- Peanut sauce, on the other hand, can vary widely in flavor and may include additional ingredients like honey, lime juice, or sesame oil.
Additionally, sate sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for grilled meats or as a marinade, while peanut sauce is often used as a dressing for salads or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
Conclusion
Sate sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. With its rich blend of sweet, salty, nutty, and spicy flavors, it can enhance a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to stir-fried vegetables.
Whether you prefer to make your own sate sauce from scratch or purchase pre-made sauce from a store, there are plenty of options to explore and enjoy. By following the tips for cooking with sate sauce and avoiding common mistakes, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that are sure to impress.