Gai Satay (Turmeric Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce)
Juicy turmeric-marinated chicken skewers with a rich peanut dipping sauce and a quick cucumber relish.
Made with Thai yellow curry paste and Satay sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.46 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix your ready made Thai yellow curry paste (see the base recipe) with the coconut milk, fish sauce and palm sugar in a bowl. Add the chicken, turn to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours in the fridge.
30 min - 2
Thread the chicken onto the soaked skewers.
- 3
Make the relish by mixing the cucumber, chilli, shallot, rice vinegar and sugar with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- 4
Heat a griddle pan or the grill to high. Cook the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes each side, turning, until charred in places and cooked through with no pink.
9 min - 5
Warm your ready made satay sauce (see the base recipe) in a small pan until steaming hot.
- 6
Rest the skewers for 2 minutes and serve with the warm peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
Tips
- Never reuse raw chicken marinade as a sauce unless you boil it for several minutes. Use the satay sauce for dipping instead.
- Thighs stay juicy on the grill. Cook breast for slightly less time.
- Soak wooden skewers so the ends do not burn, or use metal ones.
Storing and freezing
Cool cooked skewers within 1 hour, keep in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. This dish contains peanuts.
Questions
Does this contain nuts?
Yes, the peanut satay sauce contains peanuts. Serve the skewers with the cucumber relish alone for a nut free meal, though always check for cross-contact.
Can I cook them in the oven?
Yes, bake on a lined tray at {t220} for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.
What is the yellow colour from?
The turmeric in the yellow curry paste. It also gives the chicken a gentle warm flavour.
More made with thai yellow curry paste
Khao Pad Gaeng Kari (Thai Yellow Curry Fried Rice with Prawns)
GFDFNFPad Pong Karee Goong (Prawns Stir Fried in Yellow Curry with Egg)
GFDFNFThai Yellow Curry Puffs (Karee Puff)
EFNFHPThai Yellow Curry Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato and Green Beans
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.