[untested] Beef Satay with Ginger Dipping Sauce

With a little knife work and some skewering skills, grilled beef satays are easy to make, and they are always fun to eat. The lemongrass-scented marinade is a terrific aromatic complement to beefy flank steak, giving it a distinctive Southeast Asian flavor.

source - “on the Grill” by Willie Cooper, page 113

Yields Prep Time Total Time
2-4 15 Minutes 35 Minutes

Components

  • Ginger Dipping Sauce

  • Beef Satay Marinade

Ingredients

  • ginger dipping sauce (recipe below)

  • beef satay marinade (recipe below)

  • 1.5 lb flank steak, trimmed

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • sesame seeds for garnish, toasted (optional)

  • 24 bamboo skewers

Directions

  • Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes.

  • Using a sharp knife, score the meat on both sides in a crosshatch pattern, cutting no more than 1/4 inch deep.

  • Slice the meat across the grain on the bias into strips 1/2 inch thick.

  • On at a time, thread the strips lengthwise onto the skewers.

  • Dip the skewers in the marinade, then place them in a shallow dish.

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

  • Prepare a grill for direct grilling over medium-high heat.

  • Remove the skewers from the refrigerator and transfer to a plate. Generously season with salt and pepper.

  • Grill the skewers directly over medium-high heat, turning once, until nicely charred and cooked to your liking, 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Arrange skewers on a serving platter, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve at once with the dripping sauce on the side.

↓ This is a component-based recipe (fancy talk for making the dish in pieces, then assembling). ↓

Ginger Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. soy sauce

  • 1/4 c. mirin

  • 2 tbsp asian sesame oil

  • juice of 1 lime

  • 1-2 tbsp honey

  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 Thai chile, finely sliced (optional)

Steps

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, lime juice, and honey.

  • Stir in the ginger, garlic, and chile, if using.

  • Transfer to a small serving bowl and serve at once.

Beef Satay Marinade

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c. soy sauce

  • 3 tbsp asian sesame oil

  • 2 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely diced

  • zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 2 green onions, white parts only, finely diced

  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar

Steps

  • In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth.