Introduction to Sate Madura
When people think of popular satay in Indonesia, Sate Madura is often the first that comes to mind. Named after Madura Island, located off the northeastern coast of Java, this skewered meat dish has become synonymous with Indonesian street food. Known for its smoky char and flavorful peanut sauce, Sate Madura is a national favorite sold on street corners, night markets, and warungs across the country.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
- The history and origin of Sate Madura
- What makes it different from other Indonesian satays
- Step-by-step instructions to cook Sate Madura at home
- A traditional peanut sauce recipe
- Tips for the perfect grilling experience
Whether you’re a food lover, a traveler reminiscing about Indonesia, or a home cook eager to try something new, this guide will give you everything you need to enjoy authentic Sate Madura.
What Is Sate Madura?
Sate Madura is a traditional Indonesian dish made of bite-sized pieces of meat, typically chicken (sate ayam) or goat (sate kambing), marinated, skewered on bamboo sticks, and grilled over charcoal. What sets it apart is its sweet-spicy peanut sauce and generous use of kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce).
The dish is typically served with:
- Lontong (compressed rice cakes)
- Fried shallots
- Slices of fresh chili or cucumber for garnish
The Origins: Why Madura?
Madura Island is known for its salt farming and strong culinary traditions. The people of Madura are expert grillers, and their satay reflects their love for bold flavors and simplicity. Unlike more complex satay variants like Sate Padang or Sate Lilit, Sate Madura focuses on the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky.
It is believed that the popularity of Sate Madura spread rapidly during the early 20th century, as Madurese street vendors moved to Java’s big cities like Surabaya, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta, bringing their recipes with them.
What Makes Sate Madura Unique?
Here are the key features that differentiate Sate Madura from other regional satays in Indonesia:
| Feature | Sate Madura | Other Satays |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sauce | Peanut + Kecap Manis | Peanut (Java), Turmeric Sauce (Padang), Coconut (Bali) |
| Meat Cuts | Small cubes, bite-sized | Varies: long slices (Ponorogo), offal (Padang) |
| Skewers | Bamboo, usually short | Varies in length and thickness |
| Grill Method | Charcoal grill | Usually charcoal, some boiled first |
| Typical Pairing | Lontong or nasi putih (white rice) | Lontong, rice, or ketupat |
Ingredients for Authentic Sate Madura
Here’s what you need to make 15 skewers of Sate Madura at home:
For the Satay:
- 500g chicken thigh or breast, cut into 2 cm cubes
- 2 tbsp kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Optional Garnish:
- Fried shallots
- Fresh chili slices
- Lontong or steamed rice
Authentic Sate Madura Peanut Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 150g roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 shallots
- 3 red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 100ml water (or more to thin)
- 2 tbsp kecap manis
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Grind peanuts using a food processor until coarse or smooth (depending on your preference).
2. In a pan, heat oil and sauté garlic, shallots, and chilies until fragrant.
3. Add ground peanuts, palm sugar, salt, and water. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
4. Stir in kecap manis and lime juice.
5. Adjust thickness with water if needed. The sauce should be pourable but not watery.
How to Make Sate Madura at Home
Follow these steps for authentic street-style results:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken with garlic, salt, coriander, oil, and kecap manis. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
Thread 4–5 pieces of meat onto each bamboo skewer.
Step 3: Grill the Satay
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Preheat your charcoal grill or grill pan.
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Grill skewers over medium-high heat, brushing with leftover marinade and turning frequently.
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Grill until fully cooked and slightly charred (about 8–10 minutes).
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Arrange skewers on a plate, pour warm peanut sauce over them, and garnish with fried shallots and slices of chili. Serve with lontong or steamed rice.
Tips for the Perfect Sate Madura
- Charcoal is King – To get that smoky flavor, grilling over charcoal is ideal.
- Use Thigh Meat – Chicken thigh is juicier and more forgiving than breast.
- Marinate Longer – The longer you marinate, the better the flavor absorption.
- Keep Sauce Warm – Peanut sauce thickens as it cools, so keep it warm when serving.
- Soak Skewers – Prevent burning by soaking bamboo sticks for 30 minutes before grilling.
Sate Madura Variations
Though chicken is the most common, here are other popular versions:
- Sate Kambing Madura – Made with goat meat, stronger in flavor, often served with raw shallots and sweet soy sauce instead of peanut sauce.
- Sate Ati Ampela – Using chicken liver and gizzard for a more offal-rich taste.
- Sate Kulit – Made from crispy grilled chicken skin, a favorite among locals.
Sate Madura vs. Other Indonesian Satays
Many readers ask how Sate Madura compares to other Indonesian favorites like Sate Padang, Sate Ponorogo, or Sate Lilit. Here’s a quick summary:
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Sate Padang: Uses boiled beef and yellow curry sauce. Spicier and more intense.
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Sate Ponorogo: Uses whole chicken slices with turmeric marinade.
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Sate Lilit: Uses minced pork or fish, coconut-based, from Bali.
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Sate Maranggi: Uses beef marinated with vinegar and spices, no peanut sauce. Here is the recipe for Sate Maranggi
Among all, Sate Madura is the most versatile and widely available.
Final Thoughts
Sate Madura isn’t just a dish—it’s a cultural icon of Indonesian street food. With its irresistible aroma, charred meat, and nutty, sweet sauce, it wins hearts with every bite. Whether you're a beginner or a satay lover, this dish is a must-cook recipe to bring authentic Indonesian flavors to your kitchen.
So fire up that grill, prepare your peanut sauce, and treat yourself to one of Indonesia’s greatest culinary treasures!
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