Moo Satay (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)

🧂 Ingredients

• 600 g Pork tenderloin
• 1 tbsp Ground turmeric
• 2 stalks Lemongrass
• 100 ml Coconut milk
• 2 tbsp Fish sauce(for the marinade)
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar(for the marinade)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tbsp Cilantro roots(If unavailable, use the bottom stems of cilantro)
• 1 pack Wooden skewers
• 1 cup Peanut sauce(store-bought or homemade, warmed)
• for serving Ajat (cucumber relish)(recipe follows or use store-bought)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turmeric, minced lemongrass, 100ml coconut milk, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro roots (if using). Whisk until well combined.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Marinate the pork: Add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin to the marinade. Ensure each slice is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pork to tenderize.

   ⏱️ 4+ hours (marinating)
3. 3

   Assemble the skewers: Remove the pork from the refrigerator. Thread the marinated pork slices onto the soaked wooden skewers, folding each slice in half or thirds to create a compact skewer. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of pork per skewer.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
4. 4

   Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat. If using charcoal, aim for hot embers. If using a gas grill, preheat to approximately 200-230°C (400-450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
5. 5

   Grill the satay: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and has developed nice char marks. Baste with any remaining marinade (if safe to do so, or a little extra coconut milk/oil) during the last few minutes of cooking.

   ⏱️ 10-15 minutes
6. 6

   Serve: Remove the Moo Satay from the grill. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Serve immediately with warm peanut sauce for dipping and a side of ajat (cucumber relish) to cut through the richness.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For the best flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
• ✓Soaking the wooden skewers is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• ✓Grilling over charcoal imparts a superior smoky flavor, but a gas grill or even a grill pan will work.
• ✓Don't overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and good searing.
• ✓Ajat is a simple Thai relish made with thinly sliced cucumber, shallots, chili, and a sweet-sour vinegar dressing. It provides a refreshing contrast to the rich satay.

🔄 Variations

• Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork): A simpler version often marinated with just garlic, cilantro roots, fish sauce, and sugar.
• Gai Satay (Chicken Satay): Substitute chicken thighs for pork.
• Neua Satay (Beef Satay): Use thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving