This vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional satay skewers combines tender pieces of salmon, squid, and colorful bell peppers with a deliciously sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for grilling or broiling, these skewers are a healthy and visually stunning dish that’s great for a weekend BBQ or a gourmet dinner at home.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 300g fresh salmon fillets, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- 200g squid tubes, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into squares
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into squares
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Satay Glaze
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Satay Glaze
Combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, coconut milk, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Add salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if desired) to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the salmon cubes, squid rings, red and green bell peppers, and onion wedges onto the soaked wooden skewers. Alternate between the seafood and vegetables to create a colorful arrangement. Aim to leave a little space between the pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Glaze the Skewers
Using a brush, generously coat the skewers with the satay glaze. Make sure the glaze covers both the seafood and vegetables evenly. Reserve a little glaze for basting during cooking.
Step 4: Grill or Broil the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to broil.
- Grilling: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the salmon is cooked and the squid is tender. Baste the skewers with the remaining glaze during cooking.
- Broiling: If using the oven, place the skewers on a broiler pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the remaining glaze.
Step 5: Serve
Once the skewers are fully cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sesame seeds if desired. Offer extra lime wedges on the side for a fresh citrus burst.
Tips and Tricks
- Soak the Skewers: Don’t forget to soak the wooden skewers for 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning during grilling or broiling.
- Squid Cooking Tip: Squid can become rubbery if overcooked, so ensure it’s only grilled or broiled for a short period—just until tender.
- Make Ahead: For even more flavor, prepare the glaze and marinate the seafood and vegetables in the fridge for up to 1 hour before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these salmon and squid satay skewers with jasmine rice, quinoa, and perhaps a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. A drizzle of extra satay glaze or a side of spicy peanut sauce would be the perfect finishing touch.
Wine Matching
Pair these satay skewers with a Chardonnay or a crisp Bulgarian Muscat. The fruity, slightly sweet notes in these wines beautifully complement the richness of the satay glaze and the seafood.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the grill or in a low oven to avoid overcooking the seafood.
About the Dish
This dish blends Southeast Asian satay flavors with fresh seafood, bringing a new twist to the classic kebab. The combination of tender salmon and squid with the creamy, nutty satay glaze creates a mouthwatering balance of textures and flavors. The quick grilling or broiling method keeps everything fresh and light, while the vegetables add a perfect crunch to the soft seafood.
Cultural Context
Satay, a popular Southeast Asian dish, typically consists of skewered and grilled meat with a flavorful peanut-based sauce. In this fusion-inspired recipe, salmon and squid are used instead of traditional meats, and the satay glaze is adapted to enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood.
