Satti is a beloved dish from Zamboanga, known for its skewered grilled meat served with a rich, spicy sauce over rice or “puso” (rice wrapped in leaves).
This unique Filipino barbecue combines the heat of chili with the smoky flavor of char-grilled meat, creating a delightful and comforting meal that’s especially popular for breakfast or brunch.
Equipment Needed
Grill or grill pan
Skewers (bamboo or metal)
Small saucepan
Basting brush
Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Skewers
1 lb (500 g) chicken or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Spicy Satti Sauce
1 tbsp oil
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tbsp peanut butter
1–2 tbsp chili paste or crushed chili (adjust to taste)
Salt and sugar to taste
Optional for Serving
Steamed rice or “puso” (rice wrapped in leaves)
Directions
Preparation time: 15 minutes, Marinating Time: 1 hour, Cooking time: 15 minutes, Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Marinate the Meat: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Add the chicken or beef, mixing well to coat. Let marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, about 4–5 pieces per skewer.
Grill the Meat: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5–7 minutes per side or until the meat is cooked through and nicely charred. Baste occasionally with the remaining marinade.
Make the Satti Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, coconut milk, peanut butter, and chili paste. Stir well and simmer for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar to taste.
Serve: Place the skewers on a plate with a serving of rice or puso. Drizzle the spicy Satti sauce generously over the skewers and rice.
How to Serve
Satti is typically served with a generous amount of sauce poured over rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
For variety, you can use lamb or even tofu as a meat alternative. Adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding more or less chili.
Final Word
Satti’s smoky, spicy flavors offer an exciting and authentic taste of Zamboanga’s cuisine.
Try it for a deliciously unique and comforting Filipino barbecue experience!
