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Main CourseDinner

Sate Kambing (Indonesian Lamb Skewers)

These flavorful Indonesian lamb skewers are marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. They offer a unique balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, making for a delicious main course.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium

Allergen information: may contain gluten and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Sate Kambing (Indonesian Lamb Skewers)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 500 glamb leg, cut into 1.5 inch cubes

marinade

  • 3 pcsshallot, chopped
  • 4 clovegarlic, chopped
  • 10 gginger, peeled and chopped
  • 5 ggalangal, peeled and chopped
  • 0.5 tspturmeric powder
  • 1 tspcoriander powder
  • 0.5 tspcumin powder
  • 3 tbspketjap manis
  • 1 tbsptamarind paste
  • 2 tbspvegetable oil
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper

garnish

  • 0.5 cuppeanut sauce, for serving
  • 1 pcslime, cut into wedges, for serving
  • 2 tbspfried shallots, for serving(optional)

Equipment

tongs · grill · food processor · large bowl

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Combine the shallot, garlic, ginger, galangal, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, ketjap manis, tamarind paste, vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper in a food processor or mortar and pestle.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the spices are finely ground for maximum flavor.

  2. 2

    Blend or pound until a smooth paste forms.

    About 5 min

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine the lamb leg with the prepared marinade paste.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Mix thoroughly to ensure all lamb pieces are coated.

  4. 4

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

    About 1 hr

    Cook’s note: Marinating overnight will result in more tender and flavorful lamb.

  5. 5

    Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

    About 30 min

    Cook’s note: This step is crucial for using bamboo skewers on a high-heat grill.

  6. 6

    Thread the marinated lamb pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, typically 3-4 pieces per skewer.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Do not pack the lamb too tightly, as this can prevent even cooking.

  7. 7

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: A charcoal grill will impart the best smoky flavor, but a gas grill also works well.

  8. 8

    Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the lamb is cooked through and slightly charred.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the lamb and the heat of your grill.

  9. 9

    Remove the sate kambing from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the lamb tender.

  10. 10

    Serve hot with peanut sauce, fresh lime wedges, and a sprinkle of fried shallots if desired.

    Cook’s note: Nasi Goreng or steamed rice makes a great accompaniment.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover sate kambing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on a pan over low heat until warmed through.