Satay-Style Grilled Tofu Skewers Recipe

Gather the ingredients for satay-style grilled tofu skewers

To make these satay-style grilled tofu skewers, begin with extra-firm tofu as your primary protein. For the marinade and sauce, gather soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, crushed Thai red chili flakes, and crunchy peanut butter. Olive oil will be added to thin out the marinade for easy brushing. To enhance the texture and color of the satay, prepare garnishes like chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts, Sriracha sauce, and fried shallots. Lastly, be sure to include lime wedges to elevate the dish's delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Step 1: Make the marinade

To prepare the marinade, combine soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and dried red chiles in a spacious bowl.

Step 2: Divide marinade in half

Pour half of the marinade mixture into a medium bowl.

Step 3: Add the peanut butter

Incorporate the peanut butter and mix until well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Finish the peanut butter sauce

Sample the peanut butter sauce and incorporate additional sugar if you prefer, along with enough water to achieve a drizzleable consistency.

Step 5: Marinate the tofu

Move the tofu to the large bowl containing the marinade without peanut butter and allow it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

Step 6: Preheat your grill

Heat the grill to its maximum temperature.

Step 7: Line a tray with aluminum foil

Cover a large tray with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with a bit of olive oil.

Step 8: Thread the tofu on skewers

Skewer the marinated tofu cubes.

Step 9: Arrange the skewers on tray

Arrange the skewers on the lined tray, ensuring they are spaced 1 inch apart to prevent contact. If there isn't enough room, separate them into smaller batches.

Step 10: Add olive oil to the marinade

Incorporate 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the leftover marinade.

Step 11: Grill the skewers

Position the tray on the grill and cook the skewers over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally, until they are lightly charred, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Remember to brush them occasionally with the leftover marinade.

Step 12: Repeat until all skewers are cooked

Continue until all the skewers are fully cooked.

Step 13: Serve with peanut sauce and garnishes

Present the grilled tofu skewers alongside the peanut sauce, topped with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, Sriracha, and crispy shallots, accompanied by lime wedges.

Can you cook satay-style skewers without a grill?

Satay is a traditional method for grilling meats on skewers, but you can still savor the flavors of this dish even without a grill or if you prefer not to use one. A simple way to achieve grill-like results at home is by using a cast iron skillet, which provides even and direct heat. Just heat the skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Another way to mimic grilling is by broiling the skewers in the oven. Prepare your baking sheet as you would for grilling, then place the skewers in an oven set to high broil. Position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source and broil for 5 minutes on each side. If your oven doesn’t have a broil setting, baking at 425°F is a good alternative, though it will take longer—up to 25 minutes for the entire batch of skewers. Be sure to flip them halfway through, but keep in mind that this method may not achieve the same charred exterior that is characteristic of satay.

What are some accompanying dishes to serve with this satay tofu?

The ideal way to enjoy these satay-style tofu skewers is as part of an Asian-themed meal. A traditional accompaniment is steamed jasmine rice, which has a mild flavor that won’t compete with the bold peanut sauce.

For an appetizer, consider serving these skewers alongside Vietnamese-style spring rolls that can also utilize the same peanut sauce. A crisp and refreshing cucumber salad is another excellent option to cleanse the palate after the rich flavors of the dish. If you're catering to a diverse group of pescatarians and meat-lovers, a simple beef or shrimp stir-fry can provide a protein boost.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a straightforward coconut or mango sticky rice pudding, or even a tres leches-inspired rice pudding. To drink, a Thai iced tea, a chilled lemongrass beverage, or a light lager beer would pair beautifully with the flavors of the satay tofu.