Mint and Cumin Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

This Mint and Cumin Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe brings together juicy grilled chicken, fragrant herbs, warm spices, and a rich homemade peanut dipping sauce for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, tender chicken thighs are marinated in yogurt, fresh mint, cilantro, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne before being threaded onto skewers and grilled until beautifully charred. The satay is served with a creamy coconut peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, curry powder, and lime for the perfect balance of richness and spice.

The Inspiration

Satay is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic grilled dishes, traditionally consisting of marinated meat cooked over open flames and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. While variations can be found across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, each region celebrates the irresistible pairing of smoky grilled skewers and rich peanut sauce.

On Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo create a fresh interpretation by incorporating cooling mint and fragrant cilantro into the marinade. The addition of yogurt tenderizes the chicken while helping the spices adhere, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat with every bite.

Ground cumin and turmeric provide earthy warmth, while cayenne pepper adds gentle heat. The accompanying peanut sauce combines creamy coconut milk, natural peanut butter, aromatic curry powder, garlic, fresh ginger, and lime juice to create a silky sauce that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.

Ingredients

For the mint and cumin satay

• 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thigh, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of full fat yogurt
• 1 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp of cayenne pepper
• 3 tbsp of vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the spicy peanut sauce

• 1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
• 1 cup of unsweetened peanut butter
• 1/4 cup of curry powder
• 1 tbsp of chilli powder
• 2 tbsp of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp of ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
• Salt, to taste

Method

• Mix mint and cumin satay ingredients (except skewers) in a mixing bowl until well combined.
• Place mixture in sealable bag.
• Close bag and refrigerate for 4  hours.
• Remove chicken from marinade and thread chicken onto skewers.
• Preheat grill to 400ºF.
• Place chicken on oiled grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
• In a medium sized sauce pan, stir together all peanut sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Keep warm and serve with mint and cumin chicken satay.

Note

• BBQ tip: To prevent wooden skewers from burning.  Place unused portion of stick over tin foil placed in the centre of the grill.

Serving Suggestions

These Mint and Cumin Chicken Satay Skewers are perfect as an appetizer, party platter, or light main course. Pair them with fragrant jasmine rice, coconut rice, grilled naan, cucumber salad, Asian slaw, grilled vegetables, or pickled vegetables for a complete meal. Fresh lime wedges and chopped herbs add brightness, while extra crushed peanuts provide satisfying crunch.

For beverages, serve with iced tea, sparkling lime water, tropical fruit juice, crisp lager, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light wheat beer. The skewers also make an excellent addition to barbecue buffets, family cookouts, and outdoor entertaining menus.

Final Thoughts

This Mint and Cumin Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce recipe brings together bold spices, fresh herbs, creamy peanut sauce, and perfectly grilled chicken to create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken exceptionally juicy, while the combination of mint, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne creates layers of aromatic flavor that shine after grilling.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!

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