These mouth-watering Thai Beef Satay Skewers are tangy, tender, and perfectly balanced with a cool and creamy peanut dipping sauce.
We are big meat eaters here in our house so you will always see various cuts of Certified Angus Beef in our refrigerator including ribeye, porterhouse, sirloin and more.
One of my favorite cuts of beef for grilling is the flank steak because it is versatile, lean and quite affordable for feeding a family of four.
Recently I created these mouthwatering Thai Beef Satay Skewers with Creamy Peanut Dipping Sauce. The fragrant marinade made with bright lemon juice, fresh ginger, and soy sauce is super versatile, so I always recommend making a double batch to use later in the week on chicken, pork, fish or vegetables.
All about beef
When you’re thinking about what cuts of beef are best for grilling skewers I recommend flank, skirt, or flat iron steak.
People often ask how long should beef be marinated for and the answer really is that it depends. Less tender cuts of beef such as flank steak should be marinated for six hours but not more than 24 hours. If you’re marinating tender cuts such as ribeye, 15 minutes to two hours is fine.
How long does it take to grill beef skewers?
For medium rare, I recommend about 3-4 minutes per side. Be sure to let the meat rest at least 5 minutes after removing from the grill.
Whats the right way to slice beef?
You always want to cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. When making these beef skewers, I cut with the grain so that as you bite into the skewer, you are biting against the grain.
While the beef skewers cook on the grill, I whisk together a quick and easy creamy peanut dipping sauce. Made with creamy peanut butter, fish sauce, soy sauce and garlic, this sauce is sweet, spicy, sour and salty – everything you want in a single bite!
If you manage to have leftovers these will beef skewers will stay fresh in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When serving, I like to place on a platter with cilantro sprigs and fresh limes.
You are going to love the smoky, slightly-charred beef flavor and bright freshness of the lemons and ginger in the marinade. Cool it all off in the creamy peanut dipping sauce and your taste buds are going to be begging you for more.
No forks required.
Satay Beef Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
Beef Skewers
- 1 pound Certified Angus Beef flank or skirt steak (cut in 1-inch strips)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 16 wooden skewers (soaked in water)
- cilantro and lime wedges (optional garnish)
Peanut Dipping Sauce
- 4 tablespoons creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (more or less to taste)
- warm water
Instructions
- In a medium glass bowl, whisk together beef marinade: lemon juice, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic and chili paste. Add beef strips to the bowl and toss well to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or marinate in the refrigerator for up to overnight.
- Prepare peanut dipping sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small bowl. Slowly add in warm tap water, about a tablespoon at a time, until you reach desired consistency. Reserve for later.
- To cook beef skewers, carefully thread each strip on soaked skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare.
- Let been skewers rest for 10 minutes before serving with creamy peanut dipping sauce.
Nutrition
Head over to my Pinterest page for more healthy Asian Food!
I am allergic to fish so I wouldn’t be able to use the fish sauce. What would be an acceptable substitution?
You could replace it with additional soy sauce, vegan fish sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.
I made this last night, AMAZING! My kids loved it so I’m going to make this into wraps for school lunches. Thank you!
Oh great idea to put into wraps!!! Tortillas would work great too!
How many skewers are in 1 serving?
It depends on how much meat you put on the skewer. There are 8 servings in the pound so 2 ounces per person. :)
The marinade was awesome!! I didn’t cut the steak into strips until grill time and the flavor still comes through!! I didn’t care for the peanut sauce. Just tasted like peanut butter only. Served the beef with pan sautéed sugar snap peas with some butter, garlic and soy sauce, and it was delicious!!
I’m so happy you liked the marinade!! Sounds great how you served it!
Can I omit the fish sauce? My husband is allergic. What would be a good substitute?
You can omit it – you really can’t replicate it though. It’s pretty much just background unami.
This marinade was absolutely delicious! Saving it as a favorite for the future.
Question: if you don’t have fresh ginger would ground ginger work? Perhaps half the amount of fresh?
Yes absolutely!! That’s a perfect substitution!
First, these look incredible! Second, I had no idea you could use lemon to help reduce salt, what a fantastic idea! I need to work lemon into more savory dishes, it’s certainly a favorite for me when it comes to baking. Can’t wait to try these!
You know I have been using lemons for years but I didn’t realize it either!
That beef looks so juicy and tender! I’m drooling over here.
Ahh thank you Nicole!!
oh girl, these sound soooo good. I wish I could snap my fingers an have them in front of me right now!
I wish I could send you a platter!!
Meat on a stick…..YOU know I’m down!
I mean seriously what is better?
Yessssss! These flavors are everything! Mmm :)
I love using lemon juice in my marinades! Your skewers look amazing—perfectly grilled beef!
You know I do too Liz! Thank you so much!
Dear Liz, these look so delicious…so tender and juicy and the peanut sauce seals the deal! I would love to try this…Pinning for later! xo, Catherine
That peanut sauce really did seal the deal!! Thank you Catherine!