Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe

Introduction

This Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any protein you prefer, whether beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp. The rich peanut sauce combined with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables makes for a delicious, speedy meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp curry powder (any variety, hot recommended)
• 1 1/2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter (smooth also okay)
• 2 tbsp water
• 300-350 g (10-12 oz) beef, chicken, pork thinly sliced, or peeled prawns/shrimp
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 big handful bean sprouts (~1 1/2 cups packed)
• 1/2 cup finely sliced shallots or green onions (plus more for garnish)
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (plus more for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, cornflour, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, and peanut butter. Once combined, stir in the water to form a smooth sauce.
2. Step 2: Place your chosen protein in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Heat the oil in a wok or large heavy-based skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir until golden, about 10 seconds. Then add the sliced onion and cook for 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Add the marinated protein to the pan. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes or until the meat mostly turns brown (some pink is okay). For chicken, pork, or prawns, cook until nearly done.
5. Step 5: Add the julienned carrot, bean sprouts, and the remaining sauce to the pan. Stir and cook until the vegetables start to wilt.
6. Step 6: Stir in the crushed peanuts and sliced shallots or green onions.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with rice or noodles. Garnish with extra shallots and peanuts if desired. For a low carb option, try serving with cauliflower rice.

Tips & Variations

• Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but smooth peanut butter works well too.
• Adjust the curry powder heat level to match your preference, from mild to hot.
• Try swapping the protein to suit what you have on hand—this recipe works well with beef, chicken, pork, or prawns.
• For an extra kick, add a sliced chili or a dash of chili flakes when cooking the garlic and onion.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The vegetables are best fresh but will retain flavor when reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter in place of peanut butter?

Yes, almond or cashew butter can be used as alternatives, but the flavor will be slightly different from traditional satay.

What can I serve with this satay stir fry?

It pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Fresh herbs like coriander or mint also complement the dish nicely.

Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 143 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring your choice of protein—beef, chicken, pork, or prawns—tossed in a rich, savory peanut sauce with fresh vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast, satisfying weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Satay Sauce

• 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp curry powder (hot or preferred variety)
• 1 1/2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter (smooth also okay)
• 2 tbsp water

Main Stir Fry

• 300 – 350 g (10 – 12 oz) beef, chicken, pork thinly sliced or peeled prawns/shrimp
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 big handful bean sprouts (~1 1/2 cups packed)
• 1/2 cup finely sliced shallots or green onions (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (plus more for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Satay Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients except the water—fish sauce, sugar, cornflour, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, and peanut butter—until combined. Then stir in water to form a smooth sauce.
2. Marinate Protein: Place the thinly sliced beef (or chosen protein) in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of the prepared satay sauce. Mix well to coat evenly and set aside for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
3. Start Stir Fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or a large, heavy-based skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir until it becomes golden—about 10 seconds. Then add the sliced onion and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened.
4. Cook the Protein: Add the marinated beef and cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until mostly browned but still slightly pink in spots. For pork, chicken, or prawns, cook until nearly cooked through but not overdone.
5. Add Vegetables and Sauce: Toss in the julienned carrot, bean sprouts, and the remaining satay sauce. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are just wilted but still vibrant and crisp.
6. Finish with Garnishes: Add the crushed peanuts and finely sliced shallots or green onions. Give a quick stir to combine evenly.
7. Serve: Serve the stir fry immediately, garnished with extra shallots and peanuts if desired. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles; for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great.

Notes

• Note 1: Fish sauce provides authentic umami flavor but can be substituted with soy sauce for a different twist.
• Note 2: Protein options are versatile—choose beef, chicken, pork, or peeled prawns/shrimp according to preference.
• Note 3: Finely chopped garlic added directly to the stir fry ensures an extra punch of flavor.
• Note 4: Julienne the carrot to maintain quick cooking and crisp texture alongside the other veggies.
• This dish cooks quickly—watch closely to avoid overcooking the protein and vegetables.
• Use crunchy peanut butter for more texture, or smooth for a creamier sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Keywords: satay, peanut stir fry, quick dinner, easy meal, beef stir fry, chicken stir fry, peanut sauce, Asian recipe, weeknight dinner