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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish with Garnishes: Add the crushed peanuts and finely sliced shallots or green onions. Give a quick stir to combine evenly.
- 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
