Spicy Chicken Satay Skewers

The other day I was eating Thai and really wanted chicken satay. The problem is that satay sauce almost always has soy sauce in the mix, so for those of us who are gluten and soy free, this poses an issue. So, last weekend I tried a couple different satay recipes, substituting my alternative ingredients instead, and this one wins the prize.



Marinade


2 tablespoons fish sauce (ensure you find one that only has anchovies, salt and water)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon coconut aminos, tamari, or low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
4 garlic cloves, minced



1 package chicken tenderloins, or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced crosswise, with your knife slightly on the diagonal into 1/4 inch strips


bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 20 minutes



Spicy Peanut Sauce


3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (I use Justin's. Any nut butter would work if you cannot have peanuts)
1/4 cup light coconut milk
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves



Directions


1. Whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, agave, soy sauce, ginger, chili flakes and garlic (makes 3/4 cup). Pour 1/2 cup marinade into a shallow baking dish; reserve the remaining 1/4 cup. Add the chicken to the marinade in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.


2. In a food processor, blend ingredients for the Spicy Peanut Sauce adding the reserved marinade to the food processor. Blend until smooth.


3. Heat grill to medium high heat. Skewer the chicken strips or tenderloins on the soaked skewers. Spread some oil on the hot grill and place chicken skewers on grill to cook, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove skewers from grill and allow to rest 5 minutes. Serve over rice or lettuce or shredded napa cabbage with a generous dollop of Spicy Peanut Sauce!



Thanks Food Network for the recipe inspiration.