Instead of using the usual bamboo skewers, we use fresh lemongrass stalks. As the meat bakes in the oven, the lemongrass releases its lovely aroma, making the satay incredibly appetising.
It's easy to prepare, requires only a few simple ingredients, and makes a great appetiser, party snack or addition to your BBQ spread.
Once you take a bite, you'll understand why it's so hard to stop at just one!
Ingredients
For the minced meat:
- Minced pork, beef or lamb
- Light soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Chopped onion
- Chopped garlic
- Cornflour, to help bind the meat and give it a tender texture
For the skewers:
- Fresh lemongrass stalks
Adjust the seasoning according to the amount of minced meat you're using.
How to Make Lemongrass Minced Meat Satay
Step 1: Prepare the lemongrass
Wash the lemongrass stalks thoroughly and remove the dry outer leaves and tough, dried ends.
Trim each stalk to a convenient satay length, leaving enough of the stalk exposed to act as a natural handle.
Step 2: Marinate the minced meat
Place the minced meat in a mixing bowl.
Add the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, chopped onion, chopped garlic and cornflour. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined.
The sauces provide savoury flavour, while the onion and garlic add extra fragrance. The cornflour helps bind the mixture so that it holds together better when wrapped around the lemongrass.
For the best flavour, you can cover the bowl and leave the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes before shaping.
Step 3: Wrap the meat around the lemongrass
Take a portion of the minced meat mixture and wrap it around one end of the lemongrass stalk.
Shape the meat into an even layer, covering approximately half the length of the stalk. Leave the other half exposed so you can hold it comfortably when eating.
Try not to make the meat layer too thick. Keeping it relatively even helps it cook more consistently.
Repeat until you've used up the minced meat mixture.
Step 4: Bake in the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Arrange the lemongrass satay on a lined baking tray, leaving a little space between each piece.
Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Turn the satay halfway through cooking if needed for more even browning.
Check that the meat is thoroughly cooked before serving. For minced pork, beef or lamb, the centre should reach at least 71°C.
If you'd like a slightly charred finish, you can use the oven's grill setting briefly at the end, keeping a close eye on the meat to prevent burning.
You can also BBQ it on charcoal which is even better!
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
And there you have it — homemade Lemongrass Minced Meat Satay!
The aroma of lemongrass fills the kitchen as the satay cooks, making it difficult to resist sneaking a taste before everything is ready.
Simply hold the exposed end of the lemongrass stalk and bite into the juicy, savoury minced meat.
It's fragrant, flavourful and wonderfully satisfying. Make a bigger batch because these little treats can disappear surprisingly quickly!
Tips for the Best Lemongrass Satay
Choose your favourite meat. Minced pork gives you a rich, savoury flavour, while beef and lamb offer their own distinctive tastes.
Don't make the meat too thick. An even layer cooks more consistently and is less likely to remain raw in the centre.
Mix the meat well. This helps the seasonings distribute evenly and the mixture hold together around the lemongrass.
Want extra colour? Finish the satay briefly under the oven grill or on a BBQ for a more charred, grilled appearance.
Serve it with a dipping sauce. Sweet chilli sauce, sambal or a homemade satay-style peanut sauce would complement the savoury meat nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beef or lamb instead of pork?
Absolutely! Minced beef and minced lamb work well with this recipe. Choose whichever meat you enjoy most.
Can I cook the satay in an air fryer?
Yes. You can try cooking it at 180°C, checking after about 8–10 minutes and adjusting the cooking time according to the thickness. Always check that the centre reaches a safe temperature.
Can I prepare the satay in advance?
Yes. Shape the meat around the lemongrass stalks, cover and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. Keep raw meat refrigerated and cook it thoroughly.
What can I serve with lemongrass satay?
Serve it with rice, fresh vegetables, cucumber slices, a dipping sauce or other BBQ dishes. It also makes a delicious appetiser for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Lemongrass Minced Meat Satay is a simple recipe with a fragrant twist. You don't need complicated ingredients or special equipment to create something delicious at home.
The combination of savoury minced meat, garlic, onion and aromatic lemongrass makes every bite tempting.
Whether you're preparing a family meal, hosting friends or planning a BBQ, this is one recipe worth trying. Just remember to make enough — everyone will probably want more!Lemongrass satay RecipeSatay Serai Recipe
You can use mince pork or mince beef or mince lamb to make satay. 🥩
Marinate the mince meat with
