Indonesia is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, and one dish that stands out is Sate Lilit Bali. This grilled meat skewer recipe originates from Bali, an island in Indonesia known for its beautiful beaches, scenic rice terraces, and vibrant culture.
Sate Lilit Bali is unique in that it uses minced meat that is mixed with coconut milk, grated coconut, and various aromatic herbs and spices to create a rich and flavorful paste. This paste is then wrapped around a bamboo skewer or lemongrass stalk before being grilled over an open flame. The end result is a juicy and tender meat skewer that is bursting with bold and aromatic flavors.
The most common meat used in Sate Lilit Bali is fish, such as tuna or mahi-mahi, but other meats like chicken, pork, and beef can also be used. This dish is typically served with steamed rice, spicy sambal, and fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato.
What makes Sate Lilit Bali so special is not just its unique preparation method, but also its history and cultural significance. In Bali, this dish is often served during special occasions and religious ceremonies, making it an important part of Balinese culture and tradition.
One unique aspect of sate lilit Bali is the use of grated coconut meat as a binding agent instead of peanut sauce, which is commonly used in other sate dishes in Indonesia. This coconut meat not only holds the minced meat together on the skewer but also gives the dish a distinct texture and flavor.
Another key ingredient in sate lilit Bali is the use of Balinese spice paste, which is a blend of shallots, garlic, chilies, turmeric, ginger, shrimp paste, and other aromatic spices. This spice paste is used to marinate the minced meat and give the dish its signature flavor.
To prepare sate lilit Bali, first, you need to prepare the Balinese spice paste by blending all the ingredients in a food processor. Then, mix the spice paste with minced meat (usually chicken, fish, or beef), grated coconut meat, and other seasonings such as salt and sugar. After that, take a small portion of the mixture and wrap it around the skewer in a spiral shape. The skewers are then grilled over charcoal until cooked and slightly charred.
Sate lilit Bali is often served with steamed rice and other Balinese side dishes such as urap (vegetable salad with coconut dressing) and lawar (a mix of chopped vegetables, coconut, and minced meat or seafood).
Overall, sate lilit Bali is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Balinese spices with the subtle sweetness of grated coconut meat. If you are looking to explore the diverse and delicious cuisine of Indonesia, this dish is definitely worth trying.
