Sate Taichan

Step 1

Cut each chicken thigh into four 2-inch chunks, cutting across the grain so the pieces are easier to eat and absorb the marinade evenly.

Step 2

Place the chicken chunks in a small bowl and pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 minced garlic cloves; stir until every piece is coated.

Step 3

Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes so they don't burn on the grill; this prevents charring before the chicken cooks through.

Step 4

Thread 4 chicken chunks onto each soaked skewer, leaving 1 inch of bare skewer at each end for gripping.

Step 5

Pour 0.5 cup peanut butter into a small saucepan, then add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 0.5 teaspoon chile flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 0.25 cup water.

Step 6

Set the heat to medium and whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes, scraping the bottom with a spoon, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thinner than peanut butter, with no lumps.

Step 7

Turn the heat to low and let the sauce bubble gently for 1 minute, stirring once every 15 seconds, so the flavors meld without breaking.

Step 8

Set a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and wait 3 minutes until the grate or pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and disappears immediately.

Step 9

Lay all 4 skewers on the hot grill, spacing them 2 inches apart, and do not move them for 3 minutes—this creates a brown crust.

Step 10

Turn each skewer over using tongs, then cook for another 3 minutes without moving them, until the second side is also browned.

Step 11

Flip the skewers one more time and cook for 1 minute, then immediately brush all sides heavily with the peanut sauce using a pastry brush.

Step 12

Flip the skewers again and brush the other side with peanut sauce, then cook for 1 minute so the sauce chars slightly and caramelizes.

Step 13

Remove the skewers to a clean cutting board and let them rest for 2 minutes so the juices stay inside the meat when you bite into it.

Step 14

Place the 4 skewers on a plate and pour the remaining peanut sauce into a small bowl placed next to the plate for dipping.