Meet your new midweek secret weapon: an astonishingly quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry that tastes like what you get from Chinese restaurants. On the table in 15 minutes, made with your choice of protein – beef, chicken, pork, prawns/shrimp or tofu!
This recipe is made using one of my master sauce recipe, this Peanut Sauce for Stir Fries. Like my All Purpose Stir Fry Sauce, it can be used for any stir fry or noodles using a “formula” (provided in the recipe) and forms the basis for many recipes I’ve shared over the years!
Quick Peanut Stir Fry
I love being proven wrong over good food.
I can usually read a recipe and have a good sense for what it will taste like. I know, for example, a stir fry made with just soy sauce and sugar would just taste flat and bleh.
And I must confess, when I first saw the relatively short ingredient list for the Satay Peanut Stir Fry Sauce for this recipe, I was a bit dubious – but also curious. Would it have enough depth of flavour, could you taste the peanut, was there even enough sauce??
I was dead wrong.
This, my friends, is a gem of a find. It’s not mine, it’s a reader recipe – Pat The Wanderer, a self declared nomad…..I love the mystery surrounding where “home” actually is!
Long time readers know I’m a fan of Satay, having done my share of various types including Thai Chicken Satay, Indonesian Satay Skewers (easiest of the bunch, Malaysian coming soon), Satay Chicken Noodle Salad (this is epic!), a Chicken Satay Curry and a saucy Chinese Chicken Satay Stir Fry (my copycat of the satay chicken from Chinese restaurants here in Australia).
Though they are all easy, the ingredient list is a bit longer than the typical quick midweek meal I share here, and some require pulling out your food processor. So I’m pretty chuffed to have discovered this QUICK Satay Peanut Stir Fry recipe!
I’ve made this 5 times – 3 times with beef, once with chicken and prawns/shrimp. Try this with Velveted Chicken or Beef (meat that’s tenderised the easy Chinese restaurant way) – it’s incredible!
If you’re a busy person, fan of satay, lover of Chinese food and/or all of the above, this one is for you. Pat The Wanderer, we thank you! – Nagi xx
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Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (any protein)
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce (Note 1)
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp curry powder (any – I use hot!)
- 1 1/2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter (smooth also ok)
- 2 tbsp water
Stir Fry:
- 300 – 350 g / 10 – 12 oz beef , chicken or pork thinly sliced (or peeled prawns/shrimp) (Note 2)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 garlic , finely chopped (Note 3)
- 1 large onion , sliced
- 1 large carrot , julienned (Note 4)
- 1 big handful bean sprouts (~1 1/2 cups packed)
- 1/2 cup finely sliced shallots / green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts , plus more for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Sauce ingredients EXCEPT WATER together in a small bowl. Then mix in water (easier to combine).
- Place beef in a bowl, add 1 tbsp Sauce. Mix, set aside 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok or large heavy based skillet over high heat. Add garlic and stir until golden (~10 sec) then add onion. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add beef. Cook for 1 1/2 minutes or until it mostly turns brown (some red spots ok). If using pork, chicken or prawns, cook until almost cooked through.
- Add carrots, bean sprouts and Sauce. Cook until veggies are wilted.
- Add peanuts and shallots, stir.
- Serve immediately with rice or noodles, garnished with extra shallots and peanuts if desired. (For a low carb, low cal option, try Cauliflower Rice!)
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry recipe video!
LIFE OF DOZER
At the time this post goes live, I’ll be up in the air enroute from San Francisco to Sydney, back to my usual routine. This is part of it – every single time I take Dozer to the beach, I open the boot, Dozer leaps out, bolts across the park and all the way down the beach about 500m/550 yards away (Step 1) then a few minutes later, bolts back to make sure I’m coming (Step 2).
Every. Single. Time.
So tomorrow when I land, I’ll be back to it. 🙂
Happy New Year Nagi!
I whisked this up again for the umpteenth time this evening and as always it was an absolute ripper. I always double the sauce as it’s so good and add a smidge more curry powder as I like a slightly stronger curry kick. Wife loved it, kids loved it, job done.
Like you I’m a bit of a curry fiend but between this and my homemade chicken satay pizza my addiction is satisfied.
Thanks once again for a cracking recipe.
PS – Not nagging but my two wishes for your site this year are Hainanese Chicken and Char Kway Teow 🙂
THEY ARE BOTH ON MY LIST!!! 😂
Oops meant to say satay fiend!
Hi Naggi,
In case you didn’t know. You also have fans on the other side of the world (the Netherlands). This evening I made your satay peanut stir fry with thin slices of beef. Delicious. And we love all of your recipes. All of your ingredients are available in the supermarket. And if not (in case of kaffir lemon leaves f.e.) we can buy them in Indonesian tokos of which we have a lot.
Hiiii Petra! It is so nice to hear from you. Sharing my favourite recipes with people all over the world is one of the reasons I love what I do so much!!! I’m thrilled you enjoyed this one, it’s a reader recipe and I enjoyed it so much, I was so surprised how quick and easy it was! Thanks for taking the time to leave a message for me. 🙂 N x
Hi Naggi,
I’m a fan of your recipes on the other side of the world (The Netherlands). I made this recipe for the second time with thin slices of beef. Really delicious. Thank you for allof your recipes. Ans all of your ingredients are available in the Dutch supermarkets (or incase of kaffir lemonleaves in indonesian toko’s of which there are many in the Netherlands).
Sorry I wrote 2 comments because I thougt this one went wrong.
No worries!
Hi Nagi,
Love your blog and your recipes, this satay is amazing as its so quick to cook and like you say, packs a punch flavour wise. My husband and i love it.
Thank you so much! xEX
I’m so pleased to hear that Evelyn! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on this recipe 🙂 N xx
Cooked this 2 nights ago with pork fillet. Really nice. Just added a bit of chilli sauce for a bit if zing. Great recipe as usual, will definitely have again.
That’s so wonderful to hear Kim! Thanks for letting me know – N xx
This was really really good. It’s a good way to use up veges.
I recommend using the fish sauce, it doesn’t taste fishy at all, I think soy would be too strong for this dish.
I also recommend making extra sauce, it’s delish.
Hey Nagi – can you please send the link to the dog biscuits.
That’s so great to hear Barb. Thanks for letting me know – N xx I’ve made these ones, they are GREAT! http://hapanom.com/homemade-dog-biscuits/
Made this tonight, and it’s delicious. I’m always looking for quick and easy midweek meals. This is going on regular rotation.
I doubled the sauce recipe, as we like things a little saucier. Left out the spring onions, as I’m not a fan, and added broccoli. Next time I will add more veg such as baby corn.
That’s so fantastic to hear Katrina! And definitely yes to adding more veg 🙂 Especially if you double the recipe!!
Cooked this tonight, my entire family gobbled it down! I have been looking for a good peanut based/satay recipe that is easy and quick. This one worked beautifully (due to time constraints, I didn’t even have time to marinate the chicken with the tbs of sauce) and will go on our regular rotation! Thanks Nagi!
What wonderful feedback Jennifer, I’m so pleased to hear that, thank you! N xx
Yum – got home at 6.20 – and it’s freezing here! This was quick and perfect!!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it Sherree! N xx
Nagi. Glad you’re safe and sound. It’s great to go away but always nice to be back home. Going to try this recipe tonight. Made your moms sweet & sour meatballs last night. Yum!! Dozer is one lucky dog. 🐶
It’s so true Steven. I am always so happy to travel but so SO happy when I come home. N xx
Hope you had very good rest in your own bed. How and why an world have you end up in water?? You can get sick(hope and better NOT) too biger change on body. Stuck into garlic, ginger, nothing heavy, OK , cheerio.!
I couldn’t deprive Dozer of his BEACH FUN!!! 😂
This looks fantastic. Love your blog and recipes, Nagi!
Would you possibly be willing to share your source for the beautiful ceramic dishes this is served in? I notice these in a lot of your photos. I’d LOVE to get some- they look perfect for serving rice and noodle dishes. Thanks, Nagi!
A wonderful ceramics in Australia –> http://mhceramics.net N xx
In love the flavors in this stir fry! Looks delicious, Nagi!
Thanks Sabrina! N xx
Hi Nagi, I am really, enjoying your recipes, stories and of course pics of Dozer. I made this for dinner tonight with Pork and Hokkein noddles. It was absolutely delicious, thanks for another lovely dish.
Hope you get over the dreaded jet lag soon and back to your sparkling self.
Ruth
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this Ruth, and that you like the Dozer stories!! 😂 N xx
Safe travels back home Nagi!
I’ve made several of your recipes and they are Delish! Thank you!
p.s. I’m sure Dozer will be thrilled to have you home and back to your routine!
Sincerely~ Caryn
He WAS happy to see me when I first saw him. He’s now sick of me hugging him! 😂
Gracias por todas tus recetas. Soy sincera primero veo a Dozer Deseo que hayan disfrutado el paseo-
Besos
¡Tan satisfecho que le gusta ver Dozer! ¡Gracias por su mensaje precioso! N xx
During busy work weeks I often make stir-fries 3-4 times a week but have to confess never having used peanut butter! Interesting when I see you also use curry powder in the same recipe!! And fish sauce instead of soy or in addition to it . . . . just have to try 🙂 ! New taste sensations methinks!!!! Hope you and your mother had a good flight home and Dozer was at his rapturous best in welcoming you . . .
I promise you will enjoy this one Eha! Honestly tastes like the satay stir fries we get from Chinese restaurants here in Oz 🙂 N xx
Morning, Nagi
I always wait for email from you every morning. I Love to put different kind of meals on my table…Japanese, Mexican, Italian…. and always try new recipes.
Thanks heaps for all the recipes!!!
-ingka-
You’re most welcome Ingka! I’m so pleased you enjoy them – N xx
Nagi, safe trip! For jet leg, stay outside , search for bit of sun, sun is good to help you with body clock. Yes, yes wonky body clock….. And use ginger to eat, drink to recover your tummy.! Now you know how we feel after night shift. Ok, ok, Love you food will make that sauce. Make sure you DO NOT END UP IN WATER WITH DOZER…. Talk to you soon, regards Vera.
I half listened to you….I spent the day mostly outdoors and AWAKE….but I did go in the water with Dozer! 😂
Safe travels home Nagi!
Make sure you have someone handy with a camera for the first “Woohooo, Mommy’s home!” meeting with Dozer Dog. 🙂
Have the beef thawing slightly to make the cutting easier…this will be on my dinner table tonight! Hope it keeps well…I’m looking for nutritious and tasty meals for lunches.
I always have visions of how I’ll run towards him with my arms spread wide, how he’ll race towards me and leap into my arms….and the truth couldn’t be any different. He scratches me to bits in his excitement, I’m squatting down on a dusty ground, I get absolutely covered in fur, he is crashing into me in his manic (happiness) and it’s all round absolute chaos. 😂
Just the way it should be! 😀
Made this, love it – and it’s going to become a favorite! Total 10!
HIGH FIVE! 😘