If you ever crave a meal that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together in a flash, you’re going to love this Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables and your choice of protein, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce spiked with curry and ginger. This dish strikes that perfect balance between comfort and excitement, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or freshness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this stir fry is both adaptable and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to bringing out the flavors and textures that make this Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe so special. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, whether it’s adding depth, crunch, or that unmistakable satay creaminess.
- Fish sauce: Adds umami richness and a mild saltiness that enhances all other flavors.
- Sugar: Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness to round out the sauce.
- Cornflour/cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it a perfect cling to your protein and veggies.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory base.
- Grated ginger: Brings a fresh, zesty kick that lifts the entire dish.
- Curry powder: Provides warmth and complexity; feel free to choose your favorite level of heat.
- Crunchy peanut butter: The star ingredient offering creamy texture and nutty flavor; smooth works too if you prefer.
- Water: Lightens the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Protein (beef, chicken, pork, or prawns): Your main protein, sliced thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Oil: For stir frying and creating that gorgeous sear.
- Garlic (finely chopped): Adds another layer of aromatic flavor during cooking.
- Onion (sliced): Brings sweetness and crunch when lightly cooked.
- Carrot (julienned): For color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
- Bean sprouts: Adds fresh crispness and lightness to every bite.
- Shallots/green onions (finely sliced): Provides sharpness and a lovely garnish.
- Crushed peanuts: For that irresistible nuttiness and an extra textural punch.
How to Make Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Satay Sauce
Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients except the water in a small bowl. Once those come together, stir in the water to create a smooth, creamy satay sauce. This step sets the foundation for that rich, peanutty flavor that makes this recipe shine.
Step 2: Marinate Your Protein
Place your thinly sliced beef, chicken, pork, or prawns in a bowl and toss with a tablespoon of the prepared sauce. Let it sit for around 10 minutes to soak in all those delicious flavors. This quick marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with the perfect hint of satay.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a wok or heavy skillet over high heat, then add the chopped garlic. Stir it quickly until golden, which should take about 10 seconds, allowing the kitchen to fill with mouthwatering aroma. Then add the sliced onions and cook for one minute until they start to soften.
Step 4: Cook the Protein
Add the marinated protein to the pan and cook for about one and a half minutes, until it mostly browns but still has a touch of pink inside. If you’re using pork, chicken, or prawns, cook until they’re just nearly done through, so the meat stays juicy and tender after combining everything.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Next, toss in the julienned carrots, fresh bean sprouts, and the remaining satay sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables soften just slightly but still retain their vibrant crunch, letting the sauce coat every bite beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Peanuts and Shallots
Sprinkle in the crushed peanuts and finely sliced shallots, giving it one quick stir to combine. These ingredients add delightful texture and sharp, nutty notes that lift the dish to another level.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Plate your stir fry right away, best served steaming hot. It pairs amazingly with fragrant rice or noodles, and a garnish of extra shallots and crushed peanuts makes it picture perfect. For those watching carbs, cauliflower rice is a wonderful alternative that still soaks up the flavors brilliantly.
How to Serve Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this stir fry from great to unforgettable. Extra finely sliced shallots add a mild sharpness while a sprinkle of crushed peanuts provides crunch and a pop of nuttiness. For an extra fresh touch, a handful of chopped coriander or a squeeze of lime can brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is fantastic on its own, but it blossoms when served alongside simple jasmine rice, steamed noodles, or even fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You could also serve it with a light cucumber salad to add cool crispness that contrasts the warm, creamy satay flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving the stir fry in hollowed-out bell peppers or over crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held experience. Alternatively, pile it atop cooked rice noodles and drizzle with extra satay sauce for an elegant noodle bowl that dazzles guests or family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly preserves the texture of the veggies and the freshness of the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry, though it’s best to freeze only the protein and sauce separately from the vegetables to maintain the freshest texture. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to one month, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or a little oil can help revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy texture of the vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter substitutes in this Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe?
Absolutely! While crunchy peanut butter gives that signature texture, smooth peanut butter works well too. For those with allergies, almond or sunflower seed butter can be interesting alternatives, though the flavor will shift slightly.
What proteins work best in this recipe?
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Beef, chicken, pork, or prawns all shine when prepared this way. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep the protein tender and juicy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free fish sauce and cornstarch, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap out the fish sauce for soy sauce or tamari and choose tofu or tempeh as your protein. The peanut sauce remains the star and is vegan-friendly with those adjustments.
How spicy is this Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe?
The heat largely depends on the curry powder you use. If you prefer mild, go for a gentle curry blend. For more kick, pick a hotter curry powder or add chili flakes while cooking. It’s easy to adjust to your personal taste.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe is a total winner in the dinner game — fast, full of vibrant flavors, and incredibly satisfying. Its versatility and quick prep make it a go-to meal for busy days when you still want something homemade and delicious. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every nutty, savory, vibrant bite as much as I do!
Print
Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry (Any Protein) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Quick Satay Peanut Stir Fry is a flavorful, speedy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring thinly sliced beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp tossed in a spicy and savory satay-inspired peanut sauce, it combines crunchy vegetables and a deliciously nutty kick. Ready in just 17 minutes, it’s an easy meal served best with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Satay Peanut Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp curry powder (any variety, hot preferred)
- 1 1/2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter (smooth also okay)
- 2 tbsp water
Stir Fry
- 300 – 350 g / 10 – 12 oz thinly sliced beef, chicken, pork, or peeled prawns/shrimp
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 big handful bean sprouts (~1 1/2 cups packed)
- 1/2 cup finely sliced shallots or green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (plus more for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Satay Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, cornflour, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, and crunchy peanut butter. Mix well, then gradually add the water to make a smooth sauce.
- Marinate the Protein: Place the thinly sliced beef (or your choice of protein) into a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of the prepared satay sauce. Mix thoroughly and let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large heavy-based skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry until golden, about 10 seconds. Add the sliced onion and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened.
- Cook the Protein: Add the marinated beef to the wok. Stir-fry for about 1 1/2 minutes until it mostly turns brown but still has some red spots. For chicken, pork, or prawns, cook until almost fully cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the julienned carrots, bean sprouts, and the remaining satay sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables have wilted and are tender-crisp.
- Finish with Peanuts and Shallots: Add the crushed peanuts and finely sliced shallots to the wok. Stir everything together to combine the flavors well.
- Serve Hot: Serve the stir fry immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with extra shallots and peanuts if desired. For a low-carb or low-calorie variant, try serving with cauliflower rice instead.
Notes
- Note 1: Fish sauce lends an authentic savory depth, but you can substitute with soy sauce for a milder flavor.
- Note 2: Thin slicing the protein ensures quick cooking and tenderness.
- Note 3: Use fresh garlic finely chopped for the best aroma and flavor delivery.
- Note 4: Julienned carrots allow quick cooking while maintaining slight crunch.
- For a spicier dish, increase the curry powder or add chili flakes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 1-2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
