Grilling with Chef Ingrid: Easy Chicken Satay and Cucumber Salad
Welcome to the culinary adventure at Standard TV & Appliance! Today, we’re diving into a delicious recipe with Chef Ingrid Rohrer. If you think cooking at home is boring, think again. We’re about to spice things up!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
We’ve got our mise en place ready, folks. This isn’t just a fancy French term; it means all our ingredients are prepped and ready to rock. Chef Ingrid has collected fresh treasures from Newport Ave. Market. Trust me, if you’re in Bend, this market is your foodie heaven.
We’re making chicken sauté with a spicy peanut sauce and a refreshing cucumber salad. Sounds amazing, right? Get your taste buds ready!
The Marinade Magic
First things first: let’s create a marinade for the chicken. Grab your ginger! A fun fact about ginger: you don’t always have to peel it. If you’re pureeing it, simply chop it correctly. Chop across it to sever those pesky fibers, and you’ll have smooth sailing.
Now, let’s bring on the garlic and yellow curry paste. Yellow curry? Oh yes! It adds the vivid color and incredible flavor we crave.
Chef Ingrid says, “Let’s throw in some turmeric.” What a vibrant addition! We’re turning our chicken into a golden delight. It’s like a little powdered sunshine in your bowl.
Next up, coconut milk. Why? Because it’s creamy and dreamy! If you were to make a traditional curry, you would leave the fat on top. But today, we’re mixing it in for a smooth finish.
Taste Testing Time
You simply must taste your creations along the way. Chef Ingrid holds up a spoon, and I’m like a kid in a candy store. “Delicious!” I exclaim. But what exactly are we looking for?
We want that perfect blend of curry flavor, sweetness, and just the right amount of salt. Then, a dash of fish sauce and sriracha for a fiery twist. Just a warning: don’t overdo the lime juice. Letting it marinate for too long can cause the chicken to break down. No one wants mushy chicken!
And here comes the coconut flour sugar! Chef Ingrid brought this gem back from Thailand. How cool is that? If you don’t have it, palm sugar works just as well.
Finally, toss in some cilantro and a pinch of black pepper.
Skewers and Beautiful Grill Marks
Now we’re ready for skewering! Chef Ingrid deftly weaves chicken onto skewers like a pro. Spoiler alert: parchment paper is our unsung hero today. It makes cleanup a breeze!
A quick spray of oil on the grill? You bet! This is how you get those beautiful grill marks. Who doesn’t want their food to look Instagram-ready?
While the chicken is sizzling away, let’s prepare our cucumber salad. Because we all know your plate needs a little crunch!
Slicing with a Mandolin
Let’s talk about the mandolin—a kitchen gadget that might just make your “most intimidating tools” list. It slices cucumbers beautifully, but handle it carefully! It can feel a bit dangerous if you’re not paying attention. Use it skillfully, or you might find yourself with some unexpected nicks.
Slice those cucumbers thinly and julienne some carrots for a nice crunch. Add some ginger and minced garlic for an extra kick of flavor!
Now, let’s make it saucy! Chef Ingrid swears by seasoned rice vinegar. This ingredient really simplifies things since it has a great flavor on its own. To enhance it even further, a splash of fish sauce works wonders.
Just remember to add a bit of water to balance it out. We’re looking for a nice, smooth flavor. Nothing too acidic.
The Peanut Sauce is Life
Next, we switch gears to the star of this meal: peanut sauce! Start with a generous scoop of peanut butter. Yes, the creamy goodness we all love!
Add more fish sauce and, of course, some ginger. To keep things balanced, we’ll sprinkle in a touch of turmeric. Just a touch, though!
Now it’s time for the coconut flour syrup—because why not sweeten things up? A quick whirl in the blender gives us a creamy, dreamy peanut sauce.
The Final Taste Test
Chef Ingrid and I take a moment to savor what we’ve created. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a siren call. One taste, and I’m sold. “Peanutty magic!” I declare. It’s like a hug for your taste buds.
And just like that, we have a meal that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. There’s nothing like a homemade feast to bring joy to the table.
Shop and Cook: Your Kitchen Awaits
If you’re itching to grab some new kitchen appliances, swing by Standard TV & Appliance on Bend’s north side. They’ve got everything you need to master your next culinary adventure!
And remember, Newport Ave. Market carries a fantastic selection of the ingredients we used today. So get in there and explore!
Conclusion: Get Cooking!
With Chef Ingrid’s expert guidance, you now have the knowledge to whip up this easy chicken satay, cucumber salad, and luscious peanut sauce. Cooking at home doesn’t have to be boring—it can be downright fun! So roll up those sleeves, gather your friends, and unleash your inner chef. Happy grilling, folks!
