Chicken and Beef Sate with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Who doesn't love a spread of cheese, cheese and more cheese? Shockingly enough, there are folks that prefer what my husband refers to as 'REAL PROTEIN' - who knew! Of course you can slice up some pepperoni (Jen) and add some salami (Craig), maybe some prosciutto (Liz), but how about mixing it up every now and again? Something with maybe less sodium and fat, high in flavor, no utensils needed and big on the WOW factor? Now that I have your attention, I'll take it down a notch.

There are so many great marinades, rubs and sauces on the market today, so when you can take shortcuts - DO. Nothing wrong with leveraging what's good to save time if it yeilds a similar result- am I right?

Here is an easy recipe or really a list of assembling various ingredients/products (which I guess is the definition of a recipe) to add even more fun to your next happy hour. Of course this can also be the main event with a side of rice and cucumber salad. Consider serving with Asian beer and sake - I am always looking for a reason to use my sake pitcher and cups.

Chicken and Beef Sate with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Chicken and Beef Sate
Ingredients: Serves 6-8 as appetizer

• 1 purple cabbage - cut in half
• Wood skewers
• 1 lb. thinly sliced beef, cut diagonally into long strips (feel free to buy a flank steak or any other less expensive beef)
• 1 lb. chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breast) cut diagonally into long strips
• 1/2 t ground ginger or fresh, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 4 T Hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper

Directions: If you are short on time, you can also buy the Thai rub at Costco

• Soak wooden skewers in water (follow directions on package).
• Marinate chicken and beef in hoison sauce and ginger - Make sure to marinate the meat in different bowls.
• Skewer the marinated strips of beef and chicken.
• Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.
• Grill 3 min/side, until cooked.

Peanut Dipping Sauce: If you are short on time, buy a Thai peanut dipping sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 T chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 T light coconut milk
• 2 T low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 T creamy peanut butter
• 2 t sugar
• 2 t fresh lime juice
• 1 t red curry paste

Directions:

• Combine coconut milk and remaining ingredients.
• Stir until creamy.
  

Display:

• Place a half a cabbage (flat side down) on a platter.
• Begin poking the grilled meat skewers into the cabbage(s).
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro around the platter to add color.
• Serve peanut sauce in small dishes.