Sate Madura is one of the most famous and easily found satays of the archipelago. It can be seen from street vendors to fine dining restaurants.
The combination of chunks of chicken or mutton skewered and grilled, then doused with brown peanut sauce, is a perfect blend of deliciousness. No wonder satay has become a legendary, iconic, and beloved food across generations.
The popularity of Madura satay now extends beyond its home region. As the name implies, this satay indeed comes from the Island of Salt, Madura. However, behind its enjoyment and popularity, how did Madura satay actually originate?
The origin of Madura Satay
Madura satay has been popular since the 19th century, along with the increasing mobility of Madurese people to various regions in Java and beyond.
Those who migrated often brought their satay-making skills with them to open small businesses in their new area of residence.
From there, the distinctive taste of Madura satay slowly spread, until it became widely known and is now one of Indonesia's culinary icons.
In addition, it turns out that there are several reasons why satay from Madura has a distinctive taste.
First, the culture of eating meat in Madura has been deeply rooted for a long time, especially in the consumption of mutton and chicken. Secondly, the strong influence of Islamic teachings in Madura also shapes the choice of halal ingredients and cooking techniques in accordance with Sharia.
In addition to cultural factors and beliefs, the trading spirit of the Madurese people also plays a significant role. Many of them dare to migrate, opening food businesses, including selling satay.
With simple carts, they offer satay grilled using charcoal from coconut shells, producing a distinctive and tempting aroma of smoke. No wonder many people fall in love with the delicacy of Madura satay.
Distinctive Characteristics of Madura Satay
Madura satay is easily recognizable by its tempting appearance. Chicken or goat meat is cut into small pieces, skewered with sticks, and grilled over coconut charcoal.
But you know what? The main secret to the deliciousness of Madura Satay is the peanut sauce. This seasoning is made from fried peanuts, garlic, candlenuts, chili, salt, and a dash of brown sugar, which are ground and cooked until thickened.
In addition, what makes Madura Satay different from other satays is the addition of Indonesian sweet soy sauce, which gives it a sweet and savory taste as well as a tempting aroma.
The seasoning is usually applied during the grilling process and added again when being served. Madura satay is typically served with rice cake, sliced shallots, cayenne pepper, and freshly squeezed kaffir lime juice.
The grilling process always uses charcoal made from coconut shells. Coconut shell charcoal is chosen because it provides even heat and a distinctive smoky aroma, allowing the meat to be perfectly cooked without losing its tenderness.
How Madura Satay Differs from Other Satays
Indonesia has various types of satay that have their own characteristics. When compared to Padang satay, for example, Madura satay is lighter and sweeter.
Padang satay, on the other hand, uses a thick yellow or red sauce made from rice flour slurry, turmeric, and West Sumatran spices.
Ponorogo satay, originating from East Java, is also distinguished by its larger chunks of meat and longer cooking time, as the marinade is applied and left to rest before being grilled.
Ponorogo satay also does not use as much peanut sauce as Madura satay, instead emphasizing the sweetness of the marinade.
This comparison highlights the unique taste identity of Madura satay, characterized by its sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
Culinary Idol Across Generations
Madura satay is more than just food. Madura satay is an integral part of culture, a symbol of hard work, and a testament to how Indonesian cuisine can unite flavors and stories.
The uniqueness of the spices, cooking techniques, and historical value make Madura satay more than just a dish. Madura satay is a representation of the resilient and creative spirit of the Madurese people.
Although it has been around for a long time, the presence of Madura satay is still eagerly awaited and favored across generations because its distinctive taste remains consistently appetizing to enjoy.
