Sate Lilit

Meaning: The name “Sate Lilit” comes from the Balinese and Indonesian word “lilit” which means “to wrap around.” This perfectly describes how the dish is made – the seasoned meat mixture is wrapped around skewers.

Ingredients: Sate Lilit traditionally uses minced meat like pork, fish, or chicken. It’s then mixed with a fragrant paste made from grated coconut, shallots, garlic, chilies, lemongrass, turmeric, and other spices. Kaffir lime leaves might be added for an extra citrusy kick.

Enjoying Sate Lilit: The marinated meat mixture is wrapped around flat bamboo or lemongrass skewers and grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor. Sate Lilit is typically served hot with a spicy samba. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a light meal with rice cakes (ketupat or lontong), or even a side dish.

Fun Fact: Unlike regular sate which uses chunks of meat, Sate Lilit uses minced meat, making it more delicate and flavorful. While the Hindu majority in Bali traditionally favors pork, chicken, duck and fish, beef versions are becoming more common to cater to a wider audience.