Hello, Safarfriendly friends! Have you ever tasted the delicious Balinese Sate Lilit? If not, you must try this recipe at home. Sate lilit is not just food but also a representation of Bali’s rich culture and culinary heritage. Made from a mix of fish, grated coconut, and traditional spices, Sate Lilit has a unique and tempting flavor.
In Balinese tradition, sate lilit is often served during ceremonial and religious celebrations. But of course, you can make it for a special family meal or when hosting an event at home. Let’s start the Balinese Sate Lilit recipe!
Ingredients Needed

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Before you start cooking, you need to prepare the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 500 grams of mackerel fish, finely ground (you can substitute with chicken or shrimp if needed)
- 100 grams of grated coconut (use young coconut for a richer taste)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- Skewers made from lemongrass stalks or flat bamboo (for that Balinese touch)
Spices:
- 5 shallots
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 candlenuts, roasted
- 2 cm turmeric
- 2 cm ginger
- 2 cm kencur
- 3 stalks of lemongrass, use the white part
- 5 large red chilies (remove seeds if you prefer less heat)
- 1 teaspoon of roasted shrimp paste
- Salt and sugar to taste
How to Make Balinese Sate Lilit

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Step-by-step, it’s really simple, friends!
- Grind the Spices:
Blend or pound all the spices until smooth. - Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground fish, grated coconut, eggs, and ground spices. Stir well. Add a little coconut oil to make the mixture smoother and easier to wrap. - Taste Test:
Take a little of the mixture, fry it for a bit, then taste it. Adjust salt and sugar if needed. - Shape the Sate:
Take a portion of the mixture and wrap it around the lemongrass stalk or bamboo skewer. Press and flatten it to ensure it sticks properly. - Grill or Roast:
Grill the sate on a non-stick pan, grill pan, or over charcoal until cooked and fragrant. Turn it regularly for even cooking.
Secret Tips for a Tastier Sate Lilit
- Use fresh fish for a better flavor and softer texture.
- For a more fragrant version, grill the sate over coconut charcoal.
- For variation, you can add finely sliced kaffir lime leaves into the mixture.
Serve with Traditional Accompaniments
Sate lilit tastes even better when served with traditional Balinese accompaniments like:
- Sambal Matah: A fresh sambal made from sliced shallots, chilies, and lemongrass, drizzled with hot oil.
- White rice or Nasi Sela: A mix of rice and Bali’s sweet potatoes.
- Lawar: A mix of vegetables, grated coconut, and meat, perfect as a side dish for Sate Lilit.
The Philosophical Value of Sate Lilit

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Did you know, friends, that in Balinese culture, food is not just a way to fill the stomach? sate lilit recipe reflects the values of togetherness and mutual cooperation. The process of wrapping the mixture around the skewers is often done together during ceremonies or family gatherings. No wonder the taste is full of love and warmth.
Perfect for a Healthy and Halal Menu

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Since it uses fish as the main ingredient and is cooked without coconut milk, Sate Lilit is a healthy choice and suitable for those looking for halal and low-cholesterol options. Be sure the ingredients you use come from trusted sources to stay aligned with an Islamic lifestyle.
Now, you know the secret to making Balinese Sate Lilit! No need to travel all the way to Bali to enjoy this delicious traditional dish. Just gather the ingredients in your kitchen and spend a little time preparing it.
We hope this recipe inspires your family meals or serves as a special treat when you have guests. Remember, cook with love and good intentions, because the best flavors always come from the care we put into cooking sate lilit recipe.
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