Sate Lilit

DishPopularFishSkewered Dish

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Sate Lilit

DishPopularFishSkewered Dish

Minced fish mixed with herbs, skewered like a meatball. The smoky charcoal flavor is captivating.

A unique skewered dish you absolutely must try when visiting Bali is 'Sate Lilit.' 'Lilit' means 'to wrap,' and true to its name, this dish features minced meat or fish wrapped around a skewer and grilled over charcoal. Unlike typical 'sate' which uses chunks of meat, Sate Lilit has a texture similar to a meatball or fishcake. The mince, infused with lemongrass, coconut, and various spices, releases complex and fragrant flavors with every bite that fill your mouth. It pairs exceptionally well with beer, making it a tempting dish that's hard to stop eating once you start.

Features and Preparation of Sate Lilit

Sate Lilit stands apart from other types of sate due to its distinctive shape. Instead of meat chunks, it uses finely minced fish, chicken, or pork. This mince is mixed with coconut milk, grated coconut, and Bali's all-purpose spice blend 'Base Gede,' then kneaded thoroughly until it becomes sticky. This careful preparation creates a texture that is both fluffy and springy. The most characteristic feature is the skewer itself. Besides common bamboo skewers, flat bamboo skewers or even lemongrass stalks are sometimes used. When wrapped around a lemongrass stalk and grilled, the heat releases the stalk's refreshing aroma into the mince, imparting a truly unique flavor.

Pairing with Sambal Matah

An essential element that completes the deliciousness of Sate Lilit is the accompanying sauce, 'Sambal Matah.' 'Matah' means 'raw,' and as the name suggests, it's a fresh, uncooked Sambal made by mixing chopped raw shallots, lemongrass, chili peppers, garlic, and sometimes other ingredients with coconut oil and lime juice. The crunchy texture, refreshing herbal aroma, and tangy lime acidity of Sambal Matah create a superb contrast to the smoky, rich flavor of the grilled sate. It's the perfect partner that cuts through the richness of the grilled dish, leaving a clean aftertaste. Serving a generous amount atop the sate is the Balinese way.

Types of Sate Lilit

Sate Lilit comes in a variety of ingredients. The most popular is 'Sate Lilit Ikan,' where 'Ikan' means fish. Made using fresh white fish mince (often tuna or marlin), its clean yet flavorful taste, packed with the umami of the fish, is characteristic of seafood-rich Bali. Meanwhile, 'Sate Lilit Ayam,' made with chicken, is creamier and popular with children. Pork 'Sate Lilit Babi' offers the sweetness of the fat, resulting in a richer, more substantial dish. Some places might also offer duck or beef versions. Trying different types to find your personal favorite is part of the fun.