Method:

For the Satay Sauce. Crush the peanuts with mortar and pestle or use a food processor to ground the peanuts. Set aside. Coarsely chop the ingredients of the blend mixture, transfer to a food processor and blend until very fine. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed to help blending. Then strain the mixture and use pulp only for next step and keep liquid for later.

In a saucepan, heat the oil on medium heat and add the blended paste along with the remaining two strips of lemongrass. Cook the spice paste until it becomes aromatic and smells spicy.

Add the ground peanuts, water, liquid from the blend mix, vinegar, salt, sugar, coriander powder and soy sauce. Stir to combine well.

Turn the heat to medium-low heat, stir continuously for about 15-20 minutes or until the peanut sauce thickens to your desired consistency. When the oil separates from the peanut sauce you'll know it's done. At this point set aside to cool at room temperature.

For the Satay Marinade. Roughly chop the onions, garlic and lemongrass stalk, then add all the ingredients to a power blender and process until you reach a smooth sauce.

Prepare the skewers by threading chunks of vegan chicken onto long wooden skewers, then pour over the satay marinade and coat them evenly. Alternatively you can marinate the chunks first then pile them onto the skewers. Cover and allow to marinate the vegetable protein in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling (you can also leave them overnight to pack more flavour).

Once both skewers are marinated and peanut sauce has cooled down, we can go ahead and grill the skewers. To do so you can do it over a barbecue (which will pack more smoke-y flavour), a grill pan, the oven or even the air fryer. For barbecue and grill pan versions, cook the skewers until slightly charred turning them constantly for an even look. If you want to bake them in the oven or air fryer set the max temperature and place the skewers onto a grilling rack. Cook for 10-15 minutes (depending on the size) or to taste, turning them once or twice.

Once the vegan chicken is done cooking place it on a serving platter. Garnish with the chopped peanuts and cilantro and serve it with a bowl of satay sauce, and some steamed rice plus a side of vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.