Malaysian Satays

Ingredients

• 1/2 -pound skinless chicken thighs or beef flank steak, cut into 1-inch strips
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed and coarsely chopped
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 1 cup corn oil
• 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• Peanut Sauce, recipe follows
• Rice cakes, for serving
• Sliced cucumbers, for garnish
• Cubed onions, for garnish
• 3 tablespoons corn oil
• 1 white onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
• 4 small dried red chiles, crumbled
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 cups roasted peanuts, roughly chopped