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sate torpedo kambing

Grilled Goat Testicle Skewers with Peanut Marinade (Sate Torpedo Kambing)

This is a refined, Western-friendly adaptation of Sate Torpedo Kambing, an exotic traditional Indonesian dish made from goat testicles (“torpedo”). Despite its unusual reputation, the texture is surprisingly tender and mild, and the flavor becomes beautifully balanced when combined with a light peanut marinade similar to Thai-style peanut sauces familiar to American and European home cooks.The recipe maintains its Indonesian identity—using kecap manis, ginger, and coriander—while offering ingredient explanations and substitutions that are easy to find in Western kitchens.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 8 Skewers
Course: Grilled Dish, Main Course
Cuisine: Indonesian
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredient
  • 200 g goat testicles torpedo kambing — cleaned thoroughly; available at halal butchers or specialty meat markets in the US/Europe
  • 250 –300 ml whole milk — for overnight soaking to remove strong odor
  • 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice — optional deodorizing step after blanching
  • 1 tsp salt — optional deodorizing step after blanching
Peanut Marinade (Bumbu Kacang / Peanut Seasoning)
  • 50 g roasted peanuts kacang tanah — or 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter, a common US substitution
  • 2 cloves garlic bawang putih
  • 1 small shallot bawang merah — or 1–2 tbsp minced red onion
  • ½ inch fresh ginger jahe
  • ½ stuk candlenut kemiri — substitute with ½ tbsp cashews or macadamia nuts
  • ½ tsp coriander powder ketumbar bubuk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp brown sugar gula merah — brown sugar is the Western equivalent
  • 1 –2 tbsp sweet soy sauce kecap manis — use ABC brand or mix soy sauce + brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp regular soy sauce kecap asin
  • 2 –3 tbsp water to help blending
Optional Serving Sauce
  • 2 tbsp leftover peanut marinade
  • 1 –2 tbsp hot water
  • 1 tsp sweet soy sauce
  • A squeeze of lime juice or Indonesian jeruk limau

Instruction
 

Clean, Deodorize & Pre-Cook the Goat Testicles (Improved Anti-Odor Method)
  1. Rinse the goat testicles thoroughly under running water.
  2. Remove the thin membrane by making a small slit in the surface and peeling it off. This helps reduce odor and improves texture.
  3. Soak in milk overnight (8–12 hours) in the refrigerator.
    - This is the most effective Western-style deodorizing method, based on ShepherdSongFarm’s recommendation.
    - Milk draws out odor compounds and softens the texture.
  4. After soaking, drain and rinse again under running water.
  5. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes to further remove any remaining odor.
  6. Drain, then soak briefly in a mixture of 1 tbsp lemon/lime juice + 1 tsp salt for 10 minutes (optional but recommended for a fresher aroma).
  7. Rinse again.
  8. Bring a pot of clean water to a boil, then simmer the testicles for 10 minutes until slightly firm.
  9. Let cool, then cut into 1–1.5 cm slices.
Make the Peanut Marinade
  1. In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine: roasted peanuts, garlic, shallot, ginger, candlenut, coriander, salt, brown sugar, kecap manis, soy sauce, and water.
  2. Blend or pound until smooth but slightly textured.
Marinate the Torpedo
  1. Place the sliced goat testicles in a bowl.
  2. Add the peanut marinade and coat evenly.
  3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (longer = deeper flavor).
Skewer and Grill
  1. Thread the pieces onto bamboo skewers.
  2. Heat a grill or grill pan.
  3. Cook the skewers over medium heat, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until browned and lightly caramelized.
Serve
  1. Thin leftover marinade with a bit of hot water to make a sauce.
  2. Drizzle lightly over the skewers or serve on the side.
  3. Add lime juice for brightness.

Notes

1. Ingredient Availability

  • Goat testicles: Found at halal butchers, Middle Eastern shops, African markets, or specialty meat suppliers.
  • Kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce):
    Widely available in Asian supermarkets or on Amazon (ABC, Bango).
    Substitute: 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp brown sugar (reduced on low heat).

2. Texture Considerations

Goat testicles have a soft, creamy, tender texture—similar to soft seafood scallops when grilled.
This is normal and part of their appeal.

3. Peanut Substitutions

If peanuts are unavailable or allergies are a concern:
✔ cashews
✔ almond butter
✔ sunflower seed butter

4. Making the Flavor More Western-Friendly

To lighten or balance the flavor for Western palates:
  • Add 1 tsp lime juice to the marinade
  • Reduce coriander if the aroma feels too earthy
  • Add ½ tsp chili flakes for mild heat (optional)

5. Grill Alternatives

If no outdoor grill is available:
  • Use a grill pan
  • Use the oven broiler (8–10 minutes, turning once)