Satay Ayam (Chicken Satay)

Step 1

Purée 2 tbsp. oil, the sugar, coriander, turmeric, fennel, salt, chopped lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and ginger in a food processor until smooth. Transfer paste to a bowl and add chicken; toss to combine. Cover with plastic wrap; chill 4 hours. Trim the root end of the stalk of lemongrass and using a meat mallet, smash until it splits into threads resembling a brush; place "brush" end in a bowl and pour in remaining oil.

Step 2

Heat a charcoal grill or set a gas grill to medium-high. (Alternatively, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.) Thread 2 pieces of chicken onto each skewer; grill, turning once, and brushing often with oil using lemongrass brush, until charred, 5-6 minutes.