• Grilled meat on a skewer is a common dish cooked and garnished with satay spices.Satayspie??e image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
  
  When the word "satay" is used regarding an entree or appetizer, it is a reference to a dish comprised of grilled meats, usually on a skewer, and a sauce garnish. Satay spices are an essential component of this meal. Also spelled "sate," this spice blend has a variety of different ingredients and is used to enhance the flavor of sauces, meats and vegetables in many recipes.
  
  

Chilis

• A variety of chilis adds a colorful touch to a dish.chilis image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Dry chilies are used to sharpen the flavor of satay spices. In Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, where satay dishes are quite common, chilies are a common table spice. The chilies used in the satay spice mix are usually of the hotter variety, but there is such a wide variety of chili peppers available that you can season to taste if you make your own.
  
  

Garlic

• Garlic is one of the world's most common spices.garlic image by Norbert Tuske from Fotolia.com
  
  Although garlic is believed to have originated in Asia, it is so common worldwide that it is impossible to determine exactly from where it came. However, like chilies, they are certainly native to warmer climates. The sharp, acrid flavor of garlic is well-liked by many but can be used to excess. In a satay spice mix, garlic can be overpowering and should be used sparingly, but this is a matter of taste. Many people incorporate large amounts of garlic into their diets due to its many medicinal properties.
  
  

Sesame Seeds

• Sesame seeds have a long history. They are believed to be among the very first seeds cultivated and harvested for human consumption. Usually found sprinkled whole over bread or cakes, the ground variety is commonly used in satay spices to bring an earthy, nutty flavor to the dish. When used as part of a satay spice mix, the seeds can be added whole.
  
  

Peanuts

• The humble peanut has a plethora of culinary possibilities.peanut image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
  
  Thought of as a snack food in North America, many different kinds of nuts are staples and side dishes. Peanuts, which are common in most of the world, are not only a snack food in Asia but also the base of many sauces and spices. Satay dishes are almost always served with a side of spicy peanut sauce. When used as part of a satay spice mix, peanuts add a slightly bitter taste and tend to dull the sharpness of the garlic and chilies.
  
  

"Five Spice" and Other Seasonings

• This popular mix, which is used in Chinese cooking, is often referred to as "Chinese Five Spice." It is carefully balanced to include sweet, warm, cool and hot flavors. The ingredients can vary, but they most often include cinnamon, star anise and anise seed, ginger and cloves. Like the other satay spices that it is often mixed with, it is a common garnish with meat, vegetables, fish or poultry dishes.