Babies aged 9 months and older begin to show a desire to feed themselves and handle food. This is the time when soft finger foods are essential for developing hand-mouth coordination and increasing confidence while eating.
This Chicken Rice Satay Menu basically combines:
-
soft carbohydrates (rice),
-
animal protein (chicken),
-
and a little healthy fat,
so that it becomes a nutrient-dense food but is still easy for a baby's tiny hands to hold.
Although the video shows it being served on a skewer, this method is not safe for complementary feeding. Therefore, the baby version is made without skewers , in the form of small finger foods or mini logs that can be easily crushed with two fingers.
For families, the seasoning can be increased, and the presentation can return to the form of skewers.
🌱 The Mummasphere principle: one dish, different textures, different seasonings — safe for baby, delicious for the family.
🥣 Ingredients (±6–8 mini “rice satay”)
-
2–3 tbsp soft white rice (not dry rice)
-
25–30 g finely chopped chicken
-
10 g finely grated carrots
-
1 clove of grated garlic
-
½ tsp olive oil / unsalted butter
-
2–3 tbsp water/unsalted chicken stock
-
1 whole lime leaf (for aromatics, remove before serving)
Nutritional Enrichment Options (optional):
-
Steamed yellow pumpkin, crushed (adds tenderness & moisture)
-
Soft white tofu to add protein
-
Grated mild cheese for >12 months
-
EVOO ½ tsp for healthy fat
Optional Aromatic (>12 months):
-
A pinch of pepper
-
Finely chopped spring onions
👩🍳 How to Make
-
Saute the garlic in a little olive oil or butter.
-
Add chopped chicken, cook until it changes color.
-
Add carrots, lime leaves, and a little water/stock.
-
Cook until the chicken is really tender & the water is almost gone.
-
Remove the lime leaves.
-
Mix the chicken with soft rice, stir until it can be mixed.
-
Shape into a mini log / small oval (BLW-safe shape).
-
Grill lightly for 5–8 minutes or pan-sear without oil to help set the shape.
-
Cool before giving to baby.
🍽️ Adult / Family Version (Indonesian Flavor)
Once the baby's portion is taken , the dough can be seasoned:
-
sweet soy sauce
-
fried onions
-
a pinch of salt
-
pepper
-
chili sauce (adult)
Reshape into skewers and grill until golden brown.
❌ Skewer should not be given to babies .
🍴 Texture Adjustment
🍼 Age 9–12 months (texture exploration phase)
-
Soft finger food form, easy to crush with two fingers
-
It should not be hard or dry
-
Length ±5–6 cm, small diameter for easy grip
-
Avoid over-browning which makes the texture tough.
👶👦 Age 12–24 months (self-feeding practice)
-
The texture can be denser but still soft
-
Children can hold and bite by themselves
-
You can add a little cheese, pepper or light spices
-
Mini-patty shape for children who are not yet comfortable with long finger foods
🧠 Nutritional Benefits
-
Chicken → high animal protein, supports muscle growth
-
Rice → source of energy, helps babies stay full longer
-
Carrots → beta-carotene for eye health & immunity
-
Olive oil / butter → healthy fats support brain development
💡 Additional Tips
🛡️ Safety & Allergies
-
Do not use skewers for babies
-
Make sure there are no lime leaf fibers left behind.
-
The texture should be soft, not hard or overly grilled.
🧂 Seasoning for >12 Months
-
You can use a little low sodium soy sauce
-
May be thinly peppered
-
❌ No honey for <1 year
-
❌ No spicy food for <2 years
🧊 Storage
-
Store in the refrigerator for 2 days
-
Heat it in a pan without oil so it doesn't dry out
-
Can be frozen for up to 1 month (shape before baking)
❓ FAQ
1. Can babies eat chicken rice satay without a skewer?
Yes, as long as the finger food is soft and not hard.
2. My dough is too soft, how can I fix it?
Add a little rice flour or extra rice to improve the consistency.
3. Can I replace chicken with fish or beef?
Yes. Whitefish is perfect for babies 9 months and older, and beef is a good source of iron.
4. Do baby satays have to be grilled?
Not necessary. You can steam it and then pan-sear it briefly to prevent it from becoming brittle.
