What You Need to Know
During satay grilling, surface temperatures of 140–165 °C trigger the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids, generating melanoidins, pyrazines, and aldehydes that create the characteristic brown crust and complex aroma. Simultaneously, internal temperatures of 60–70 °C denature proteins and break down collagen, improving tenderness; exceeding ~80 °C leads to moisture loss and toughness.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Maillard reaction (reducing sugars + amino acids)