Beef Sates with Southeast Asian Sauce

2 tablespoons water

4 teaspoons soy sauce

2 garlic cloves

3 slices peeled fresh ginger root, each the side of a quarter

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

8-ounce filet mignon, cut into twenty-four 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup fresh coriander sprigs, washed well, spun dry, and chopped fine

1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves

1 scallion , minced

8-inch bamboo skewers, soaked in water

30 minutes.