Recipe of Gado Gado
Gado Gado is a vibrant and comforting Indonesian salad that combines fresh vegetables, fried tofu, and eggs, all bathed in a creamy peanut sauce. Originating from Java, this dish has become a classic of Indonesian street and home cooking, appreciated for its balance of textures and flavors: crunchy, soft, sweet, spicy, and salty.
Why you'll love it
It's an ideal option for those seeking a complete and nutritious meal, as it combines plant-based proteins from tofu and peanuts, with the freshness of vegetables and the satiety of potatoes and eggs. Its preparation is simple (easy difficulty), perfect for beginners or a weeknight dinner. Plus, it's highly customizable: you can add other vegetables like carrot or purple cabbage, adjust the heat, or even substitute tempeh for tofu.
Variations and tips
There are many versions; some include rice noodles or crackers. The key lies in the peanut sauce, which can be thickened with coconut milk or thinned with water. Serve Gado Gado as a main course or as a side to share.
Prep
30 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Directions
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1
Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
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2
In a blender, combine the ground peanuts, garlic, red chili peppers, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and a pinch of salt.
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3
Gradually add the coconut milk while blending until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce. Adjust the consistency with more coconut milk or water if needed. Set the sauce aside.
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4
Arrange the Salad:
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5
On a serving platter, arrange the fried tofu, bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, sliced potatoes, quartered hard-boiled eggs, and cucumber slices.
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6
Sprinkle the finely shredded Kaffir lime leaves on top for added flavor and garnish with fried shallots if desired.
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7
Serve:
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8
When ready to serve, pour the peanut sauce generously over the prepared salad.
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9
Optionally, serve with prawn crackers on the side for extra crunch.
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10
Toss and Enjoy:
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11
Gently toss the ingredients together to combine the flavors and textures.
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12
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Gado Gado!