Introduction
Gado Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad that showcases a vibrant medley of blanched and raw vegetables, boiled eggs, and tofu, all drizzled with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This dish is not only colorful and appetizing but also nutritious, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. Often served as a main dish or side, Gado Gado reflects the diversity of Indonesian cuisine and its love for bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or cut into thin rounds
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed and lightly fried (optional)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- Fresh cilantro or mint leaves (for garnish)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons sambal oelek or chili paste (adjust for spice level)
- Warm water (to thin the sauce, as needed)
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the green beans and carrots for about 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Peanut Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sambal oelek. Whisk until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add warm water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the blanched vegetables, shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, fried tofu, and cucumber slices. Top with the quartered hard-boiled eggs.
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Drizzle the Sauce:
- Generously drizzle the peanut sauce over the salad. Toss gently to combine or leave it as is for a beautiful presentation.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves. Serve immediately with extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Health Notes
- Gado Gado is packed with nutrients from the variety of vegetables and protein from tofu and eggs. The peanut sauce adds healthy fats but can be high in calories, so consider portion sizes if watching calorie intake.
Serving Suggestions
- Gado Gado can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Other great additions include bell peppers, radishes, or spinach.
- Tofu Options: If you prefer a more flavorful tofu, consider marinating it in soy sauce or spices before frying.
- Peanut Sauce Adjustments: The peanut sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or spiciness according to your taste. Adding more lime juice can enhance the flavor and balance the richness.
- Meal Prep: Gado Gado can be made ahead of time. Keep the sauce separate until serving to prevent the vegetables from wilting.
