Gado Gado Salad Recipe: Fresh, Nutritious, and Flavorful

Authentic Indonesian Gado Gado Salad Recipe

This Indonesian gado gado salad recipe is a popular dish made with boiled vegetables, green beans, cabbage, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and tofu or tempeh, all served with a delicious peanut sauce dressing.

Origins of Gado Gado

The first Indonesian gado gado salad recipe likely originated in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. The name comes from the Indonesian word “gado-gado,” which means “mix-mix.” This reflects the diverse ingredients mixed together to create this flavorful salad. Because the peanut sauce dressing is made with ground peanuts, coconut milk, and a variety of spices and seasonings, it is traditionally served on the side. Therefore, diners can adjust the amount of sauce to their liking. Moreover, gado gado is a popular street food in Indonesia, commonly served at food stalls and small restaurants throughout the country.

Exploring Tempeh in the Gado Gado Salad Recipe

What is tempeh, you ask? It is an Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans and a popular protein source in Indonesian and other Southeast Asian cuisines. The fermentation process results in the growth of a white, mushroom-like fungus on the surface of the soybeans, which binds them together into a cake-like shape. Tempeh has a nutty, savory flavor and a firm, chewy texture. You can slice, dice, or crumble it and use it in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, sandwiches, and salads. For this Indonesian gado gado salad recipe, you can usually find tempeh at Whole Foods or any natural grocer near the tofu/vegetarian protein section.

Enjoying Indonesian Cuisine with Gado Gado Salad

Do you want to try the authentic version of gado gado salad? Support a local Indonesian restaurant near you to experience this salad and other popular Indonesian dishes, such as:

• Nasi Goreng: Fried rice with a variety of ingredients, including shrimp, chicken, and vegetables.
• Satay: Skewered and grilled meat, usually served with a peanut sauce.
• Rendang: A spicy meat dish, typically made with beef, cooked in coconut milk and a variety of spices.
• Soto: A soup made with chicken or beef, served with rice and a variety of vegetables.
• Bakso: Meatball soup made with beef, chicken, or fish.
• Mie Goreng: Fried noodles with a variety of ingredients, including shrimp, chicken, and vegetables.
• Nasi Campur: A mixed rice dish with a variety of ingredients, including meat, seafood, and vegetables.
• Karedok: A salad made with raw vegetables, served with a peanut sauce dressing.

Conclusion

This gado gado salad recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the rich flavors and diverse ingredients of Indonesian cuisine. Whether you prepare it at home or try it at a local Indonesian restaurant, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds. Additionally, exploring other Indonesian dishes can enhance your appreciation of this vibrant culinary tradition. For more delicious Indonesian recipes, check out our collection of Asian Recipes. If you need quality ingredients, visit Indonesian Supermarket.

Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Indonesian Gado Gado Salad Recipe

Gado Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad that is typically made with a variety of boiled vegetables, boiled eggs, and tofu, all served with a spicy peanut sauce.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Indonesian

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables such as blanched green beans, boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage
• 2 boiled eggs sliced
• 8 oz tofu or tempeh cut into small cubes and sautéed until golden

Peanut sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted peanuts + more chopped to use as a garnish
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small shallot
• 1 hot chili pepper
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• ½ cup water + more to adjust dressing consistency
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Herbs (green onion, cilantro, mung bean sprouts) (optional) chopped, as a topping

Instructions

• Make the peanut sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the peanuts, garlic, shallot, chili pepper (if using), sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste and water. Blend until smooth.
• Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly (be careful not to burn the sauce here). Quickly reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
• Season the sauce with salt and sugar, to taste. Set aside to cool. To make the consistency more like a salad dressing, simply mix in a little water.
• Boil the vegetables until they are tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
• Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter, arrange the cooked vegetables, boiled eggs, and tofu/tempeh.
• Drizzle the peanut sauce over the top of the salad, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
• Serve the Gado Gado salad immediately, garnished with additional chopped peanuts and fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy!

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