How to Make the Perfect Gado Gado
Indonesian · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Gado gado is a classic Indonesian salad of blanched and raw vegetables topped with a warm and creamy peanut sauce dressing. It is a satisfying and nutritious dish that showcases the beauty of Indonesian vegetarian cuisine.
Why this recipe works
This Gado Gado recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 200 grams firm tofu, sliced and pan-fried
- 150 grams green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 2 whole hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 5 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon kecap manis sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Tofu
Blanch the trimmed green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Pat the tofu slices dry and pan-fry in a little oil until golden on both sides.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Dressing
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together peanut butter, kecap manis, tamarind paste, and 5 to 6 tablespoons of warm water until you achieve a smooth, pourable sauce. Season with salt and a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Arrange the blanched green beans, pan-fried tofu, and halved hard-boiled eggs on a large serving platter. You can also add sliced cucumber, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts if desired to make the salad more substantial.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Pour the warm peanut dressing generously over all the components just before serving. Garnish with prawn crackers, crispy shallots, and sliced red chili. Serve immediately while the peanut sauce is still warm for the best flavor contrast.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- tamarind paste → fresh lime juice as a souring agent
- firm tofu → tempeh slices for a nuttier flavor and firmer texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Making the peanut sauce too thick so it cannot coat the vegetables evenly and clumps together
- Dressing the salad too far in advance which makes the vegetables soggy before serving
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 16g protein, 34g carbs, 22g fat, 8g fiber.
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