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Indonesian Gado Gado with Peanut Sauce

Indonesian Gado Gado with Peanut Sauce
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Authentic Indonesian Gado Gado with Peanut Sauce is a vibrant and healthy salad combining fresh, crunchy vegetables, boiled eggs, tofu or tempeh, and traditional rice cakes, all coated in a rich, creamy, and spicy peanut sauce. This wholesome dish is perfect for a colorful lunch or dinner and is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Fresh Vegetables

  • Cabbage (1 cup, chopped)
  • Cucumber (1 medium, sliced)
  • Bean Sprouts (1 cup)
  • Green Beans (1 cup, trimmed and boiled or steamed)

Protein

  • Boiled Eggs (2, hard-boiled and sliced)
  • Tofu or Tempeh (200g, sliced and lightly fried)

Rice Cakes or Lontong

  • Rice Cakes or Lontong (150g, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Peanut Sauce Ingredients

  • Roasted Peanuts (1 cup)
  • Garlic (2 cloves)
  • Fresh Chili (1 small, adjust to taste)
  • Tamarind Paste (1 tablespoon)
  • Palm Sugar (2 tablespoons)
  • Lime Juice (2 tablespoons)
  • Water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Garnishes

  • Fried Shallots (2 tablespoons)
  • Crackers or Kerupuk (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh Cilantro or Scallions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly. Boil or lightly steam the green beans and cabbage until just tender but still crisp. Slice the cucumber and arrange all vegetables on a serving platter.
  2. Cook the Protein: Boil eggs until hard-boiled, peel, and slice. Lightly fry the tofu or tempeh until golden brown for a chewy texture and deeper flavor. Place them alongside the vegetables for easy assembling.
  3. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine roasted peanuts, garlic, fresh chili, tamarind paste, palm sugar, lime juice, and a bit of water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the arranged vegetables, eggs, and tofu. Toss gently if preferred or serve with sauce on the side to maintain crispness.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Top with crispy fried shallots and kerupuk crackers for crunch. Sprinkle fresh cilantro or scallions on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich flavors and textures at their best.

Notes

  • Roast your own peanuts for a fresher, deeper nutty flavor in your sauce.
  • Adjust lime juice and palm sugar gradually to achieve the perfect sweet and sour balance.
  • Keep vegetables crisp by steaming lightly or serving some raw for variety.
  • Cool boiled veggies and eggs before assembling to keep the salad refreshing.
  • Use fresh chili to enhance flavor and heat better than dried powders.
  • Peanut sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  • Store leftover vegetables and peanut sauce separately to avoid sogginess; peanut sauce can be frozen up to one month.
  • Reheat peanut sauce gently and serve warm over fresh vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gado Gado, Indonesian salad, peanut sauce, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten free

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/indonesian-gado-gado-with-peanut-sauce/