Gado-Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad dish that originates from Surabaya, a city in the eastern part of Java Island. It is a popular street food that is beloved for its combination of fresh vegetables, flavorful peanut sauce, and crunchy toppings. Gado-Gado is a great choice for vegetarians and vegans, as it is a meat-free dish that is packed with nutrients.
To make Gado-Gado, you will need a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cabbage, bean sprouts, cucumber, and carrots. These vegetables are then blanched in boiling water until they are slightly tender but still retain their crunch. Once cooked, the vegetables are then cooled down and arranged on a plate.
The highlight of Gado-Gado is the rich and creamy peanut sauce. The sauce is made by blending roasted peanuts, garlic, shallots, chili, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and salt. The resulting paste is then mixed with water and cooked until it thickens. The peanut sauce is poured over the vegetables, giving the dish its distinct flavor.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cabbage
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 cup of roasted peanuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 shallots
- 2 red chilies
- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
- Salt to taste
- Instructions:
- Blanch the cabbage, bean sprouts, cucumber, and carrots in boiling water for a few minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine the roasted peanuts, garlic, shallots, red chilies, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and salt. Blend until it forms a paste.
- Transfer the paste to a saucepan and add water. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Arrange the blanched vegetables on a plate and drizzle the peanut sauce over them.
- Garnish with additional roasted peanuts and serve.
Gado-Gado is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet and is perfect for those who are looking for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Gado-Gado
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables that will be used in Gado-Gado. Some common vegetables used include cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, and potatoes. Wash and peel the vegetables, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Boil or steam them until they are cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Protein
Gado-Gado traditionally includes tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs as a source of protein. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the tofu and tempeh until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the pan and let them cool. Slice the tofu and tempeh into smaller pieces. For the hard-boiled eggs, place them in a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, then remove and peel the shells off. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
The peanut sauce is the star of the Gado-Gado dish. In a blender, combine roasted peanuts, garlic, chili peppers, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and a little water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the peanut sauce mixture until it thickens. Add water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Gado-Gado
Now it’s time to assemble all the components of Gado-Gado. Arrange the cooked vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs on a serving plate. Pour the peanut sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fried shallots, chopped tomatoes, and emping crackers for added crunch and flavor.
Gado-Gado is best enjoyed fresh and can be served as a main course or a side dish. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a true delight for your taste buds. So why not give this Surabaya specialty a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?
Gathering the Ingredients
- Vegetables: Gado-Gado typically includes a variety of blanched vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage, French beans, and spinach. These vegetables provide a crunchy and fresh texture to the dish.
- Protein: To add a protein element to Gado-Gado, you can use ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or boiled eggs. These ingredients will contribute to the dish’s overall flavor and provide a source of protein.
- Peanut Sauce: The peanut sauce is the star of Gado-Gado. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. To make the peanut sauce, you will need peanuts, garlic, shallots, chili, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and coconut milk.
- Condiments: Various condiments are typically added to Gado-Gado to enhance its taste. Some common examples include fried shallots, prawn crackers, lime wedges, and sweet soy sauce. These condiments add additional flavors and textures to the dish.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you can proceed with the preparation and cooking process. It’s important to prepare and organize the ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to create a delicious and authentic Gado-Gado dish from Surabaya.
