Gado-Gado
Indonesian salad with boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce dressing.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Gado-gado's origins are linked to the adaptation of various local vegetables and culinary techniques throughout Indonesia, influenced by Chinese and Indian trading routes. It represents a blend of indigenous ingredients and preparation methods, evolving over time to become a national dish.
Gado-gado is more than just a salad; it is a reflection of Indonesian culture and culinary traditions. It showcases the diversity of ingredients available across the archipelago and the adaptability of Indonesian cuisine.
Street Food Staple
Gado-gado is commonly found as street food throughout Indonesia, sold by vendors pushing carts or setting up small stalls. This accessibility makes it a daily staple for many Indonesians.
Celebratory Dish
While often eaten casually, Gado-gado can also be served at celebrations and special occasions, highlighting its versatility.
Representation of Diversity
The variety of vegetables and ingredients in Gado-gado symbolizes the diverse cultures and natural resources found throughout Indonesia.
Gado-gado offers a complex and balanced flavor profile that combines fresh, savory, sweet, and spicy elements. The richness of the peanut sauce complements the refreshing crunch of the vegetables and the subtle flavors of tofu and tempeh.
The main flavors come from the creamy peanut sauce, which is traditionally made with ground peanuts, chilies, garlic, shallots, kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, and tamarind juice. This sauce coats the blanched or boiled vegetables like spinach, long beans, bean sprouts, cabbage, and potatoes. Additional ingredients like tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs add protein and texture. A sprinkle of fried shallots and prawn crackers (krupuk) often adds extra crunch and savoriness.
Peanut Sauce Perfection
Adjust the amount of chilies, palm sugar, and tamarind juice to your preferred level of sweetness, spiciness, and sourness in the peanut sauce. Roasting the peanuts before grinding enhances their flavor.
Vegetable Preparation
Don't overcook the vegetables. Blanching or lightly boiling them preserves their crunch and nutritional value. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve gado-gado immediately after assembling to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. Offer krupuk (prawn crackers) on the side for added texture and flavor.
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