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Gado Gado

A classic Indonesian warm salad featuring blanched vegetables, crispy fried tofu, tender potatoes, and hard boiled eggs drizzled with a rich peanut sauce.

35 minMediumServes 4480 cal/serving

IndonesianSaladStovetop and BlenderVegetarianHigh FiberHalal-friendlyDairy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb yukon gold potatoes, cubed
  • 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed
  • 2 cups savoy cabbage, shredded
  • 2 cups bean sprouts, rinsed
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 14 oz firm tofu, cubed
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp sambal oelek chili paste
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp coconut or palm sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 4 hard boiled eggs, halved

Instructions

  1. 1

    Boil 1 lb cubed yukon gold potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 10 minutes, then drain.

  2. 2

    Blanch 1/2 lb trimmed green beans, 2 cups shredded savoy cabbage, and 2 cups rinsed bean sprouts in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat and fry 14 oz cubed firm tofu until golden on all sides.

  4. 4

    Blend 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp sambal oelek chili paste, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp coconut or palm sugar, and 1/2 cup warm water until a smooth sauce forms.

  5. 5

    Arrange the blanched vegetables, cooked yukon gold potatoes, fried firm tofu, and 4 halved hard boiled eggs on a platter and pour the sauce over top.

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Questions

Why blanch first in Gado Gado?

Step 2 reads: "Blanch 1/2 lb trimmed green beans, 2 cups shredded savoy cabbage, and 2 cups rinsed bean sprouts in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain." The quick boil in step 2 sets the color and takes off the raw edge. If the step follows it with cold water, that is to stop the cooking at once so the vegetables stay bright and crisp.

What can I use instead of sambal oelek in Gado Gado?

The entry for Gado Gado calls for 2 tsp sambal oelek chili paste. In its place: Sriracha or any plain chili-garlic sauce works, measure for measure. Crushed red pepper flakes soaked in a little vinegar also do the job.

Can I use a different firmness of tofu instead of tofu in Gado Gado?

Go firmer, not softer. Extra-firm stands in for firm anywhere; anything softer breaks up when it is fried or stirred. Press it for 15 minutes either way. As written, the entry for Gado Gado uses 14 oz firm tofu, cubed.

How hot is Gado Gado?

Yes, it is properly hot. The heat in Gado Gado comes from 2 tsp sambal oelek chili paste. For a milder plate, start with half the chili paste and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Gado Gado contain peanuts?

Yes: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter. The full allergen list for this entry is eggs, peanuts and soy. Where the peanuts are a garnish, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds give the same crunch. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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