Indonesian Gado-Gado: A Sweet and Savory Healthy Meal

Looking for a healthy and delicious home meal that's easy to make? Look no further than Gado-gado, a beloved Indonesian salad that's packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients. This dish is perfect for those who love a hearty salad that's both sweet and savory. In this article, we'll show you how to make Gado-gado at home with step-by-step instructions and tips.

Ingredients

6 to 8 servings FOR THE SALAD: 2 to 3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grapeseed or vegetable) 1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch slices Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 10 ounces green beans, trimmed Napa cabbage, finely sliced Mung sprouts (about 2 cups) 10 new potatoes or other small variety, peeled and halved 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thinly on the diagonal 8 minute hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved Homemade or store-bought fried shallots FOR THE SATAY SAUCE: 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts 4 shallots, peeled and sliced 3 garlic cloves, sliced 1-2 red chiles, deseeded and sliced 1 tablespoon kecap manis (thick caramelly soy sauce) 1 teaspoon sea salt

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons oil and add the tofu slices. Season the tofu well with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and allow to cool. Cut tofu into squares or triangles. I prefer deep-fried tempeh, fermented soybean cakes, cubed but tempeh is harder to find. Its worth the search. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch until tender. Just before the beans are ready, add cabbage and mung sprouts to the pot and shock them in the water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to a colander, refresh under cold water, and drain well. I have also used cooked sweet potatoes and blanched spinach. Step 3: Bring the same pot of water to a boil. Add more water and salt if required and add the potatoes. Cook until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Step 4: Make the satay sauce: Place the peanuts, sliced shallots, garlic, and chile into a blender or food processor and blitz until it becomes a chunky paste. You can add a splash of water to get the blender going or if you prefer a smoother paste. It is traditional to use a mortar and pestle to make the paste so if you have one use it. Step 5: Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and add the paste, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the kecap manis, salt, and 1 cup water. I also use coconut milk, fresh grated ginger, tomato paste, yuzu which is citrus-flavored soy sauce, or red curry paste, but you can customize the flavors to your liking. The original NYT recipe seemed bland. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is well combined. Stir carefully as it tends to scorch. Step 6: To serve, divide the blanched vegetables, potatoes, tofu, cucumber, and eggs over several serving plates or assemble it all on one large serving platter. Drizzle each plate generously with the peanut sauce and top with crispy fried shallots. I also serve brown rice, and apparently, shrimp chips obtained at any Asian market are traditional. TIP: You can make your own substitute for kecap manis by mixing together equal amounts of soy sauce and palm sugar or brown sugar and boiling until syrupy for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely as it will thicken further. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Enjoying Your Home-Cooked Gado-Gado

Gado-gado is a delightful and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Its sweet and savory flavors make it a perfect snack, lunch, or dinner. The variety of vegetables and the addition of tofu or tempeh add protein and fiber to the dish, making it a wholesome choice. You can customize the dish to your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of chiles, the type of peanut sauce, or the inclusion of additional ingredients like fresh herbs, lime juice, or vegan mayo.

Give this recipe a try and experience the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine at home. Share your Gado-gado creations with friends and family, and enjoy a satisfying, healthy, and flavorful meal!