Better-Than-Takeout

Indonesian Gado Gado

Name: Indonesian Gado Gado
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) mixed vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts; 1/2 cup (60g) firm tofu, cut into small cubes; 2 tablespoons (30g) peanut butter; 2 tablespoons (30g) coconut milk; 1 tablespoon (15g) soy sauce; 1 tablespoon (15g) lime juice; 1 teaspoon (5g) grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped peanuts; 2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Sable Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Better-Than-Takeout

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total40 min

Serves4

As a home cook, I've always been fascinated by the bold flavors and vibrant colors of Indonesian cuisine. One of my favorite dishes to make and eat is Gado Gado, a refreshing salad made with mixed vegetables, tofu, and a creamy peanut sauce. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious and authentic Indonesian Gado Gado from scratch, using ingredients that are easily available in most supermarkets.

I still remember the first time I tried Gado Gado at a street food stall in Jakarta. The combination of crunchy vegetables, crispy tofu, and rich peanut sauce was a revelation. Since then, I've been experimenting with different recipes and techniques to recreate that magic at home. After many trials and errors, I'm excited to share my version of Indonesian Gado Gado with you.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that's easy to make and fun to eat. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste by using your favorite vegetables and adjusting the level of spiciness. Whether you're a fan of Indonesian cuisine or just looking for a new salad recipe to try, I hope you'll enjoy making and eating this delicious Gado Gado as much as I do.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making the peanut sauce, preparing the vegetables and tofu, and assembling the salad. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the most of this recipe and create your own unique version of Indonesian Gado Gado.

So let's get started and make some delicious Gado Gado! With its combination of fresh vegetables, crispy tofu, and creamy peanut sauce, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills.
The salad is highly customizable, so you can use your favorite vegetables and adjust the level of spiciness to taste.
The peanut sauce is rich and creamy, with a delicious flavor that complements the other ingredients.
The salad is perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal, with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
The recipe makes a great side dish or main course, and can be served at room temperature or chilled.
The salad is easy to transport and serve, making it perfect for picnics or parties.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Gado Gado is to balance the flavors and textures of the different components. The peanut sauce should be creamy and rich, but not too thick or overpowering. The vegetables should be fresh and crunchy, with a variety of colors and textures to add visual interest to the salad. The tofu should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicate flavor that complements the other ingredients.

To achieve this balance, I use a combination of techniques such as blanching the vegetables to preserve their color and texture, and pan-frying the tofu to give it a crispy exterior. I also make my own peanut sauce from scratch, using a combination of peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices to create a rich and creamy flavor.

By following these techniques and using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic Indonesian Gado Gado that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch or dinner option, or a tasty side dish to serve at a party, this recipe is sure to impress.

In addition to the techniques and ingredients, the presentation of the salad is also important. I like to arrange the vegetables and tofu in a visually appealing way, with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of peanut sauce to add color and flavor to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Indonesian Gado Gado, you'll need a variety of fresh vegetables, crispy tofu, and a creamy peanut sauce. The ingredients are easily available in most supermarkets, and you can customize the recipe to your taste by using your favorite vegetables and adjusting the level of spiciness.

1 cup (120g) mixed vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sproutsUse a variety of colorful vegetables to add visual interest to the salad. You can also use other vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
1/2 cup (60g) firm tofu, cut into small cubesUse firm tofu to get a crispy exterior and a tender interior. You can also use extra-firm tofu if you prefer a denser texture.
2 tablespoons (30g) peanut butterUse creamy peanut butter to make a rich and creamy sauce. You can also use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a chunky texture.
2 tablespoons (30g) coconut milkUse full-fat coconut milk to add richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can also use low-fat coconut milk if you prefer a lighter version.
1 tablespoon (15g) soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce to add depth and umami flavor to the sauce. You can also use tamari or nama shoyu if you prefer a gluten-free option.
1 tablespoon (15g) lime juiceUse fresh lime juice to add brightness and acidity to the sauce. You can also use lemon juice if you prefer a different flavor.
1 teaspoon (5g) grated gingerUse fresh ginger to add warmth and spice to the sauce. You can also use ground ginger if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
1/2 teaspoon (2g) ground cuminUse ground cumin to add warmth and depth to the sauce. You can also use ground coriander if you prefer a different flavor.
1/4 teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepperUse cayenne pepper to add heat and spice to the sauce. You can also use red pepper flakes if you prefer a different level of heat.
2 tablespoons (30g) chopped peanutsUse chopped peanuts to add crunch and texture to the salad. You can also use chopped cashews or almonds if you prefer a different flavor.
2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil to fry the tofu and add moisture to the salad. You can also use peanut oil or coconut oil if you prefer a different flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to season the salad and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerNon-stick skillet or wokSpatulaWhisk

How to Make Indonesian Gado Gado

1
Cut the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the vegetables and set them aside to cool.
2
Cut the firm tofu into small cubes and pan-fry them in 1 tablespoon (15g) of vegetable oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Drain the tofu on paper towels and set it aside to cool.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15g) of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the blended peanut sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is warm and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
5
In a large bowl, combine the blanched vegetables, pan-fried tofu, and warm peanut sauce. Toss the mixture until the vegetables and tofu are well coated with the sauce.
6
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top of the salad and toss the mixture again to combine.
7
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9
Just before serving, garnish the salad with additional chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of grated ginger, if desired.
10
Serve the salad chilled, or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add visual interest to the salad.
Don't overcook the vegetables, or they will become mushy and unappetizing.
Use a high-quality peanut butter to make a rich and creamy sauce.
Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking, by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Garnish the salad with additional chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of grated ginger, for a fresh and flavorful presentation.
Serve the salad chilled, or at room temperature, for a refreshing and healthy meal.
Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings, to create your own unique version of Indonesian Gado Gado.
Make the peanut sauce ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the vegetables, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Using low-quality peanut butter, which can result in a bland and unflavorful sauce.
Not adjusting the level of spiciness, which can make the salad too hot or too mild.
Not chilling the salad, which can make it unappetizing and unrefreshing.
Not garnishing the salad, which can make it look unappealing and uninviting.
Not using a variety of colorful vegetables, which can make the salad look dull and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more substantial and protein-rich.
Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or cashews, to add crunch and texture to the salad.
Add some diced fruit, such as mango or pineapple, to add natural sweetness and flavor to the salad.
Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to make the peanut sauce creamier and more indulgent.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to add freshness and flavor to the salad.
Use different types of spices, such as cumin or coriander, to add warmth and depth to the sauce.
Make the salad more substantial, by adding some cooked noodles or rice to the mixture.

What to Serve With Indonesian Gado Gado

Serve the Indonesian Gado Gado chilled, or at room temperature, and enjoy it as a healthy and flavorful meal. You can also serve it as a side dish, or as a topping for a salad or a bowl of noodles.

Some other ideas for serving the Gado Gado include:

As a topping for a salad, with some mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.

As a side dish, with some steamed rice and a grilled protein.

As a filling, for a wrap or a sandwich.

As a topping, for a bowl of noodles or a stir-fry.

Serve the salad as a side dish, with some steamed rice and a grilled protein.Serve the salad as a topping, for a bowl of noodles or a stir-fry.Serve the salad as a filling, for a wrap or a sandwich.Serve the salad chilled, or at room temperature, as a healthy and flavorful meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Indonesian Gado Gado can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the salad, simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it in the freezer.

To thaw the salad, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight, or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water.

Once the salad is thawed, you can serve it chilled, or at room temperature. You can also reheat it, by placing it in the microwave or on the stovetop, and heating it until it is warm and fragrant.

Some tips for storing and reheating the Gado Gado include:

Using an airtight container, to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Labeling the container, with the date and the contents, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the refrigerator or freezer.

Reheating the salad, until it is warm and fragrant, to bring out the flavors and textures of the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indonesian Gado Gado?

Indonesian Gado Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad made with mixed vegetables, tofu, and a creamy peanut sauce. It is a popular dish in Indonesia, and it is often served as a side dish or a light meal.

What are the main ingredients in Indonesian Gado Gado?

The main ingredients in Indonesian Gado Gado are mixed vegetables, tofu, peanut butter, coconut milk, and spices. The vegetables can vary, but they typically include cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts.

How do I make the peanut sauce?

To make the peanut sauce, simply combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, and cayenne pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to your taste by using different vegetables, adding protein such as chicken or shrimp, or adjusting the level of spiciness. You can also use different types of nuts or seeds, such as almonds or cashews, to add crunch and texture to the salad.

How do I store the salad?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the salad, simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it in the freezer.

Can I serve the salad as a main course?

Yes, you can serve the salad as a main course, by adding some protein such as chicken or shrimp, and serving it with some steamed rice or noodles. You can also add some additional ingredients, such as diced fruit or chopped nuts, to make the salad more substantial and flavorful.

Is the salad healthy?

Yes, the salad is healthy, as it is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, and a creamy peanut sauce. The peanut sauce is high in healthy fats, and the vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. The salad is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great option for a healthy meal or snack.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time, by preparing the ingredients and storing them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad. You can also make the peanut sauce ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The Full Recipe

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