Name: Gado Gado Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 lbs boiling potatoes; 1 lb green beans; 8 carrots; 1 lb broccoli; ½ cup peanut butter; 2 cloves garlic; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ¼ cup lemon juice; 1 tbsp soy sauce; ¾ tsp salt; 1 cup hot water; 2 scallions including green tops; 1 cup cilantro; 2 cucumbers; 1 cup toasted sunflower seeds

Dive into the vibrant and flavorful world of gado gado, a classic Indonesian salad that brings together an array of fresh vegetables in a rich, tangy peanut sauce. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy and satisfying meal that bursts with textures and flavors.

Photos of Gado Gado Recipe

When preparing gado gado, you might need to pick up a few items that aren't staples in every household. Peanut butter, soy sauce, and cilantro are commonly found in most supermarkets, but their quality can vary. Make sure to choose a natural peanut butter without added sugar for the best flavor. Fresh cilantro and quality soy sauce will also elevate your dish significantly.

Ingredients For Gado Gado Recipe

boiling potatoes: Starchy tubers that become tender and fluffy when boiled, providing a hearty base for the salad.

green beans: Crisp and slightly sweet, these add a nice crunch to the dish.

carrots: Sweet and earthy, these root vegetables become tender when cooked and add vibrant color.

broccoli: Rich in nutrients and with a slight bitterness, this adds a robust texture.

peanut butter: The creamy base for the sauce, offering a nutty and rich flavor.

garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic kick to the sauce.

red pepper flakes: Brings a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce, balancing the flavors.

lemon juice: Provides acidity and freshness to the sauce.

soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce.

salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

hot water: Used to thin out the sauce for the perfect consistency.

scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness.

cilantro: Fresh and citrusy, it adds brightness to the dish.

cucumbers: Cool and crisp, they add a refreshing crunch.

toasted sunflower seeds: Adds a nutty crunch as a garnish.

One reader, Dionisio Earley says:

This gado gado recipe is fantastic! The peanut sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the fresh, tender vegetables. The toasted sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch. It's a healthy, delicious dish that's easy to prepare. Highly recommend!

Dionisio Earley

Key Techniques for Preparing Gado Gado

How to boil potatoes: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil, add the potatoes, and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well. How to cook green beans: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook for about 4 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well. How to cook carrots and broccoli: As a pan becomes available, cook the carrots and broccoli separately for about 4 minutes each until just tender. Drain the vegetables well. How to puree sauce: Puree the peanut butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and hot water in a blender until smooth. How to warm sauce: Put an empty saucepan over moderately low heat, pour the sauce into the pan, and warm through. How to arrange vegetables: Pour a little sauce on one large platter or individual plates, arrange all the vegetables in small piles over the sauce, and sprinkle with seeds or nuts. Serve with the remaining sauce.

How To Make Gado Gado

Gado gado is a loaded Indonesian salad made with blanched potatoes, carrots, and broccoli paired with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 18 minutes

Total: 33 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbsboiling potatoes,(about 6 pieces)
1lbgreen beans
8carrots
1lbbroccoli
½cuppeanut butter
2clovesgarlic
½tspred pepper flakes
1tbspbrown sugar
¼cuplemon juice,(from about 1 lemon)
1tbspsoy sauce
¾tspsalt
1cuphot water
2scallions including green tops
1cupcilantro,chopped, optional
2cucumbers
1cuptoasted sunflower seeds,or chopped peanuts

Instructions

Bring two medium saucepans of salted water to a boil.
Add the potatoes to one of the pans and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
Meanwhile, cook the green beans in the other pan for about 4 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
As a pan becomes available, cook the carrots and broccoli separately for about 4 minutes each until just tender. Drain the vegetables well.
Meanwhile, puree the peanut butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and hot water in a blender.
Put one of the empty saucepans over moderately low heat. Pour the sauce into the pan and warm through.
Stir in the scallions and cilantro.
Pour a little sauce on one large platter or individual plates. Arrange all the vegetables in small piles over the sauce.
Sprinkle with the seeds or nuts and serve with the remaining sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 600.90kcal
Fat: 23.92g
Saturated Fat: 4.12g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.57g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.19g
Carbohydrates: 86.43g
Fiber: 18.21g
Sugar: 22.24g
Protein: 22.23g
Sodium: 813.83mg
Calcium: 228.58mg
Potassium: 2503.75mg
Iron: 6.02mg
Vitamin A: 1119.92µg
Vitamin C: 180.13mg

Expert Advice for Perfecting Gado Gado's Texture

To ensure the potatoes and vegetables retain their vibrant colors and nutrients, immediately transfer them to an ice bath after boiling. This process, known as blanching, stops the cooking process and helps maintain their crisp texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Gado Gado Recipe

Prepare ingredients in advance: Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a steamer basket: Steam multiple vegetables at once instead of boiling them separately to save time.

Make the sauce ahead: Blend the peanut sauce ingredients in advance and store in the fridge until needed.

Multitask: While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the green beans, carrots, and broccoli to maximize efficiency.

Use pre-toasted seeds: Buy toasted sunflower seeds to skip the toasting step.

Substitute Ingredients For Gado Gado Recipe

boiling potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a similar texture and can add a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar crunch and can be steamed or blanched just like green beans.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness when cooked, making them a good alternative.
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used in the same way as broccoli.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, suitable for the sauce.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor but can still provide the aromatic quality needed.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spice.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add the necessary sweetness and also contribute a unique flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and offers a similar taste.
hot water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add more depth of flavor to the sauce.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same way.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro.
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can be used raw or lightly cooked.
toasted sunflower seeds - Substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

Plating Ideas for an Impressive Gado Gado Dish

Serve smaller portion sizes: Arrange the potatoes, green beans, carrots, and broccoli in delicate, bite-sized portions to ensure a refined presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with finely chopped scallions and fresh cilantro leaves to add a touch of elegance and color contrast.
Create height: Stack the vegetables strategically to create height and visual interest on the plate, making the dish look more dynamic and appealing.
Sauce artistry: Drizzle the peanut sauce artistically around the plate, using a squeeze bottle to create intricate patterns that enhance the visual appeal.
Texture contrast: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds over the dish to add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender vegetables.
Color harmony: Ensure the colors of the vegetables are vibrant and complementary, creating a visually harmonious and appetizing presentation.
Minimalist approach: Keep the plating clean and uncluttered, focusing on the natural beauty of the ingredients and the artistry of the arrangement.
Temperature balance: Serve the vegetables warm with the peanut sauce slightly heated to maintain a comforting and cohesive temperature throughout the dish.
Highlight freshness: Use thin slices of cucumber as a refreshing element, placing them strategically to add a crisp, cool contrast to the warm vegetables.
Final touch: Add a small sprig of cilantro on top of each pile of vegetables as a final touch, ensuring each bite is visually appealing and flavorful.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Gado Gado

Medium saucepans: Used for boiling the potatoes, green beans, carrots, and broccoli. You need two of these to cook the vegetables simultaneously.
Slotted spoon: Essential for removing the vegetables from the boiling water without taking too much water with them.
Blender: Necessary for pureeing the peanut butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and hot water into a smooth sauce.
Cutting board: Used for chopping the scallions and cilantro.
Knife: Essential for cutting the vegetables and herbs.
Measuring cups: Needed for measuring the peanut butter, lemon juice, and hot water accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the red pepper flakes, brown sugar, soy sauce, and salt.
Large platter: Used for arranging the cooked vegetables over the sauce.
Individual plates: Optional, if you prefer to serve the dish in individual portions rather than on a large platter.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the sauce as it warms through in the saucepan.
Serving spoon: Needed for pouring the sauce over the vegetables and serving the dish.

Storing and Freezing Gado Gado for Later

The gado gado can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately from the vegetables to prevent them from getting soggy.
To freeze, place the cooked and cooled vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag. Pour the sauce into a separate freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the vegetables and sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the vegetables in the microwave or in a steamer until heated through. Warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce appears too thick after thawing, add a little hot water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh scallions, cilantro, and toasted sunflower seeds before serving for added flavor and crunch.

How To Reheat Leftover Gado Gado

Reheat gado gado in a microwave by placing the vegetables and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel, and heating it on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Stir the sauce and vegetables halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a crispier texture, reheat gado gado in a skillet or wok. Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat, then add the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and slightly crispy. Warm the sauce separately in a small saucepan or in the microwave, then pour it over the vegetables before serving.
If you have a steamer, you can reheat gado gado by placing the vegetables in the steamer basket and steaming them for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through. Warm the sauce separately and pour it over the vegetables before serving.
For a quick and easy method, reheat gado gado in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Place the vegetables and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat gado gado by placing the vegetables and sauce in a vacuum-sealed bag and heating it in a water bath at 140°F (60°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the vegetables.

Interesting Trivia About Gado Gado's Origins

Gado-gado is a traditional Indonesian salad that typically features a mix of boiled vegetables, potatoes, and peanut sauce. It is often enjoyed as a main course due to its hearty and nutritious composition.

Is Making Gado Gado at Home Cost-Effective?

The gado gado recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like potatoes, green beans, carrots, and broccoli are affordable and widely available. The peanut butter sauce adds a rich flavor without breaking the bank. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD, making it an economical choice for a nutritious and delicious meal.

Is Gado Gado a Healthy Choice?

This gado gado recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish, packed with a variety of vegetables and a flavorful peanut sauce. The recipe includes:

Boiled potatoes, green beans, carrots, and broccoli, which are all excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Peanut butter, providing healthy fats and protein
Garlic, known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
Brown sugar and soy sauce, used in moderation, adding depth of flavor without excessive calories or sodium
Lemon juice, providing vitamin C and a bright, tangy taste
Scallions and cilantro, offering additional nutrients and fresh flavors
Cucumbers, adding a cool, refreshing crunch
Toasted sunflower seeds, providing healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying texture

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter to reduce added sugars and oils
Reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Increase the variety of vegetables, such as adding red bell peppers, cabbage, or spinach for additional nutrients and colors
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content
Experiment with other healthy nuts and seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, for added variety and nutrition
Serve the gado gado over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a complete, balanced meal

Editor's Opinion on the Flavors of Gado Gado

This gado gado recipe offers a delightful medley of textures and flavors, showcasing a vibrant array of vegetables. The peanut sauce, enriched with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, provides a creamy and spicy complement. The addition of lemon juice and soy sauce adds a balanced tang and umami depth. Toasted sunflower seeds introduce a pleasant crunch. Overall, it's a nutritious and visually appealing dish that can be a satisfying main or a standout side. The recipe is straightforward, though ensuring each vegetable is perfectly tender requires attention.

Enhance Your Gado Gado Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Add a burst of tropical sweetness to your gado gado with Grilled Pineapple Skewers. The caramelized edges and juicy interior of the pineapple will perfectly complement the savory peanut sauce, creating a delightful contrast that dances on your taste buds.

Spicy Mango Salad: Elevate your meal with a Spicy Mango Salad. The vibrant colors and zesty flavors of mango, chili, and lime will add a refreshing kick, balancing the rich and creamy elements of the gado gado.

Coconut Rice: Serve your gado gado alongside a fragrant bowl of Coconut Rice. The subtle sweetness and creamy texture of the coconut milk infused rice will harmonize beautifully with the nutty and spicy notes of the main dish.

Papaya Salsa: Brighten up your plate with a Papaya Salsa. The juicy papaya, combined with red onion, cilantro, and a hint of lime, will add a refreshing and tangy twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your gado gado.

Crispy Tofu Bites: Add some crunch to your meal with Crispy Tofu Bites. These golden, crispy morsels of tofu will provide a delightful textural contrast, making each bite of your gado gado even more satisfying.

Discover Dishes Similar to Gado Gado

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce: Dive into a vibrant vegetable medley, stir-fried to perfection and drizzled with a luscious peanut sauce. This dish is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a quick and healthy main course.

Thai Green Curry: Experience the aromatic and spicy flavors of Thai cuisine with this green curry. Packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy coconut base, it's a comforting and exotic main course that will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia.

Indonesian Satay: Savor the smoky and savory taste of Indonesian satay. Skewered and grilled to perfection, these meat or vegetable skewers are served with a rich and tangy peanut sauce, making them an irresistible main course or appetizer.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Enjoy the fresh and crisp flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls. These rolls are filled with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and protein of your choice, wrapped in rice paper and served with a zesty dipping sauce. Perfect as a light main course or appetizer.

Tofu and Vegetable Skewers: Grill up some delicious tofu and vegetable skewers, marinated in a savory blend of spices. These skewers are a fantastic main course for a summer barbecue or a healthy weeknight dinner, served with a side of tangy peanut sauce.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Gado Gado

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine portobello mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are baked until tender, and the filling becomes a creamy, flavorful bite. Top them with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an added touch of elegance. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette brushed with olive oil. Top each slice with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of the crispy bread and the fresh, vibrant topping creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. This simple yet elegant dish is a crowd-pleaser and sets the tone for a delightful dining experience.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the decadence of a molten chocolate center that oozes out as you cut into the cake. The richness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for a touch of elegance.

Tiramisu: Experience the classic Italian dessert that layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture. The bitterness of the espresso contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cream. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder and a few chocolate shavings for an authentic touch.

Why trust this Gado Gado Recipe:

This gado gado recipe is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and a rich, savory peanut sauce. The combination of boiling potatoes, green beans, carrots, and broccoli ensures a nutritious and colorful dish. The peanut butter sauce, enhanced with garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice, offers a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with toasted sunflower seeds, this recipe is both satisfying and healthy. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of this recipe to bring a taste of Indonesia to your table.

Share your thoughts on the Gado Gado Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to this classic Indonesian dish!

FAQ:

How do I make the peanut sauce smoother?

To make the peanut sauce smoother, make sure to blend it thoroughly in the blender. If it still seems too thick, you can add a bit more hot water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Gado gado is quite versatile. You can add or substitute other vegetables like cabbage, spinach, or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes, if you like more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a bit of chili paste to the peanut sauce. Taste as you go to make sure it’s not too spicy for your liking.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can cook the vegetables and make the peanut sauce a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat the sauce gently before serving.

What can I use instead of sunflower seeds?

If you don’t have sunflower seeds, you can use other nuts or seeds like peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds. Toasting them will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the dish.