Gado Gado is a well-known dish in Indonesia. It is a one-dish meal, similar to a salad. It is prepared with fresh seasonal vegetables, eggs, tofu, and ingredients native to Indonesia. It is usually paired with a special peanut sauce. Gado Gado means “mix” or “medley” in Indonesian.

Directions: Preparing Gado Gado

1. Toast the peanuts in a nonstick skillet for about 9 minutes (0:09), then cool.
2. Place the peanuts in a food processor and pulse until fine.
3. Place the shrimp paste in a flat foil packet and toast in a hot skillet for 4 minutes (0:04), then cool.
4. Add the shrimp paste, brown sugar, chili peppers, and garlic cloves to the food processor and puree.
5. Transfer the puree to a hot skillet and stir in the coconut milk.
6. Cook the sauce for about 6 minutes (0:06), stirring frequently until the mixture starts to separate.
7. Add the rice vinegar, water, and salt.
8. Simmer for 3 minutes (0:03) until the sauce thickens, then turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.
9. Deep fry the potatoes in peanut oil until golden brown, then drain and set aside.
10. Fry the tofu cubes until puffed and brown, then set aside.
11. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spinach, beans, sprouts, carrots, and cabbage in batches until tender.
12. After cooking the vegetables, transfer them to a dish of ice water, then drain, dry them with paper towels, and set them on the serving platter.
13. Arrange the potatoes, cucumber, and tofu cubes onto the platter.
14. Add the eggs and shrimp crackers.

Toss with the peanut sauce and serve.

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Flavor & Texture Notes

• Peanut Sauce: Rich, nutty, creamy, with sweet, spicy, and umami notes.
• Vegetables: Crisp-tender and fresh; ice bath keeps color and crunch.
• Tofu & Potatoes: Soft interior, golden-brown exterior for textural contrast.
• Overall Dish: Harmonious mix of crunchy, soft, fresh, and savory-sweet elements, making Gado Gado a truly satisfying one-dish meal.