Gado-gado is a traditional Indonesian salad that features a mix of blanched or steamed vegetables, along with tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs. It is dressed with a rich peanut sauce and garnished with fried shallots and prawn crackers. Here's a description of the dish, along with its ingredients and preparation method:
Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables (such as cabbage, bean sprouts, green beans, carrots)
- Firm tofu, cut into cubes
- Tempeh, cut into small pieces
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- Fried shallots, for garnish
- Prawn crackers, for garnish
For the peanut sauce:
- 1 cup roasted peanuts, unsalted
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 red chili peppers (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt, to taste
Method of Preparation:
1. Prepare the vegetables by blanching or steaming them until they are crisp-tender. You can blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes and then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted peanuts, garlic, red chili peppers, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until you achieve a coarse paste.
3. In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat. Add the peanut paste to the coconut milk and stir well to combine. Cook the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a separate pan, fry the tofu and tempeh until they are golden and crispy. Drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
5. Arrange the blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and sliced hard-boiled eggs on a serving platter.
6. Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetables, tofu, and tempeh. Garnish with fried shallots and prawn crackers.
7. Serve the gado-gado immediately while it is still warm. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or served with steamed rice on the side.
Here is the approximate nutritional information for the ingredients of the recipe:
Assorted Vegetables (cabbage, bean sprouts, green beans, carrots):
- Calories: Approximately 20-30 calories per 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 4-6 grams per 100 grams
- Protein: Roughly 1-2 grams per 100 grams
- Fat: Negligible amount
- Sodium: Varies depending on seasoning and cooking method
Firm Tofu:
- Calories: Approximately 70-90 calories per 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 1-3 grams per 100 grams
- Protein: Roughly 8-10 grams per 100 grams
- Fat: Approximately 4-6 grams per 100 grams
- Sodium: Varies depending on preparation
Tempeh:
- Calories: Approximately 200-220 calories per 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-15 grams per 100 grams
- Protein: Roughly 18-20 grams per 100 grams
- Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams per 100 grams
- Sodium: Varies depending on preparation
Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Calories: Approximately 70-80 calories per large egg (50 grams)
- Carbohydrates: Around 0.6 grams per large egg
- Protein: Roughly 6 grams per large egg
- Fat: Approximately 5 grams per large egg
- Sodium: Varies depending on seasoning
Fried Shallots (for garnish):
- Calories: Approximately 40-50 calories per tablespoon
- Carbohydrates: Around 4-6 grams per tablespoon
- Protein: Roughly 1 gram per tablespoon
- Fat: Approximately 3-4 grams per tablespoon
- Sodium: Varies depending on cooking method and seasoning
Prawn Crackers (for garnish):
- Calories: Approximately 140-160 calories per 1 ounce (28 grams)
- Carbohydrates: Around 16-18 grams per 1 ounce
- Protein: Roughly 1-2 grams per 1 ounce
- Fat: Approximately 7-8 grams per 1 ounce
- Sodium: Varies depending on brand and seasoning
For the peanut sauce:
Roasted Peanuts (unsalted), 1 cup:
- Calories: Approximately 800-900 calories
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-25 grams
- Protein: Roughly 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 70-80 grams
- Sodium: Varies depending on salt content in the peanuts
Garlic, 3-4 cloves:
- Calories: Approximately 12-16 calories
- Carbohydrates: Around 2-3 grams
- Protein: Roughly 0.5-1 gram
- Fat: Negligible amount
- Sodium: Negligible amount
Red Chili Peppers, 2-3:
- Calories: Approximately 15-20 calories
- Carbohydrates: Around 3-5 grams
- Protein: Roughly 1-2 grams
- Fat: Negligible amount
- Sodium: Varies depending on variety and size
Tamarind Paste, 1 tablespoon:
- Calories: Approximately 15-20 calories
- Carbohydrates: Around 3-4 grams
- Protein: Roughly 0.5-1 gram
- Fat: Negligible amount
- Sodium: Varies depending on brand and variety
Palm Sugar or Brown Sugar, 2 tablespoons:
- Calories: Approximately 90-100 calories
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-25 grams
- Protein: Negligible amount
- Fat: Negligible amount
- Sodium: Negligible amount
Coconut Milk, 1 cup:
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories
- Carbohydrates: Around 6-8 grams
- Protein: Roughly 4-6 grams
- Fat: Approximately 45-50 grams
- Sodium: Varies depending on brand and variety
Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes used. It's always a good idea to refer to the nutrition labels on the specific products you're using for more accurate information or consult a registered dietitian for precise dietary guidance.
Gado-gado is a flavorful and nutritious dish that showcases the vibrant and fresh ingredients of Indonesian cuisine.
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