Name: Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup natural peanut butter, smooth or crunchy; 4 tsp red curry paste (store bought, Maesri brand recommended); 3 tsp Kecap Manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce); 1 tsp sambal oelek or other chili paste (adjust spiciness to taste); 1/2 tsp salt; 1 large garlic clove, pressed (~3/4 tsp); 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (Ayam brand recommended); 1/2 cup water; 1 bunch spinach, roots trimmed; 4 cups beansprouts; 200g / 7 oz potatoes (small halved, or large peeled and chopped into 2 cm / 1″ cubes or 1.5 cm / 1/2″ slices); 1 cucumber, sliced on the diagonal (or 1/2 long cucumber such as Telegraph/English); 2 – 3 boiled eggs, peeled and halved; 15 prawn crackers (optional); 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil; 200g / 7 oz tempeh or firm tofu; 1 tbsp finely chopped peanuts (highly recommended); Red chili, finely sliced (optional; small chili is spicy, large chili less so)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 52 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a vibrant, flavorful dish that bursts with fresh textures and a lip-smacking sauce, then the Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe is here to delight your senses. This Indonesian powerhouse salad brings together crisp vegetables, tender tempeh, boiled eggs, and a creamy peanut sauce that is both rich and slightly spicy. Every bite introduces a harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, creating a unique meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or an impressive dinner, Gado Gado is a wonderful way to showcase Indonesian flavors at home.

Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this dish are simple but essential, each one contributing something special to the overall flavor, texture, or color. From the creamy coconut milk that enriches the peanut sauce, to the fresh crunch of cucumber and beansprouts, every element plays a vital role in the masterpiece that is this salad.

Natural peanut butter: Choose smooth or crunchy based on your texture preference; it’s the heart of the rich peanut sauce.
Red curry paste: Provides a gentle heat and depth of flavor that’s unmistakably Indonesian.
Kecap Manis: This sweet soy sauce balances the savory and spicy notes beautifully.
Sambal oelek chili paste: Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance for a perfect kick.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly without overpowering them.
Garlic clove: Freshly pressed garlic adds an aromatic punch to the sauce.
Lime juice: Brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a luscious tropical touch.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce to silky perfection.
Spinach: Fresh and tender, it provides vibrant green color and subtle earthiness.
Beansprouts: Crisp and juicy, they add a delightful crunch and freshness.
Potatoes: Boiled until tender, they add heartiness and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Cucumber: Diagonal slices give a lovely crisp texture and refreshing finish.
Boiled eggs: Halved for richness and visual appeal.
Prawn crackers (optional): For those who want an extra crunch and authentic touch.
Vegetable or peanut oil: Used for pan-frying tempeh to golden goodness.
Tempeh or firm tofu: A protein-packed addition, pan-fried for texture and flavor.
Finely chopped peanuts: Adds a delightful textural contrast and nutty aroma on top.
Red chili (optional): Thinly sliced for garnish and additional spice if you love heat.

How to Make Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Vegetables and Tempeh

Start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender but not mushy – around 10 to 15 minutes depending on size. While those cook, trim and quickly blanch the spinach until just wilted, then rinse beansprouts with cold water to keep them crisp. Next, slice your cucumber diagonally for that perfect bite-sized crunch. Slice the tempeh into cubes or strips and pan-fry in vegetable or peanut oil until golden brown and slightly crispy on each side, setting them aside to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, red curry paste, Kecap Manis, sambal oelek, salt, pressed garlic, lime juice, coconut milk, and water. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if it feels too thick, and taste to balance the sweetness, spice, and saltiness. This sauce is the soul of the dish, so don’t rush—tweak it until it sings.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

On a large serving plate, arrange the spinach, beansprouts, cucumbers, and boiled potatoes in separate neat piles or mixed beautifully as you like. Add the pan-fried tempeh alongside the vegetables. Halve the boiled eggs and place them elegantly on top. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over everything, ensuring each bite gets a touch of that beautiful sauce. For an optional extra crunch and traditional touch, sprinkle finely chopped peanuts over the salad.

Step 4: Add Final Touches and Serve

If using, toss on some prawn crackers for that delicate crispness and scatter thin slices of red chili if you want a burst of color and heat. Serve immediately while the tempeh is still warm, alongside the fresh vegetables and rich sauce. The contrasting textures and flavors in this Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe will keep you coming back for more.

How to Serve Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your Gado Gado experience remarkably. Finely chopped roasted peanuts sprinkled on top lend a wonderful crunch that plays against the creamy sauce. Slices of fresh red chili will bring a beautiful pop of color and heat, while prawn crackers add an irresistible lightness and textural contrast. A wedge of lime on the side is perfect for those who want a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This salad is a meal on its own but pairs fantastically with aromatic steamed rice or fragrant coconut rice for a more filling meal. If you want to keep the meal light, a side of simple fried tofu or vegetable spring rolls complements the rich peanut flavors and adds diversity to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner or party, present the Gado Gado salad on a large, colorful platter with ingredients arranged in beautiful sections or concentric circles around a mound of peanut sauce in the center. For individual servings, plate each salad nicely in a bowl with the sauce drizzled just before serving. Miniature prawn crackers on the side create a polished, authentic touch that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the peanut sauce separate from the vegetables and tempeh to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess. Stored this way, everything should stay fresh for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Due to the fresh vegetables and coconut milk in the sauce, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavor negatively. Instead, enjoy your Gado Gado fresh to capture all the delicate textures and vibrant flavors.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the tempeh and potatoes in a skillet or microwave, then drizzle the sauce over fresh vegetables to keep them bright and crisp. Reheat the sauce separately on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from separating. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture and vibrant flavor of the peanut sauce.

FAQs

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and add a bit of water if it thickens too much.

Is tempeh necessary in Gado Gado?

While tempeh is traditional and adds great texture and protein, you can substitute firm tofu or even leave it out if you prefer a vegetarian or lighter salad. The dish is very flexible.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level mainly depends on how much sambal oelek and red chili you add. You can adjust spice easily to suit your taste, from mild and creamy to pleasantly fiery.

Can I use peanut butter with added sugar?

It’s best to use natural peanut butter without added sugars or salts. This way, you control the seasoning and create a balanced sauce that is more authentic and delicious.

What can I serve this salad with?

Besides rice, Gado Gado pairs wonderfully with simple fried snacks or even grilled chicken as a main course. It’s also great for a light lunch or potluck sharing dish.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Gado Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe, you’ll understand why it holds a special place in Indonesian cuisine and in the hearts of those who love fresh, flavorful food. The combination of textures, the creamy, spicy sauce, and the colorful vegetables make it a truly unforgettable dish. So gather your ingredients, take your time crafting the sauce, and enjoy every delicious bite of this vibrant salad with someone special.