Savor the vibrant flavors of Indonesia with this wholesome and allergy-friendly Nut-Free Gado Gado! Perfect for vegetarians or those avoiding nuts, this recipe reimagines the classic dish with a rich, creamy sauce made from coconut milk, tamarind, and a touch of spicy bird’s eye chili. Crisp blanched green beans, carrots, and cabbage pair perfectly with golden pan-fried tofu, crunchy bean sprouts, and refreshing cucumber slices, all topped with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Served with hard-boiled eggs and drizzled with the warm, nut-free sauce, this dish bursts with bold, tangy, and savory notes in every bite. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, it’s an easy yet impressive meal for any table.
Start by draining the tofu and wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top to press out excess water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and season with salt. Fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Trim the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Peel the carrots and slice them into thin rounds. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans and carrots for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from the water and set aside.
Blanch the cabbage for 2 minutes in the same boiling water. Remove and set aside.
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil, gently add the eggs and boil for 8-9 minutes for hard-boiled. Remove, cool under running water, peel, and cut into halves.
In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, minced garlic, grated ginger, tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, juice from the lime, and finely chopped bird's eye chili. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a dry pan over medium heat, toast sesame seeds until golden and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
Arrange blanched vegetables, bean sprouts, cucumber slices, and fried tofu on a large serving platter. Add the halved eggs.
Pour the warm sauce over the salad and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Serve the Gado Gado immediately, mixing well to combine the flavors before eating.
Serving size | 1481.2 grams (1481.2g) |
---|
Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|
Calories | 1082 |
Total Fat 57.00g | 73% |
Saturated Fat 10.00g | 50% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.50g | |
Cholesterol 372mg | 124% |
Sodium 2891mg | 126% |
Total Carbohydrate 113.00g | 41% |
Dietary Fiber 23.00g | 82% |
Total Sugars 70.00g | |
Protein 52.10g | 104% |
Vitamin D 82IU | 410% |
Calcium 680mg | 52% |
Iron 12mg | 64% |
Potassium 2585mg | 55% |
Source of Calories