How to Make Indonesian gado-gado sauce

• In a blender or food processor, grind the roasted peanuts until they become a coarse powder. Set aside.
• In the same blender or food processor, add garlic, shallots, and red chili peppers. Blend until they form a smooth paste.
• Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chili paste and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
• Add tamarind paste, palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, and shrimp paste to the pan. Stir well to combine.
• Gradually add water while stirring to create a smooth sauce consistency.
• Add the ground peanuts to the pan and mix well with the other ingredients.
• Cook the sauce over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
• Taste the sauce and add salt if needed. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness according to your preference by adding more palm sugar or chili peppers.
• Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

The gado-gado sauce is typically served with gado-gado, a popular Indonesian salad made with blanched or steamed vegetables, boiled eggs, tofu, and rice cakes. The sauce is poured generously over the salad, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.

Gado-gado sauce is a classic Indonesian peanut sauce that is an essential component of the popular gado-gado salad. It is a rich and savory sauce with a hint of sweetness and a subtle spiciness. The combination of roasted peanuts, spices, and other ingredients creates a unique and delicious flavor. The sauce adds depth and richness to the fresh and vibrant vegetables in gado-gado, making it a satisfying and hearty dish.

Facts about the sauce:

1. Gado-gado sauce is a traditional Indonesian sauce that is commonly used in various dishes, particularly gado-gado salad.
2. Peanuts are the main ingredient in the sauce, providing a nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
3. The sauce incorporates spices such as garlic, shallots, and chili peppers to enhance the overall taste.
4. Tamarind paste adds a tangy and slightly sour note to the sauce.
5. Palm sugar is used to balance the flavors and provide a touch of sweetness.
6. Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) contributes to the sauce’s richness and adds a hint of sweetness.
7. Shrimp paste (terasi) is a key ingredient that gives the sauce its distinct umami flavor.
8. The sauce can be adjusted in terms of spiciness and sweetness according to personal preference.
9. Gado-gado sauce is versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce or dressing for other dishes as well.