Traditional Indonesian Karedok Recipe: A Healthy Raw Vegetable Salad with Authentic Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

  • 250 grams of long beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
  • 150 grams of bean sprouts
  • 1 small cucumber, cut into thin strips
  • 250 grams of cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 Thai bird chilies (or to taste)
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 2 small red shallots
  • 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste
  • 100 grams of gula jawa (Indonesian palm sugar)
  • 100 grams of fried peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
  • 2 kaffir limes
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Blanch the long beans and bean sprouts in boiling water for a minute, then drain and set aside.
  2. Combine the garlic, chilies, shallots, shrimp paste, palm sugar, and peanuts in a food processor. Process until smooth to make the spice paste.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the paste has darkened slightly.
  4. Add the tamarind paste and salt to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled spice mixture with the blanched vegetables and cucumber. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cut the kaffir limes in half and squeeze the juice over the salad. Toss again to combine.
  7. Serve the Karedok immediately, or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - Used to safely chop and prepare the vegetables.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the long beans, cucumber, and other ingredients.
  • Food Processor - Needed to blend the spice paste to a smooth consistency.
  • Pan - Used to cook the spice paste and other ingredients.
  • Spoon or Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Large Bowl - Used to combine the spice mixture with the vegetables.
  • Juicer or Citrus Squeezer - Required to extract the juice from the kaffir limes.
  • Refrigerator - If you choose to chill the Karedok before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Add tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Include blanched or steamed potatoes for added texture.
  • Add boiled eggs, sliced or quartered, for a protein boost.
  • Replace the long beans with green beans or snap peas.
  • Use jicama or radishes instead of cucumber for a different crunch.
  • Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a non-vegetarian option.
  • Include sliced mango or pineapple for a fruity twist.
  • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or fried shallots on top for extra flavor.
  • Substitute palm sugar with brown sugar or honey for a different sweetness.
  • Experiment with different herbs like Thai basil or mint for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Karedok is a traditional Indonesian salad known for its bold, delightful flavors and beautiful array of colors. It's a raw vegetable salad dressed in a delectable peanut sauce, which gives it an exciting sweet-sour-spicy taste that's truly refreshing. This recipe highlights the essential ingredients and steps to prepare Karedok at home. Expect to be immersing yourself in the preparation of a variety of fresh vegetables and a unique spice paste. The process involves blanching vegetables, preparing the spice paste, and mixing everything together for a harmonious blend. This is a perfect dish for those who enjoy a healthful meal with a kick. Enjoy it as a standalone salad, or serve it as a side dish with your main meal. Whether you're familiar with Indonesian cuisine or new to it, Karedok is a recipe worth exploring.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the long beans with another vegetable?
    Yes, you can substitute long beans with green beans if you can't find them.
  2. Can I omit the shrimp paste for a vegetarian version?
    Yes, you can omit the shrimp paste to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
  3. Is there a substitute for Indonesian palm sugar (gula jawa)?
    You can substitute gula jawa with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
  4. Can I use lime juice instead of kaffir limes?
    Yes, you can use regular lime juice as a substitute for kaffir limes.
  5. Can I make Karedok in advance?
    Yes, you can make Karedok in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.
  6. How spicy is Karedok?
    Karedok can be spicy, but you can adjust the amount of Thai bird chilies according to your preference.
  7. Can I add other vegetables or toppings to Karedok?
    Yes, you can customize Karedok by adding additional vegetables such as blanched water spinach or tofu as desired.
  8. What can I serve Karedok with?
    Karedok is often served with steamed rice or as a side dish to accompany Indonesian main dishes.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large mixing bowl - A large mixing bowl is needed to toss the vegetables and spice mixture together.
  • Food processor - A food processor is used to blend the garlic, chilies, shallots, shrimp paste, palm sugar, and peanuts into a smooth spice paste.
  • Pan - A pan is required to cook the spice paste and other ingredients.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for blanching the long beans and bean sprouts and for tossing the vegetables with the spice mixture.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to cut the long beans, cucumber, and other vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely cutting and preparing the vegetables.
  • Serving platter or bowls - A serving platter or individual bowls are used to present and serve the Karedok.

Origin stories

Karedok is a raw vegetable salad hailing from the Sundanese people of West Java, Indonesia. This dish is a delightful testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage, brimming with fresh, locally-grown produce. What sets Karedok apart from other salads and makes it special is the use of a spicy peanut sauce, a beloved staple in Sundanese cuisine. Interestingly, Karedok is often enjoyed as a main course rather than a side dish, and it's a common sight at traditional feasts and celebrations. The use of raw vegetables represents the simplicity and authenticity of Sundanese food, a cuisine that is deeply intertwined with the community's culture and way of life.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.