How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the paste a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

What can I substitute for shrimp paste?

You can use soy sauce or fish sauce for a different but tasty flavor profile.

Is there a tofu alternative?

You can use tempeh or chickpeas as a vegetarian alternative.

What if I can't find palm sugar?

Brown sugar works as a fair substitute to maintain the dish's sweetness.

Indonesian Belado Balado with Fried Tofu and Potato

Name: Indonesian Belado Balado with Fried Tofu and Potato
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 10 red chilies; 4 shallots; 4 cloves garlic; 2 tomatoes; 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar; 1 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 400g firm tofu; 2 large potatoes; 2 cups vegetable oil; Salt; 1 tsp shrimp paste; Salt; White pepper; Fresh lime wedges; Chopped coriander leaves

Spicy, Flavor-Packed Delight

A fiery Indonesian dish known for its rich and aromatic chili paste, paired with crispy tofu and tender potatoes.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Belado Balado Paste

10 red chilies

deseeded and chopped

4 shallots

finely chopped

4 cloves garlic

minced

2 tomatoes

chopped

1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar

1 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Tofu and Potato

400g firm tofu

cut into cubes

2 large potatoes

peeled and cubed

2 cups vegetable oil

for frying

Salt

to taste

For Seasoning

1 tsp shrimp paste

roasted

Salt

to taste

White pepper

to taste

For Garnishing

Fresh lime wedges

Chopped coriander leaves

Preparation

Preparing the Belado Balado Paste

Blend Ingredients

Combine chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender. Pulse until smooth.

Cook Paste

Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, add the chili paste, and cook until fragrant.

Season Paste

Stir in palm sugar, lime juice, salt, and cook until the mixture thickens.

Prepping the Tofu and Potato

Heat Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying.

Fry Tofu

Fry tofu cubes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Fry Potatoes

Fry potato cubes in the same oil until golden. Drain and season with a pinch of salt.

Cooking Process

Combine Ingredients

Add the fried tofu and potatoes to the cooked belado balado paste and toss to coat thoroughly.

Adjust Seasoning

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Garnish Dish

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Plating & Serving