Balado (food)

Balado is a spicy and flavorful chili sauce or dish originating from Minangkabau (Padang) cuisine of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is typically made by stir-frying ingredients in a generous amount of oil with a base of chili peppers, shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and often, other spices.

The term "balado" itself refers to the method of cooking where ingredients are coated or smothered in this chili sauce. The intensity of the spice can vary depending on the type and quantity of chilies used, ranging from mild to extremely hot.

Balado is commonly used as a condiment, side dish, or method of preparing various main dishes. Popular ingredients cooked in balado sauce include eggs (telur balado), potatoes (kentang balado), eggplant (terong balado), chicken (ayam balado), fish (ikan balado), and beef (daging balado). The preparation often involves pre-cooking the main ingredient (e.g., boiling eggs, frying potatoes) before coating them in the balado sauce.

The dish is widely popular throughout Indonesia and has become a staple in Indonesian cuisine, particularly in Padang restaurants. Its vibrant red color and fiery taste are characteristic of Balado dishes. Variations exist, with some recipes incorporating ingredients like shrimp paste (terasi/belacan) or lime juice for added complexity.