Quick Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)
A homemade version of Indonesia's thick, molasses-dark sweet soy sauce — essential for nasi goreng and satay.
Condiment
Vegan
⚠ Contains: Gluten, Soy. Always check your own ingredients — this isn't a guarantee for severe allergies.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup palm sugar (gula jawa/gula melaka), finely chopped or grated (dark brown sugar as a substitute only if palm sugar is unavailable)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (kecap asin/light soy)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1 star anise
- Optional: 1 small piece galangal, bruised, and a few black peppercorns, for extra depth
Steps
- Combine palm sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat; stir until fully dissolved into a light syrup.
- Add soy sauce, garlic, star anise, and galangal/peppercorns if using. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
- Remove the garlic, star anise, and galangal, and cool completely — it will thicken further as it cools.
- Store in a sealed jar at room temperature for several weeks, or in the fridge longer.