DIY Kecap Manis Substitute Recipe

indonesian fried noodles with kecap manis

5 from 2 votes

Discovering the perfect kecap manis substitute doesn't need to be a daunting task. With my comprehensive guide, you can effortlessly infuse your dishes with that signature sweet and savory depth that kecap manis is celebrated for.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Southeast Asian

Servings: cups

Calories: 712kcal

Author: Val

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce
1 cup palm sugar or brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 small shallot, minced (optional)
1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
2 star anise (optional)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce and palm or brown sugar.
If you’re using optional spices and aromatics, you may add garlic, shallot, ground coriander, black pepper, star anise, and cinnamon stick. These ingredients are not essential, but they add depth and a more authentic flavor to the sauce.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until it reduces by about a third and has a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to let it over-reduce; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
If you added the optional spices and aromatics, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jar to remove the solid pieces.
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or jar.
Store the DIY kecap manis substitute in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to two weeks.

Notes

This substitute mimics the sweet and savory flavor of traditional kecap manis and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for kecap manis.
If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, you can gently reheat it and add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition