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5 Best Substitutes for Kecap Manis for Indonesian Stir-Fries

5 Best Substitutes for Kecap Manis

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Kecap manis's sweet-salty, thick glaze can be recreated using common pantry ingredients. Choose substitutes based on recipe needs for sweetness and texture, and adjust thickness by simmering or adding a slurry.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiments, Sauces
Cuisine: Asian, Indonesian-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Blend Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon molasses per tablespoon of kecap manis; simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce Use 1:1 ratio for kecap manis; thin with ½ teaspoon water if too thick; adds garlic and vinegar tang.
  • 1 tablespoon Teriyaki Sauce Use equal amounts; simmer 1-2 minutes to reduce liquid; add ¼ teaspoon dark soy for color if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy + Honey Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; whisk well; microwave 10 seconds to combine if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Vinegar Mix Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar; simmer briefly to dissolve sugar; reduce by a third for thickness.

Method
 

  1. Choose a substitute based on your recipe's cooking method and texture needs.
  2. For thicker consistency, simmer liquid substitutes briefly or add a cornstarch slurry as needed.
  3. To make the soy sauce blend, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon molasses; simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  4. Use hoisin sauce 1:1 as a substitute; thin with a bit of water if too thick and note the added garlic flavor.
  5. Use teriyaki sauce directly or simmer 1-2 minutes to reduce liquid and concentrate sweetness; add dark soy for deeper color if wanted.
  6. Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; whisk until smooth; microwave briefly if necessary to combine.
  7. For soy vinegar mix, blend 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar; simmer briefly; optionally reduce by a third for thickness.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness after preparation to match your dish’s needs.

Notes

Mix the soy sauce blend thoroughly and simmer to avoid a watery substitute that won't coat properly.

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