Gluten Free Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)
Homemade gluten free kecap manis is a versatile must-have condiment with a sweet-salty flavor that’s a great addition to a variety of dishes such as fried rice, stir fry, a dipping sauce for sushi rolls, and more.
Kecap manis, also called ketjap manis or sweet soy sauce, is a thick shiny dark sauce. It’s a staple of Indonesian cuisine and is most commonly used to make nasi goreng kampung, but is a popular condiment in other Asian cuisines as well.
While you can buy gluten-free sweet soy sauce from an online store, it’s nearly impossible to find in local grocery stores. Many store-bought options have too many ingredients, and I find it’s just as easy and more cost-effective to make your own.Â
Ingredients
This recipe is the best kecap manis substitute and you only need two simple ingredients to make it.
- Coconut sugar – a natural high quality palm sugar produced from the sap of a coconut palm tree.
- Reduced sodium gluten free soy sauce or tamari – a salty, umami condiment made from fermented soybean paste/soy beans. Â
How To Make Gluten Free Kecap Manis
Step 1. In a small saucepan, heat the reduced-sodium gluten free soy sauce or tamari and coconut sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.Â
Step 2. Turn the heat down to medium-low/low. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has started to thicken. It will continue to thicken up as it cools.
Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations
Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.
How can you make this gluten free kecap manis using what you already have? Here are some ideas…
- No coconut sugar? – you can also use brown sugar, white sugar, or maple syrup, but you’ll need to use a smaller amount since these options are sweeter than coconut sugar.
- Make it soy-free – use coconut aminos instead, but you’ll need to add a little salt since it’s nowhere near as salty as soy sauce.
How to Store
Allow the sweet soy sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
More Homemade Gluten Free Condiments
Gluten Free Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)
Ingredients
- ½ cup reduced sodium gluten free soy sauce or tamari
- ½ cup coconut sugar see notes if using another type of sweetener
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the reduced-sodium gluten free soy sauce or tamari and coconut sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.Â
- Turn the heat down to medium-low/low. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce has started to thicken. It will continue to thicken up as it cools.