Kecap Manis Substitute

Best kecap manis substitute so you can still enjoy your favorite Asian recipes without feeling like they're missing a thing! I've also included my recipe for making your own kecap manis at home! It's made with just 2 ingredients, so if you can't find kecap manis at your local store, not to worry!

Try out these substitutes with my hibachi fried rice, grilled skirt steak, steak stir-fry, or hibachi noodles.

Jump to:

• What Is Kecap Manis
• What To Use If You Don't Have Kecap Manis
• 1. Homemade Kecap Manis
• 2. Soy Sauce + Sugar
• 3. Soy Sauce + Honey (or Maple Syrup)
• 4. Tamari + Sugar
• 5. Coconut Aminos + Sugar
• 6. Hoisin Sauce
• 7. Teriyaki Sauce
• 8. Oyster Sauce + Sugar
• 9. Fish Sauce + Honey
• 10. Tianmian Sauce
• 11. Liquid Aminos
• Tips For Choosing The Best Kecap Manis Substitute
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews

It's not unlikely that you're here because kecap manis popped up on a recipe, and you don't have any on hand. Maybe it's an ingredient you are unfamiliar with altogether!

Luckily, there are a number of great substitutions that can be made from simple ingredients that are much easier to find. In fact, if you have some soy sauce on hand, you're already halfway there!

What Is Kecap Manis

Kecap manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce. "Kecap" means "sauce" in Indonesian, and "manis" means "sweet," hence the name.

It is pretty thick in consistency and is made from a mixture of palm sugar, water, spices, and some fermented soybeans. Its flavor is both sweet and savory.

What To Use If You Don't Have Kecap Manis

1. Homemade Kecap Manis

The best option on this list would have to be simply making your own at home! It is easy to do, simple, and super tasty.

If not, there are tons of tasty stir-ins that will help you to develop even more flavor in your sauce!

Easy Kecap Manis Ingredients

• Palm Sugar - 1 ⅓ cup palm sugar (brown sugar or molasses can be used instead).
• Soy Sauce - 1 ⅓ cup of soy sauce (reduced-sodium soy sauce is best).

Optional Stir-Ins

• Molasses - 1 tablespoon of molasses or treacle.
• Garlic - 2-4 cloves of garlic.
• Ginger - ½ tablespoon of ginger (peeled and diced).
• Curry Lime Leaves - 2 curry lime leaves.
• Star Anise - 2 whole star anise.
• Cloves - 2 whole cloves.
• Coriander Seeds - ¼ teaspoon of whole coriander seeds.
• Black Peppercorns - ¼ teaspoon of whole black peppercorns.

How To Make Kecap Manis

1. Combine the ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine 1 ⅓ cups (255.9 grams) of palm sugar (or brown sugar or molasses) and 1 ⅓ cups (315.45 milliliters) of soy sauce. Stir well in order to dissolve the sugar while you bring it up to a low boil over medium-high heat.
2. Simmer. Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the liquid becomes syrupy and viscous. Remember to stir frequently to prevent over-boiling. *This is the perfect time to add any of the optional stir-ins.
3. Let it thicken. You'll know the sauce is ready when it clings to a spoon and slowly drips back into the saucepan.
4. Remove from heat. Take your pan off of the heat and give it time to cool completely. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Use or store. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

2. Soy Sauce + Sugar

Because kecap manis is a sweet soy sauce, naturally, soy sauce and sugar would make the best substitution (outside of making your own). If you have brown sugar or molasses on hand, you can try making the recipe above.

If not, you can use 1 ⅓ cup of soy sauce and 1 ⅓ cup of regular granulated sugar. It won't have that same molasses taste, but it will do the job!

Combine the 2 ingredients in a saucepan and simmer them together as instructed above. This can be used as a 1:1 substitution for kecap manis in any recipe.

3. Soy Sauce + Honey (or Maple Syrup)

If you don't have any sugar (or simply don't want to use it), honey will work perfectly. Maple syrup will work, too, but it will add a noticeable flavor (which may or may not be a good thing).

If you want to try this option, mix together 2 cups of water, 2 cups of soy sauce, and 1 cup of honey before bringing it to a low boil. Let the sauce simmer until thick (remember it will thicken more as it cools). Finally, let it cool and then use it as a direct substitute.

4. Tamari + Sugar

Tamari is a variety of soy sauce that is made from wheat (meaning it is gluten-free!) The flavor and color are both rich, and it is not quite as salty as typical soy sauce.

In place of sugar, you can use any of the sweetening agents mentioned above (honey, molasses, palm sugar, etc). You will want to use equal parts tamari and sweetener.

Combine the ingredients, then bring them to a low bowl over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens up to your liking.

This can be used as a 1:1 replacement for kecap manis. It's particularly great in soups and stews!

5. Coconut Aminos + Sugar

Coconut aminos are one of the most popular soy sauce substitutes. It's vegan and vegetarian-friendly, as well as soy-free and gluten-free!

All you have to do is mix together equal amounts of sugar and coconut aminos and simmer it on the stovetop. This combination can be used as a direct alternative for kecap manis (after it has cooled, of course).

6. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce shares many similarities with kecap manis. It's thick, sweet, salty, savory, and it's also made with fermented soy beans!

Hoison sauce does include a variety of herbs and spices, so it's best to use ¾ tablespoon of hoisin sauce for every 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce.

7. Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce has a sweet and savory umami flavor just like kecap manis does. You can easily make your own at home or grab some from the store.

If you didn't know, teriyaki sauce actually uses soy sauce as its base ingredient! It also adds some brown sugar for the best balance of sweet and savory.

If using teriyaki sauce as a replacement for kecap manis, you can swap it in an even 1:1 exchange.

8. Oyster Sauce + Sugar

Oyster sauce is thick and salty with an umami flavor that is similar to kecap manis. However, it does have a fishy oyster taste that is noticeable in larger amounts.

Oyster sauce also lacks sweetness. To make up for it, you can add ¼ tablespoon of sugar to every ¾ tablespoon of oyster sauce. This can be used in place of 1 tablespoon of kecap manis.

Keep in mind that the addition of sugar won't get rid of the oyster flavor. If you aren't a fan of the flavor, go ahead and skip this option.

9. Fish Sauce + Honey

Of course, fish sauce does have a fishy flavor. If you are someone who does not like that taste, try a different alternative. Honey is the best option for cutting the fishy flavor, though it is still somewhat noticeable in larger amounts.

It does share the salty umami flavor of kecap manis, so it makes an acceptable substitution in most recipes. I recommend using 1 parts honey to 2 parts fish sauce.

This combination can be used as a 1:1 substitute for kecap manis.

10. Tianmian Sauce

You might have never heard of tianman sauce before (or sweet bean sauce), and it isn't the easiest item to find. However, if you manage to come across some, the flavor is pretty similar to kecap manis!

The flavor is both sweet and salty, and it works wonderfully in pretty much any recipe you might make. You can use it as a 1:1 substitute in place of kecap manis.

11. Liquid Aminos

Not to be confused with coconut aminos, liquid aminos are actually made from soy beans. It has a sweet umami flavor but is not thick like kecap manis.

You can use liquid aminos as a 1:1 substitution for kecap manis in soups, stews, dips, and marinades!

Tips For Choosing The Best Kecap Manis Substitute

When it comes to picking the best kecap manis substitute, consider the dish you have in mind and how the flavors will blend.

1. Use your preferred sweetener: The sweeteners are interchangeable for most of these substitutes. You can use honey, molasses, brown sugar, or granulated sugar to add sweetness to savory ingredients.
2. Consider the thickness of the sauce: Some of the listed substitutes above are thick and syrupy, like kecap manis, while others (like fish sauce) are not. Thin sauces will do best in soups, stews, or marinades.
3. Taste test: Try a small amount of the substitute before using it in a recipe. This will help you assess its flavor to see if it matches your expectations! Adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more sweetness or saltiness to achieve your desired taste.

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Coriander Root

Now that you know how easy it is to make kecap manis at home, you'll never run out again! Tell me what recipes you make with kecap manis in the comment section below!

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