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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. 

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.  

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. 

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)

5 from 2 votes
A small saucepan of homemade gluten free kecap manis sweet soy sauce with a spoon.
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.
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

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. 
  • 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.

Notes

Using another type of sugar? reduce the amount to 1/3 cup.
Storage: 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.

Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations

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 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.
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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