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Sweet Soy Sauce

Sweet soy sauce, also known as kecap manis, is a thick, syrupy, and sweet version of traditional soy sauce originating from Indonesia. It is made by combining soy sauce with palm sugar, which gives it a rich, molasses-like sweetness, and other ingredients such as garlic and star anise for added flavor. Dark and glossy in appearance, sweet soy sauce not only enhances the taste of dishes but also adds an appealing glaze when drizzled on top. Popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, sweet soy sauce is a versatile condiment used for marinating, stir frying, dipping, and even as a base for salad dressings. It pairs well with meats, vegetables, and noodle dishes, adding a complex blend of sweetness and saltiness to the flavors. Due to its unique taste, it is recommended to use sweet soy sauce sparingly and adjust according to personal preference.
#61
IN SAUCES
426
CAL / 100G
$0.32
AVG / OZ
sweet soy sauce
100%
CARBS
0%
FAT
0%
PROTEIN
Sweet Soy Sauce FAQ
Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), is a unique, sweet-and-salty, rich, thick condiment popular in Southeast Asian cooking. Its unique tast comes from a blend of soy sauce, palm sugar, and spices like garlic and star anise, giving it a darker color and a syrupy consistency. It's highly versatile in cooking: useful in marinating, stir frying, dipping sauces, and as a salad dressing base. Sweet soy sauce matches well with meats, veggies, and noodles. However, the nuance of its flavor can easily overpower a dish if used excessively. Always start with a small amount and adjust to taste. People often make the mistake of using it the same way as regular soy sauce which results in overly sweet dishes. Due to its thick consistency, it also needs to be heated before being properly mixed into recipes, otherwise it will simply stay clumpy. To get the most out of sweet soy sauce, be sure to heat it slightly before adding it to your dish. This will ensure it distributes evenly. Furthermore, consider balancing the sweetness with tangy flavors like lime or vinegar in your dishes.
Can sweet soy sauce be used as a regular soy sauce substitute?
Why is my sauce not mixing well in my stir-fry?
My dish turned out overly sweet, how can I avoid this in the future?
Is sweet soy sauce always vegetarian?
What dishes can I use sweet soy sauce in?
How can I make my own sweet soy sauce?
Is all sweet soy sauce gluten free?
What can I use if I don't have sweet soy sauce?
How do I balance the sweetness of sweet soy sauce in my dish?
Can diabetics consume sweet soy sauce?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does sweet soy sauce expire?
Unopened, your sweet soy sauce can last about 2 to 3 years if properly stored in a cool, dry place. The exact timeframe is usually indicated on the bottle as a 'best before' date. However, this date is more about quality than safety. Once you've broken that seal, it's a different story - the soy sauce should maintain its quality for up to 1 year if refrigerated. If you choose to freeze your sweet soy sauce, it can last indefinitely, but quality starts to diminish after about a year.
How do you tell if sweet soy sauce is bad?
To determine whether your sweet soy sauce has gone bad, first check out its bottle. If you can see mold or other growths inside, toss it out. Also, it is important to smell it. If it has a weird odor or a sour smell, it's probably time to discard. Another indicator is a change in color; if it appears paler or separated, it is better to replace it. Don't worry about minor changes in consistency or flavor over time though, those are generally normal!
Tips for storing sweet soy sauce to extend shelf life
• Always seal the bottle tightly after each use to avoid contamination and flavor loss. • Store the sweet soy sauce in a cool, dry, dark place, like a pantry or a cabinet. • After opening, store the bottle in the refrigerator to maintain its quality longer. • If you have a lot of sweet soy sauce, consider dividing and freezing part of it in an ice cube tray. That way, you can thaw only the amount you need when you need it!
EXPIRES WITHIN
18 - 30
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
14g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Contains these allergens
SOYBEANS
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