Are you ready to elevate your cooking game with a sauce that's going to make your taste buds dance? Indonesian Ketjap Manis is not just a condiment—it's a flavor explosion that turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience! This rich, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce has been a treasured secret in Indonesian kitchens for generations, and now you can master it in just 15 minutes right in your own home.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Indonesian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup palm sugar
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and measure them precisely, ensuring all components are fresh and of high quality.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine palm sugar and soy sauce over medium-low heat, stirring gently to help sugar dissolve completely.
- Finely mince fresh garlic cloves using a sharp knife or garlic press to release maximum flavor.
- Add minced garlic, ground coriander, and ground black pepper to the sugar and soy sauce mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce, allowing ingredients to meld together and create a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Stir in vinegar, which will help balance the sweetness and add depth to the sauce's taste.
- Continue cooking and stirring for approximately 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly, which will allow it to continue thickening naturally.
- Transfer sauce to a clean glass jar or airtight container for storage, where it can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Use as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for grilled or roasted chicken dishes.
Tips
- Use high-quality palm sugar for authentic sweetness—if unavailable, dark brown sugar can be a good substitute.
- Stir constantly to prevent sugar from burning and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Watch the heat carefully; medium-low is key to developing deep flavors without scorching.
- For extra depth, consider toasting your ground coriander briefly before adding to the sauce.
- Let the sauce cool naturally to achieve the perfect syrupy consistency.
- Store in a clean, airtight glass container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- For a more complex flavor, experiment by adding a tiny splash of sesame oil or star anise.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
