Sweet Soy-Braised Pork (Babi Kecap)

Sweet soy–braised pork, or babi kecap, is a popular dish in Indonesian cuisine.

It is made by simmering pork in a flavorful blend of sweet soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices.

The slow cooking process produces tender pork as it absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a dark, caramelized sauce that gives the pork a beautiful glaze and a hint of sweetness.

Each bite has a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.

Babi kecap is a dish that consists of tender bites of pork with a sticky, sweet, and salty soy sauce. A perfect balance of savory and sweet. Much like this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken.

The combination of texture and flavor creates a truly delicious and satisfying meal which is typically served with rice.


Using Your Instant Pot – Make The Perfect Steamed Brown Rice


Whether served for a family dinner or at a special occasion, sweet soy–braised pork is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse and delicious world of Indonesian food.

Sweet Soy-Braised Pork (Babi Kecap)

3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado oil), divided

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated

3 medium garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated

black pepper to season

2 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt, trimmed and cut into 1-inch strips or chunks

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup molasses, unsulphured

¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed

2 serrano chilies, seeded and stemmed, thinly sliced

3 large shallots, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon lime juice, plus lime wedges to serve

½ cup fresh cilantro lightly packed, chopped

In a medium bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of oil, the ginger, garlic and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the pork and stir until evenly coated; set aside.

In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine 3/4 cup water, the soy sauce, molasses, sugar and half of the chilies; stir well. Set aside.

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil until barely smoking. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

Next, add the pork mixture and cook, stirring often, until the meat is no longer pink, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the soy-molasses mixture, then bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to medium and cook at a gentle simmer, until a skewer inserted into the pork meets no resistance, about 35 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Uncover and use a wide spoon to skim off and discard as much fat as possible from the surface, if any.

Return skillet to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until sauce lightly thickens and is clinging to the pork, about 10 minutes.



Remove from heat, stir in the lime juice. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and remaining chilies along with lime wedges on the side.


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2 thoughts on “Sweet Soy-Braised Pork (Babi Kecap)

  1. Pingback: Sweet Soy-Braised Pork (Babi Kecap) – Cook Plate Fork | My Meals are on Wheels

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