This homemade Indonesian-style soy sauce offers a unique twist on the classic condiment by balancing salty umami notes with the sweetness of demerara sugar. Infused with aromatic lemongrass (laos), bay leaves, and caramelized onions, this sauce delivers a complex flavor profile that is both indulgent and versatile. It is perfect for glazing grilled meats, stir-frying vegetables, or dipping spring rolls. Unlike store-bought alternatives, this recipe allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness to your exact preference. The result is a smooth, rich sauce that brings an authentic touch of Southeast Asian cuisine to your everyday cooking. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and enjoy its deep, well-rounded taste in a variety of dishes.
Indonesion Soy Sauce
Description
This homemade Indonesian-style soy sauce offers a unique twist on the classic condiment by balancing salty umami notes with the sweetness of demerara sugar. Infused with aromatic lemongrass (laos), bay leaves, and caramelized onions, this sauce delivers a complex flavor profile that is both indulgent and versatile. It is perfect for glazing grilled meats, stir-frying vegetables, or dipping spring rolls. Unlike store-bought alternatives, this recipe allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness to your exact preference. The result is a smooth, rich sauce that brings an authentic touch of Southeast Asian cuisine to your everyday cooking. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and enjoy its deep, well-rounded taste in a variety of dishes.Ingredients
Directions
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Combine the regular soy sauce, water, chopped onions, bay leaves, and laos (lemongrass) in a large pot.
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Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Cook gently until the onions become soft and limp, allowing the flavors to infuse.
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Stir in the demerara sugar and continue cooking until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Remove the pot from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
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Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove all solid ingredients.
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Pour the strained sauce into sterilized bottles or jars for storage.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 673.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.2g19%
- Saturated Fat 2.0g10%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2848.4mg119%
- Total Carbohydrate 159.8g54%
- Dietary Fiber 41.1g165%
- Sugars 40.1g
- Protein 16.5g33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
**Laos** is also known as Galingal or lemongrass. It can typically be found in the spice aisle of Asian grocery stores. If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, you can use dried lemongrass powder, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
The original recipe mentions using 17 oz bottles of soy sauce. Adjust the quantity of water and other ingredients proportionally if your bottles are a different size.
Storage: Keep this homemade sauce refrigerated. Due to the lack of commercial preservatives and the addition of water and onions, it should be used within a few weeks for best quality and safety.
Flavor Note: This sauce is significantly sweeter than standard soy sauce. It serves as an excellent glaze for meats or a dipping sauce where a balanced sweet-salty profile is desired. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of demerara sugar.
