Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce (kecap Manis)

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (10 ounce) jar reduced sodium soy sauce (about 1 1/3 cups)
• 1 star anise, pod
• 1 garlic clove, crushed

Recipe

• 1 half-fill a large bowl with water and ice cubes and set it beside the stove.
• 2 combine sugar and water in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. once it starts boiling, cook without stirring until syrup turns amber, 5 to 10 minutes. immediately set saucepan in ice water for about 30 seconds.
• 3 add soy sauce, star anise and garlic to cooled caramel.
• 4 return pan to medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
• 5 remove from heat and let cool completely. discard garlic. transfer to a jar (sterilized if keeping longer than 1 week) and let mellow overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• 6 make ahead tip: cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.