Out of ABC sweet soy sauce, one case
ABC sweet soy sauce substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Hoisin sauce
Same amount as the ABC sweet soy sauce
The best ABC sweet soy sauce substitutes are hoisin sauce (1:1 ratio), regular soy sauce with palm sugar (1:1 soy + 1 tsp palm sugar per tbsp), or regular soy sauce with brown sugar and molasses (1:1 soy + 1 tsp brown sugar + ½ tsp molasses per tbsp). ABC is a popular Indonesian brand known for its thick, sweet kecap manis.
- Best for —
- Indonesian cooking
One casethe full soy sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of ABC sweet soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoisin sauceIndonesian cooking | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Soy sauce + palm sugarauthentic Indonesian cooking | Same amountSoy sauce + 1 tsp palm sugar per tbsp | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Soy sauce + brown sugar + molassesIndonesian cooking | Same amountSoy sauce + 1 tsp brown sugar + ½ tsp molasses per tbspWorks | Works |
| 4 | Teriyaki sauceIndonesian stir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Oyster sauceIndonesian stir-fries | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 6 | Coconut aminos + coconut sugarsoy-free Indonesian cooking | Same amountCoconut aminos + 1 tsp coconut sugar per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
Hoisin sauce
very similar · identical texture
Hoisin sauce is the closest substitute to ABC sweet soy sauce. It has the same thick consistency, intense sweetness, and complex flavor that's characteristic of the popular ABC brand.
- Best for
- Indonesian cooking, nasi goreng, Indonesian satay, Indonesian marinades, Indonesian glazes
Very sweet and thick, closest to ABC sweet soy sauce.
Soy sauce + palm sugar
most authentic · similar texture
Combining regular soy sauce with palm sugar creates the most authentic substitute for ABC sweet soy sauce. Palm sugar is the traditional sweetener used in Indonesian cooking and provides the characteristic caramel-like sweetness of ABC brand.
- Best for
- authentic Indonesian cooking, nasi goreng, Indonesian satay, traditional Indonesian dishes
Most authentic substitute using traditional Indonesian ingredients.
Soy sauce + brown sugar + molasses
similar taste and texture
When palm sugar isn't available, brown sugar with molasses provides a similar caramel-like sweetness that mimics ABC sweet soy sauce. The molasses adds the characteristic dark color and depth of the ABC brand.
- Best for
- Indonesian cooking, nasi goreng, Indonesian satay, Indonesian marinades
Good substitute when palm sugar isn't available.
Teriyaki sauce
similar taste and texture
Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor similar to ABC sweet soy sauce. While not as authentic as hoisin, it works well in most Indonesian dishes that call for ABC brand.
- Best for
- Indonesian stir-fries, Indonesian marinades, Indonesian glazes, general Indonesian cooking
Sweet and savory, good for Indonesian cooking but less authentic.
Oyster sauce
different but complementary · similar texture
Oyster sauce is naturally sweet and has a thick consistency similar to ABC sweet soy sauce. It works well in Indonesian stir-fries and vegetable dishes that typically use ABC brand.
- Best for
- Indonesian stir-fries, Indonesian vegetable dishes, Indonesian marinades, Indonesian glazes
Naturally sweet and thick, good for Indonesian stir-fries.
Coconut aminos + coconut sugar
different taste, similar texture
For those avoiding soy and gluten, coconut aminos with coconut sugar provides a sweet and savory profile suitable for Indonesian cooking while meeting dietary restrictions and replicating ABC brand characteristics.
- Best for
- soy-free Indonesian cooking, gluten-free Indonesian dishes, Indonesian marinades, Indonesian glazes
Soy-free and gluten-free option for Indonesian cooking.
Tips for substituting ABC sweet soy sauce
7 tips- ABC sweet soy sauce is known for its thick consistency and intense sweetness
- Add ABC sweet soy sauce substitutes at the end of cooking to prevent burning
- ABC sweet soy sauce is used in combination with regular soy sauce in many Indonesian dishes
- For authentic ABC flavor, use palm sugar instead of regular sugar
- ABC sweet soy sauce works best in stir-fries, marinades, and glazes
- Store homemade ABC sweet soy sauce substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- ABC sweet soy sauce is thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce
Questions
7 questionsWhat is ABC sweet soy sauce?
ABC sweet soy sauce is a popular Indonesian brand of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). It's known for its thick consistency, intense sweetness, and distinctive flavor that's widely used in Indonesian cooking.
Is hoisin sauce a good substitute for ABC sweet soy sauce?
Yes, hoisin sauce is the best substitute for ABC sweet soy sauce. It has the same thick consistency, intense sweetness, and complex flavor that's characteristic of the popular ABC brand.
What makes ABC sweet soy sauce different from other brands?
ABC sweet soy sauce is known for its particularly thick consistency, intense sweetness, and distinctive flavor profile. It's one of the most popular brands of kecap manis in Indonesia and is widely used in Indonesian cooking.
Can I use regular soy sauce with palm sugar for ABC sweet soy sauce?
Yes, combining regular soy sauce with palm sugar is the most authentic substitute for ABC sweet soy sauce. Palm sugar is the traditional sweetener used in Indonesian cooking and provides the characteristic caramel-like sweetness of ABC brand.
What's the best substitute for nasi goreng using ABC brand?
For nasi goreng that typically uses ABC brand, hoisin sauce or soy sauce with palm sugar work best as substitutes. They provide the authentic sweetness and thickness that's characteristic of ABC sweet soy sauce.
Can I use brown sugar instead of palm sugar for ABC sweet soy sauce?
Yes, but for more authentic ABC flavor, add molasses to mimic the caramel-like sweetness of palm sugar. Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of molasses.
How do I make ABC sweet soy sauce at home?
Mix 1 cup of regular soy sauce with ½ cup of palm sugar and 2 tablespoons of molasses. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until thickened to a syrup consistency similar to ABC brand. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.