Sweet soy sauce substitutes
Sweet soy sauce substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce + brown sugar
Same amount as the sweet soy sauce
Add 1-2 tbsp brown sugar per ¼ cup soy sauce
Regular soy sauce sweetened with brown sugar.
The best substitutes for sweet soy sauce are regular soy sauce with brown sugar, hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or kecap manis depending on the dish.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- marinades
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sweet soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy sauce + brown sugarmarinades | Same amountAdd 1-2 tbsp brown sugar per ¼ cup soy sauceWorks | Works |
| 2 | Hoisin saucemarinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Teriyaki saucemarinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Kecap manismarinades | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Soy sauce + molassesmarinades | Same amountAdd 1-2 tbsp molasses per ¼ cup soy sauceWorks | Works |
| 6 | Oyster saucestir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Soy sauce + brown sugar
similar taste and texture
Regular soy sauce sweetened with brown sugar.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, stir-fries, sauces
Approximates the sweet, thick consistency.
Hoisin sauce
different taste, similar texture
Thick, sweet Chinese sauce with similar consistency.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, stir-fries, sauces
Similar thick, sweet consistency.
Teriyaki sauce
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, thick Japanese sauce with similar consistency.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, stir-fries, sauces
Similar sweet, thick consistency.
Kecap manis
identical taste and texture
Indonesian sweet soy sauce, very similar to sweet soy sauce.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, stir-fries, sauces
Very similar Indonesian sweet soy sauce.
Soy sauce + molasses
similar taste and texture
Regular soy sauce thickened with molasses.
- Best for
- marinades, glazes, stir-fries, sauces
Similar thick consistency and sweetness.
Oyster sauce
different taste, similar texture
Thick, sweet Chinese sauce with similar consistency.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, marinades, glazes
Similar thick consistency but different flavor.
Questions
4 questionsWhat is sweet soy sauce?
Sweet soy sauce is a thick, sweet version of soy sauce made with added sugar or molasses. It has a caramelized flavor and molasses-like consistency, commonly used in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine.
Is sweet soy sauce the same as kecap manis?
Yes, kecap manis is the Indonesian name for sweet soy sauce. They're essentially the same product with the same thick, sweet consistency.
Can I make sweet soy sauce at home?
Yes, you can make it by combining regular soy sauce with brown sugar or molasses and heating until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
What dishes use sweet soy sauce?
Sweet soy sauce is commonly used in Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng, Malaysian dishes, and as a glaze for grilled meats. It's also great in stir-fries and marinades.
Tips for substituting sweet soy sauce
6 tips- Sweet soy sauce is thick and sticky, good for glazing
- Use sparingly as it's quite sweet and salty
- Great for marinating meats and vegetables
- Common in Indonesian and Malaysian dishes
- Can be used as a dipping sauce or cooking ingredient
- Store in refrigerator after opening