By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 2
158 cal · 10 min
Sambal Kecap (Sweet Soy Dipping Sauce)
Recipe GLPR0cf1f41c98f27d
A vibrant Southeast Asian condiment combining sweet kecap manis with bright citrus, fiery Thai chiles, aromatic kaffir lime leaves, and tender shallots. This versatile dipping sauce brings a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and complex flavors to grilled meats, fresh vegetables, or satay. Perfect as a table condiment for any meal.
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Ingredients
3/4 cup kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
10 red Thai chiles, thinly sliced
4 kaffir lime leaves, stemmed and thinly sliced crosswise
3 shallots, thinly sliced
Directions
Pour the kecap manis into a small serving bowl.
Stir in the fresh lime juice until fully combined.
Add the thinly sliced red Thai chiles to the sauce.
Fold in the sliced kaffir lime leaves, distributing them evenly throughout.
Top with the sliced shallots and gently stir to blend all elements together.
Let the sauce rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Comments
Kecap manis, kaffir lime leaves, and red Thai chiles are specialty items absent from standard Charlotte grocers like Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Kroger—you'll need a second stop at an Asian market such as China Palace or Lucky Asia, a real cost on a weeknight. The five-ingredient formula is honest about prep time and makes a small, intense condiment that keeps well refrigerated for weeks, suiting repeat use rather than one-off meals. Shallots and lime juice are everywhere, but the Indonesian and Southeast Asian spine of this sauce means it's a true commitment rather than a pantry improv. Worth the trip if you're building a Southeast Asian meal or love dipping sauces; less so if you're looking for a weeknight shortcut.
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