Babi Kecap (Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce) with Star Anise and Cinnamon

Tender pork slow-cooked in a rich and fragrant Kecap Manis sauce, infused with the warm spices of star anise and cinnamon. A classic Indonesian comfort food.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

4 hours 20 minutes - 6 hours 20 minutes

Calories

3775 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

2 items

Cost

£2.49/serving

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Lunch•Dinner

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Cooking Style:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

1kgPork Shoulder(Cut into 2-inch cubes)

£6.00

1cupKecap Manis(Indonesian sweet soy sauce)

£1.50

0.3cupSoy Sauce(Regular soy sauce)

£0.25

0.5cupWater

4piecesStar Anise

£0.50

1pieceCinnamon Stick(About 3 inches long)

£0.15

4clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.10

3piecesShallots(Minced)

£0.40

1inchGinger(Peeled and grated)

£0.30

2tablespoonsVegetable Oil

£0.05

0.5teaspoonGround White Pepper(Or black pepper)

£0.10

To tasteSalt

2tablespoonsFried Shallots(For garnish (optional))

£0.60

Total Cost

£9.95

£2.49 per serving

Instructions

1.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Set aside.
2.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, shallots, and grated ginger until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3.
Transfer the browned pork, garlic, shallot, and ginger mixture to a slow cooker.
4.
Pour in the Kecap Manis, soy sauce, and water. Add star anise, cinnamon stick, white pepper, and salt.
5.
Stir to combine well, ensuring the pork is coated in the sauce.
6.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily falls apart.
7.
Once cooked, remove the star anise and cinnamon stick.
8.
Shred the pork with two forks if desired. Simmer on high in the slow cooker (with the lid off) for 10-15 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly if it seems too watery.
9.
Serve hot over rice. Garnish with fried shallots, if desired.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (350g)

3775 kcal / 15795 kJ

Carbs

75g

29% of RDA

Fat

275g

393% of RDA

Protein

255g

510% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

5 g

17% of RDA

Sugar

65 g

72% of RDA

Sodium

5500 mg

239% of RDA

Saturated Fat

105 g

525% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Adjust the amount of Kecap Manis according to your preference for sweetness. If you prefer it less sweet, use a combination of Kecap Manis and dark soy sauce.

For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of oyster sauce.

This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you don't have a slow cooker, you can simmer the pork in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until tender.

Serve with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Equipment

Slow Cooker

Large Skillet

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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