Sambal Kecap
Sambal kecap is deceptively simple yet deeply flavorful, a sweet-spicy Indonesian dipping sauce that represents the nation's love of contrasting flavors. Kecap manis, the sweet soy sauce that gives this sambal its name and character, provides a rich molasses-like sweetness that's balanced by raw chilli heat and garlic pungency. This is a dip meant for protein: grilled satay skewers, fried chicken, grilled seafood. The sweetness of the kecap contrasts with smoky, charred meat while the heat cuts through richness. This sambal appears on countless Indonesian tables as a standard condiment alongside meals.
Sambal