Babi Kecap (Indonesian Chinese language Braised Pork Stomach)

Babi kecap is a well-liked Indonesian Chinese language dish made with kecap manis (a candy darkish soy sauce) and a wide range of distinctive spices. Babi means pork in Indonesian, however extra particularly, this Babi kecap is most frequently made with pork stomach. 

Whereas most of Indonesia’s inhabitants is Muslim (and doesn’t devour pork), babi kecap is widespread amongst non-Muslim Indonesians and in addition to the Indo-Dutch within the Netherlands, because of previous colonial ties. 

The primary time we noticed and tried this dish was on a cruise buffet line. For these of you who’ve been on a cruise, the meals served on board may be very various, with many Asian cultural choices, together with Chinese language, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian, and Filipino dishes. 

The Babi Kecap was a standout for us, and it was a very nice change over the standard Shanghai pork stomach dish that Judy typically makes for the household. However better of all, the dish is very easy to make!

What’s a Kecap Manis?

Kecap manis (or ketjap manis) is a thick, syrupy Indonesian candy soy sauce constituted of a soy sauce base with palm sugar. Its darkish coloration is much like Chinese language darkish soy sauce, however is way sweeter and extra viscous.

Kecap Manis is obtainable for buy in most Asian grocery shops in addition to on-line. In the event you can’t discover it, you may as well make your individual kecap manis substitute by utilizing ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup darkish brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon molasses. Mix every little thing in a pan over medium warmth, deliver to a simmer, cool, and use it on this recipe.

What Spices are Utilized in Indonesian Cooking?

Once I first noticed this Babi Kecap, I requested the chef, and he stated “It’s Indonesian-style Pork stomach!” I’d by no means tried the dish earlier than, so I instantly scooped some onto my plate, and immediately fell in love with the delicate however complicated flavors of the dish. It took some time to appreciate what spices and flavors have been used within the dish.

After some analysis, I discovered some key flavors utilized in Indonesian cooking:

Cloves, coriander, ginger, galangal, shallot, lemongrass, turmeric, cumin, makrut lime leaf, chili peppers, tamarind. It’s not an exhaustive record, however based mostly on the flavour of the dish, I believe I recognized lots of the spices. I recreated it as greatest as I might, and it turned out nice!

What’s served with Babi Kecap?

Babi kecap is an ideal one-plate meal, and should be served with rice. Listed below are some vegetable sides that will go properly with the pork stomach:

On to the recipe! 

Recipe Directions

Minimize your pork stomach into 2-inch items which might be about 3/4-inch (2cm) thick. These will prepare dinner down properly to bite-size tender morsels of pork! Keep in mind that the bigger your pork stomach items, the longer they’ll take to prepare dinner. 

Deliver a medium pot of water to a boil, and add the pork stomach items. Stir and produce again to a boil. Simmer for about 2 minutes, or simply till the pork turns opaque. This removes impurities and begins the cooking course of. Take the pork out of the pot, rinse to scrub off any particles, and put aside. Discard the water and clear out your pot.

Warmth the pot till it simply begins to smoke (or simply till scorching if utilizing nonstick). Add the oil and pork. Prepare dinner till barely browned (don’t transfer the pork for at the very least a minute to reduce sticking). Subsequent, add the ginger, garlic, onion, galangal powder, coriander powder and floor cloves.

Cut back to medium warmth and proceed cooking till onions are barely softened and aromatic. Add water (the pork ought to be nearly lined), the makrut lime leaves, dried chili peppers (if utilizing), kecap manis, soy sauce, and salt. Stir and produce every little thing to a boil.

Cut back the warmth to low, cowl and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or till the pork is tender to your liking (use a fork to examine it). Once more, the cooking time will rely upon the dimensions or your pork stomach items. 

Uncover the pot and enhance the warmth so the sauce involves a boil. Prepare dinner, stirring sometimes, for five to 10 minutes, or till the sauce has decreased to a glistening coating.

Serve with white rice and a vegetable facet. Take pleasure in!