Kecap Manis, what is it you ask?  It’s a thick soy sauce sweetened with palm sugar from Indonesia.  This ingredient came to my attention via an older version of Saveur magazine and I knew instantly that I had to try it.  

After a bit of "test and learn" I created this marinade for flank steak that's easy to prepare and will leave your guests raving.  Look for kecap manis in any Asian store or order online. 

Soy & kecap manis flank steak marinade

o ½ cup soy (dark is preferable)
o ¼ cup kecap manis
o 3 Tbs. vinegar (unseasoned rice or cider)
o 2 tsp. garlic, minced
o 1 Tbs. ginger (fresh or jarred)
o 1 – 2 Tbs. sesame oil (add to your taste – sesame oil can be quite strong)
o ½ c. sherry or white wine

Mix together all ingredients. Simmer 10 minutes over low-med heat. 

Cook’s notes:

• This recipe will make enough marinade for 3 lbs of flank steak. Before marinating pierce all over with a fork (both sides). Pour the marinade into a flat pan or plastic bag and add the meat. Marinate up to 24 hours.
• I used as a sauce in a basic stir fry. Delish!