Discover the bold and savory flavors of Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce (Be Celeng Base Manis). This authentic Indonesian pork recipe features kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), garlic, ginger, and chilies, resulting in a tender, glossy dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Perfect meat dish for an Asian dinner!

I’ve been eating this delicious Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce for the last two days because we had some leftovers, and wow, it just gets better each day! After making this, I totally agree with the Indonesian chef I learned this from – this is like the Indonesian version of Pork Adobo with a spicy kick and equally as flavorful! You should make this if you love Filipino Pork Adobo!

If you love Indonesian dishes, you need to try our tasty Nasi Goreng (Indonesian-style Fried Rice) and these fabulous Green Coconut Pancakes (Dadar Gulung).

Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce Image Pin

Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce (Be Celeng Base Manis)

Balinese cuisine is a treasure trove of rich flavors, fragrant aromatics, and perfectly balanced sweet, salty, and spicy notes. One dish that showcases this balance is Be Celeng Base Manis, or Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce. This recipe is a comforting, braised-style pork dish simmered in kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce), garlic, shallots, and chilies, creating a glossy, tender meat that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

I learned how to make this fabulous dish right in Bali when I attended a local cooking class there this summer. Ever since that day, I knew I had to re-create it at home for you all to enjoy! It was just too good not to share!

For home cooks seeking to introduce bold Indonesian flavors to their kitchen, this dish is approachable, hearty, and rich in Southeast Asian character.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Bold yet balanced flavors: The sweetness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) combines with salty soy sauce, aromatic garlic, ginger, and fiery chilies.
Tender pork shoulder: Slow simmering ensures the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Perfect for meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Authentic Indonesian taste: With its glossy glaze and spice-forward base, it brings the flavors of Bali straight to your table.

Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce Ingredients

Ingredients for Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce

4 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil
3 ounces shallots (about 6 small shallots), peeled and sliced
2 ounces garlic (about 10 cloves or one whole head of garlic), peeled and sliced
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder or neck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2.5 ounces ginger (about a 3-inch piece), peeled, sliced, and bruised
6 tablespoons (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons) sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
3 tablespoons regular soy sauce (kecap asin)
1 pinch (about ½ teaspoon) crushed black peppercorns, or to taste
2 cups chicken stock
6 bird’s eye or red Thai chilies (left whole)
2–3 large red chilies (left whole)
Green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the pork

Wash the pork cubes under cold water to remove any leftover surface blood. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure good browning. Season well with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

In a heavy stew pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden.

Step 3: Brown the pork with aromatics

Add the pork cubes and sliced ginger into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pork lightly browns and begins to release its fat.

pork cubes and sliced ginger added into the pot

Step 4: Incorporate sauces and spices

Pour in the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), salty soy sauce, and crushed peppercorns. Stir well to coat the pork evenly.

Step 5: Braise the pork

Add the chicken stock and both types of chilies. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently until the pork is tender, about 1 hour. For a faster method, you can use a pressure cooker and reduce cooking time to around 30–35 minutes.

Step 6: Glaze the pork

Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase the heat and let the braising liquid reduce by half, skimming away excess fat. Return the pork to the pot and continue to simmer for 12–15 minutes, basting and turning until the sauce clings as a glossy glaze.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Make it spicier: Add more bird’s eye chilies for an authentic Balinese heat.
Balance the sweetness: If kecap manis is very sweet, add a splash of lime juice at the end for brightness.
Protein swap: Chicken thighs can be used instead of pork for a lighter variation.
Meal prep idea: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making it even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce is best enjoyed family-style with rice and accompaniments. Typical pairings include:

Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
Stir-fried vegetables like green beans or morning glory (kangkong)
A refreshing cucumber salad to balance the rich sauce
Sambal (Indonesian chili paste) for extra fire on the side

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is kecap manis?

Kecap manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce thickened with palm sugar. It has a molasses-like consistency and caramelized flavor, essential for authentic taste in dishes like this.

Can I substitute kecap manis?

If you can’t find kecap manis, make a quick version by mixing regular soy sauce with brown sugar, molasses or honey. Simmer until it thickens into a syrupy sauce.

What cut of pork works best?

Pork shoulder or pork neck is ideal because of its marbling. These cuts break down during braising and become tender without drying out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, the flavors deepen if it rests overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce thickens too much.

How spicy is this dish?

With both bird’s eye chilies and large red chilies, this dish has notable heat. However, since the chilies are left whole, the heat won’t be too much. I learned in the cooking class that heat is released once the chili has been sliced open and not when chilies are left whole. Adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance.

Balinese Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce is a dish that embodies sweet-savory Indonesian cooking at its finest. With tender pork, bold aromatics, and a glossy kecap manis glaze, it’s a recipe that deserves a place at your dining table. Serve it at your next family dinner and let the fragrant flavors of Bali transport you straight to the island’s vibrant kitchens.