Kuah cuka

Kuah cuka is a vinegar-based sauce commonly used in Indonesian cuisine, particularly in pempek, the famous fish cake dish from Palembang, South Sumatra. It has a sweet, sour, spicy, and slightly salty flavor profile, making it the perfect dipping sauce for deep-fried or steamed dishes.

The sauce is made by simmering palm sugar (gula aren or gula jawa) with vinegar (cuka), garlic, chili, and salt. Some variations also include soy sauce or dried shrimp for added depth. The combination of sweetness from the sugar, acidity from the vinegar, and heat from the chilies gives kuah cuka its signature bold and tangy taste.

In traditional pempek Palembang, kuah cuka is drizzled generously over the fish cakes or served on the side as a dipping sauce. It is also used in some Indonesian salads, grilled dishes, or as a marinade for a tangy twist.