Skip the store-bought Hoisin sauce. My homemade version takes 5 minutes and tastes 10x better. Sweet, sticky, and packed with umami, it’s my go-to condiment for everything from ribs to stir-fries. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!
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Hoisin Sauce Recipe
Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant, dark-colored sauce from China. It is known for its sweet and salty flavor profile with a rich umami taste and a slightly tangy finish. The sauce is thick and smooth. It’s similar in texture to barbecue sauce but mild rather than spicy.
Hoisin means “seafood” in Cantonese, however, this sauce doesn’t have any seafood ingredients. It’s made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and spices like five-spice.
You can use this sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or raw vegetables. You can also mix it with chili sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar for a flavorful dip. It’s also perfect for marinating meats like chicken, pork, or beef.
For cooking, stir hoisin sauce into stir-fries with vegetables, meats, or tofu for a rich, glossy finish. Use it as a glaze by brushing it mixed with honey, soy sauce, and garlic onto meats like chicken drumsticks, ribs, salmon, or pork. You can also add it to noodle dishes, soups, or toss it with roasted or stir-fried vegetables for extra depth.
Here’ s how to make Hoisin sauce:
Hoisin Sauce
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium if preferred
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or tahini
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili sauce adjust to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder Optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or heat as needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar work well if you’re avoiding refined sugar.
- Keep refrigerated in a glass jar or sealed container. Shake or stir before each use.
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Variations
From this recipe, you can create other variations of this sauce. Here are some ideas to try:
- Vegan Version replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Nut-Free Version swaps peanut butter with tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Low-Sodium Version
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Reduce or skip the added salt entirely.
- Spicy Hoisin Sauce
- Double the sriracha or add chili garlic sauce.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Smoky Hoisin Sauce
- Add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
- Deepen the flavor and pairs well with grilled dishes.