Hoisin sauce adds rich flavor to stir-fries, marinades, noodle dishes, and so much more. But what exactly is hoisin sauce – and how do you make it at home? Here's what you need to know about the Cantonese sauce, including the best substitutes:
What Is Hoisin Sauce?
Hoisin sauce (pronounced hoy-sn) is a Cantonese sauce that's used for a variety of purposes in many types of Asian cuisine, such as stir-fries and marinades. It's also commonly used as a dipping sauce. You might've heard hoisin sauce referred to as "Chinese barbecue sauce," as it has a reddish-brown hue and combines rich umami flavor with sweet elements (similar to American barbecue sauce).
Though regional variations exist, most modern hoisin sauce recipes contain some combination of the following ingredients: fermented soybeans, five-spice powder, garlic, red chili peppers, and sugar.
"Hoisin" comes from the Cantonese word for seafood, though it's not commonly associated with seafood dishes. While it's possible that early variations of the sauce relied on seafood for its umami-rich flavor, it's a vegan-friendly condiment today.
Hoisin Sauce vs. Oyster Sauce
Hoisin and oyster sauces may be frequently confused with one another, but they are certainly not the same thing. Here are just a few of the differences:
- The key ingredient in hoisin sauce is fermented soybean paste. Oyster sauce, meanwhile, starts with oyster extract.
- Both sauces contain sugar, but hoisin is generally sweeter than oyster sauce.
- The consistency of each sauce varies depending on the brand, but hoisin is usually thicker than oyster sauce. It has a glossy, red finish that's similar to American barbecue sauce.
Hoisin Sauce Substitutes
The best substitute for store-bought hoisin sauce is a homemade copycat (more on that in a second). However, if you're short on time, you could try using a garlic-flavored teriyaki instead. It won't taste quite the same, but it'll give you a similar sweet, salty, and garlicky flavor.
Other suitable options include oyster sauce, Chinese brown bean sauce, or American barbecue sauce seasoned to taste with sriracha and five-spice powder.
How to Make Hoisin Sauce
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Looking for the best homemade hoisin sauce recipe on the internet? We've got you covered. This hoisin sauce recipe from Allrecipes community member Jackie.d.c. is easy to tweak depending on what ingredients you already have on hand. For instance, you can substitute black bean paste for peanut butter, brown sugar for honey, and sriracha for Chinese hot sauce.
"It is very good and just what I was looking for since [hoisin sauce] is hard to find in stores in my rural area," raves reviewer Bachus131.
Get the recipe: Hoisin Sauce
How to Store Hoisin Sauce
An unopened jar of hoisin sauce will last for years when stored in a cool, dark place (like the pantry or a cabinet). Once opened, seal the container tightly and transfer it to the fridge. It'll stay good there for up to 18 months.
Where to Buy Hoisin Sauce
You'll find hoisin sauce in the Asian food aisle in most grocery stores. Common brands in American stores are Lee Kum Kee, Hokan, and Kikkoman. You can also visit your local Asian grocer or shop online.
How to Use Hoisin Sauce
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Now that you know how to make a perfect batch of hoisin sauce, try one of our best recipes that put the fragrant condiment to good use:
