This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Hoisin Sauce
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Whether you are out of the bottled kind or just want to make your own at home, this recipe for making hoisin sauce from scratch is a 5-star winner!
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
38 reviews
11 comments
ingredients
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons black bean paste or peanut butter
1 tablespoon molasses, or honey or brown sugar
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons sesame oil
20 drops Chinese hot sauce (Sriracha)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
directions
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir vigorously until the mixture is combined. You can use an electric mixer if needed.
Black bean paste will give it the most authentic flavor but peanut butter will work in a pinch. We also prefer molasses as the sweetener as it gives it a deeper flavor.
Store the hoisin sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
recipe tips
Adjust the sweetness and spiciness levels to your preference by tasting and adding more sugar or hot sauce as needed.
Try different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for varying levels of acidity in hoisin sauce.
common recipe questions
What is hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark, and sweet sauce commonly used in Chinese and Asian cooking as a glaze or condiment.
Can I substitute black bean paste with peanut butter in hoisin sauce?
You can substitute black bean paste with peanut butter in hoisin sauce. Black bean paste will give a more authentic flavor, while peanut butter can work as an alternative.
Why use molasses as sweetener in hoisin sauce?
Molasses gives hoisin sauce a deep, rich flavor. Honey or brown sugar can also be used as substitutes.
How spicy is hoisin sauce with Chinese hot sauce (Sriracha)?
It's not a spicy sauce. The hot sauce just gives it a little "edge". The level of spiciness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of Sriracha added if desired. Start out with less than called for and add more if you're worried about it being too spicy.
Can hoisin sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes, hoisin sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to one week.
Can I freeze hoisin sauce?
It is not recommended to freeze hoisin sauce as the texture will change when thawed. If you do freeze it, use an electric mixer once thawed to restore the texture.
How can I use hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, stir-fry sauce, or glaze for meats, vegetables, or noodles (see other section below).
tools needed
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring out the ingredients.
Mixing Bowl: To combine all the ingredients.
Whisk or Electric Mixer: Either a whisk or an electric mixer can be used to combine the ingredients. You can also use a food processor or blender.
Covered Container: A covered container is necessary for storing the sauce in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to one week.
what goes with it?
Dumplings: Dip your favorite dumplings in this homemade hoisin sauce. The sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes will perfectly complement the dumpling's filling.
Spring Rolls: Drizzle this hoisin sauce over crispy spring rolls for a burst of flavor.
Stir-Fry: Use this hoisin sauce as a marinade or finishing sauce for your favorite stir-fry dish. The bold flavors will bring a new depth to your regular stir-fry.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Brush this hoisin sauce on grilled chicken skewers. The combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors will be a total game-changer.
Rice Bowl: Drizzle this hoisin sauce over a rice bowl with your favorite veggies and protein for a quick and tasty meal. The rich and tangy flavors will tie everything together in the most delicious way.
Crispy Duck: This homemade hoisin sauce is the perfect accompaniment to crispy duck, adding a sweet and savory kick to each delicious bite.
Grilled Tofu: Marinate tofu in this hoisin sauce before grilling for a meatless meal that will have even the most dedicated carnivores coming back for seconds. The sweet and spicy flavors will make you forget all about meat.
nutrition data
47 calories, 3 grams fat, 4 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein per tablespoon.
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reviews & comments
April 14, 2022
The search is over ... This is the best hoisin recipe I've tried! My family likes it a little sweeter so we used molasses and brown sugar. Yumm!
Iâm not a fan of buying sauces when I have a full stocked pantry and can make everything from scratch. So Iâm using this recipe and it sounds great for what I need it for. The best thing about your page is that you have the serving size calculator which I wish more people would include when sharing recipes. Great job thank you
I was out of hoisin sauce and needed some for another recipe. I initially made it as stated in the recipe, except I used powered almond butter. It wasn't sweet enough for my taste, so I added more molasses and about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. It still didn't have the same flavor as hoisin so I added about 2 teaspoons of Chinese Five Spice. The sauce was good with my changes, but still didn't taste exactly like hoisin. Perhaps black bean paste would have a more authentic flavor than almond butter.
May 3, 2019
Tasty. Mine was very thin. Nothing like the pic or store bought. I used pb, molasses, and just 5 drops of regular hot sauce bc our family does not like spicy. I also added about 2 tsp br sugar since we like sweet.
July 30, 2018
Easy fix when I was out of hoisin. Used peanut butter and brown sugar. LOVED it.
May 26, 2018
This worked perfectly for a stir fry when I discovered I didn't have any other stir fry sauces in the pantry. I will make this again definitely.
have not tasted yet sounds very good.Can olive oil be used in place of sesame oil?
Olive oil will not give it the same flavor. Sesame oil has a very distinct flavor.
March 18, 2017
Loved this recipe! We have so many allergies in this house. Thankfully not peanut butter and the recipe turned out beautifully. So full of taste and so easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing!
Mine turned out really salty...I used toasted sesame oil, since most Chinese recipes I've found mean that, even if they don't say it. But perhaps that was a mistake. I also used 3 Tbs low sodium soy sauce, and 1 Tbs of Braggs Liquid Aminos, since I was running out of the soy sauce, and the only peanut butter I had also had salt. So, trying to figure out the culprit, or if it is the combination. Thanks
If you try it as written you'll probably be happier with the results.
July 16, 2016
I used dark miso, since I'm allergic to peanuts and didn't have any black bean paste on hand - plus some bottle labels actually say "fermented soy" in the ingredient list. Then I carefully added 1T. "soy sauce" (tamari/shoyu, actually) at a time, to make sure I didn't overwhelm it. It worked great with 3T. of shoyu. THANK YOU SO MUCH - I've been wanting a Hoisin sauce that didn't have all the garbage that goes in commercial brands. Yummmm.
I am looking a sauce that is compatible with my son's allergies. One of his allergies is to legumes. I have an excellent replacement for the soy sauce. I was wondering if almond butter would work in place of the peanut butter. Is this an acceptable option, or is there another idea?
I think the almond butter would probably work fairly well.
could you please be more specific about what you mean by "black bean paste"? there is real confusion here. thanks
Black bean paste is an ingredient you can buy at most major grocery stores (in their Asian section) or at an Asian specialty market.
August 20, 2015
Worked great!
April 21, 2015
I also thought there was way too much peanut butter... probably better with black bean paste
January 31, 2015
Made up a batch according to recipe and found it a little bitter (as I used molasses). I added a little honey, ground ginger and onion granules - and it tasted awesome! Going to add some 5 spice next time round. Great base recipe for Hoisin souce!
I would like to know how long the sauce lasts and how to store it
Store it in a jar with a lid or similar container in the refrigerator. I personally wouldn't keep it much more than a week since it's not made in a commercial setting or with the usual preservatives that go into the store-bought versions. If the recipe makes more than you need, you can change the serving size to make a smaller batch so you don't have to worry about how long it will keep.
April 3, 2014
thank you for the recipe..I got positive feedbacks from my family and friends...they said the sauce is really delicious...good job!
February 9, 2014
Strange ingredients, but great taste. Did not put hot sauce in though.
January 21, 2014
I personally gave this a 3 star, but the 3 friends I had with me, all gave it a 4 or better. I was a little overwhelmed by the peanut butter so I increased some of the other elements. I increased most of the heat elements, the soya sauce, garlic powder, and I even added some broth. The jury is still out until I have used it in tonights dinner.
January 4, 2014
This was very good! I used the peanut butter, brown sugar, and used apple cider vinegar instead of white, along with the rest of ingredients . Also added a little powdered ginger, will make again!!
November 18, 2013
I personally think molasses works better than honey or brown sugar in this recipe. Just my suggestion.
October 27, 2013
Was delicious. I cut down on the peanut butter, used honey, siracha, add some crushed pepper, 1/2tsp ginger, some more black pepper, and rice wine vingear
October 8, 2013
I used peanut butter in this because I couldn't find black bean paste. I really kept focusing on the peanut butter taste. I think the black bean paste must be the better choice. I'll try it again if I can find that ingredient (there is another grocery store that has a better Asian section that I'll try)
July 22, 2013
PERFECT! Worked perfect, tastes like hoisin, so easy!
March 10, 2013
i was looking for an alternative to hoisin sauce when i found this recipe... thank you so much! my friends and family like it... i used it as a baste for grilled chicken and pork, and they said its super delicious... i felt like a great cook. they don't know that i just use this recipe and it made ordinary food taste even better... thanks again, Godbless you!
March 9, 2013
Wow, as everyone else says, this was so delicious I will never buy bottled again! It's also a very forgiving recipe - I used Sriracha hot sauce because I didn't have the Chinese hot sauce. It was so good I just wanted to drink it from a cup!
March 7, 2013
If you are wondering if all these rave reviews are for real, they are! And as you look at it and wonder if peanut paste could possibly be an ok ingredient, it is. This works and works well.
December 30, 2012
I needed this sauce for a recipe and couldn't find it anywhere, so I looked it up in the store and decided to make it. It turned out amazing! My boyfriend and I were very pleased and we will be making this sauce again! Thank you!
December 24, 2012
The bbq sauce I was making called for hoisin sauce but one of my guests is on a gluten free diet. I tried this recipe (using gluten free soy sauce, etc) & was VERY pleased with the results. Quick & easy to make & really good!
Can I use a different ingredient to substitute the Sesame Oil? am making this right now and don't have any..
April 18, 2012
This sauce saved my butt!! I was cooking chinese chicken lettuce wraps for the first time (for 20+ people) and the sauce I had a recipe for came out disgusting. I quickly googled 'homemade hoisin sauce' and decided to make this. It was quick, easy and tasty! I would recommend putting the completed mixture over a burner of low heat for 10 minutes or so to help the peanut butter mix in. I also used natural peanut butter which doesn't have the added sugars and oils that the JIF kind does so maybe that helped cut down on the 'too peanut-buttery' taste other reviewers mentioned. THanks so much to whoever created this!!
August 2, 2011
I was in the middle of making broccoli chicken and discovered I needed hoisin - so I looked it up. I use online recipes all the time, but I never bother to write a review. I really liked this one. It is SO easy and all of the ingredients are stuff I have on hand. Very tasty. I will never buy hoisin sauce again!
I made this using gluten free soy sauce and thought I had died and gone to heaven. I was recently diagnosed with gluten intolerance and was craving lettuce wraps - but lettuce wraps without dipping sauce just wouldn't due. I mixed this Hoisin sauce with ready made plum sauce. It was amazing!
September 4, 2010
very good. I needed Hosin sauce for a pork recipe/didn't have any so went looking. I used both the Peanut butter/beans and both the honey/molasses instead of choosing 1 or the other.
August 29, 2010
Shockingly delicious and a very good substitute for hoisin sauce. Why you would have been able to find sesame oil and not the hoisin sauce is beyond me, but if you just thought you had it, but didn't (like I did tonight) this is a great sub.
July 13, 2010
Does not taste like store bought. I doubled the molasses/honey (I used half and half) and it still was too peanut buttery and had more spicy kick. Not nearly as sweet. A good peanut sauce but not hoisin.
June 15, 2010
This tastes nothing like store-bought hoisin: it's much tastier!
April 11, 2010
too much peanut butter. in fact, peanut butter is all i tasted. I even tried it again with real garlic and spiced it up a bit.. still too much peanut butter. I suggest adding peanut butter little by little and tasting as you go, 2 tablespoons is way too much.
March 10, 2009
Never can find kosher hoisin sauce, so looking this one up. It was AWESOME for the Mongolian Flank Steak and Noodle/Veggie Salad! Definitely would use again and again...
February 26, 2009
I only had miso paste, and that works very well too, with the peanut butter. Great stuff. No more jar stuff. A jar of hoisin tends to get only 1/2 used before expiring.
April 6, 2008
very easy to make and delish, wont be using jarred stuff anymore!
February 27, 2008
Yum! I used the peanut butter and 1/2 honey, 1/2 molasses, 1/2 garlic powder 1/2 onion powder. Will never buy bottled again.
November 23, 2007
I used this recipe with my own variations and it turned out great for Shanghai chicken and Noodles.
September 26, 2007
This is great stuff! I used what I had in the cupboard, so I substituted red bean paste and used a black treacle / honey mixture. Minced garlic and sambal oelek for the kick, worked like a charm.
I haven't made it yet, but I am very happy because all of the bottled hoisin sauce uses Kikomen soy sauce or some other soy sauce which contains wheat in it and my mom is a celiac. Now, I can use the wheat free soy sauce and make such dishes as Char Sui for fried rice
May 25, 2007
Out of jar hoisin sauce and found this recipe. Had all the ingredients so I gave it a try. My husband and I agreed, it was delicious. No more bottle hoisin sauce for us. I used all molasses but may try the half molasses and half honey next time. Thanks!
March 3, 2007
Use 1 clove of fresh garlic crushed or minced fine instead of the garlic powder. Remove stem, seeds, and veins of 1 jalapeno (more or less depending on the "fire" you want), and dice fine. Work garlic and jalapeno with a mortar & pestle until a paste has formed. Mix this paste with the remainder of the ingredients.
I used black bean paste - & the honey/molassas mix recomended by first reviewer -totally impressed! Very good! Recommend this easy recipe!
February 9, 2007
This is a great substitute if you're out of Hoisin sauce or don't like to buy the mediocre version carried in most grocery stores! I like to use BOTH honey and mollasses (in equal proportions).