Hoisin Sauce
A rich, sweet, and savory Chinese sauce, perfect for glazing, dipping, or adding a burst of umami to stir-fries. This homemade version is quick, easy, and offers a more authentic flavor profile than many store-bought varieties.
For 6 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine Ingredients
- b.In a small bowl or the cup of a personal blender, add the fermented soybean paste, molasses, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder.
- c.If you like a little heat, add the optional sriracha now.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blend or Whisk Until Smooth
- b.For the smoothest texture, blend the mixture for 30-60 seconds until it is completely uniform.
- c.Alternatively, if you don't have a blender, use a whisk and vigorously mix for 1-2 minutes until no lumps remain. Pressing the garlic through a press will help achieve a smoother result when whisking.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Adjust Consistency and Store
- b.Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, blending or whisking after each addition until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick like ketchup or BBQ sauce.
- c.Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. You can add more molasses for sweetness or sriracha for heat.
- d.Transfer the finished sauce to a clean, airtight jar or container.
- e.Store in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and deepen after a few hours.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 2The sauce will thicken as it chills. If it's too thick, stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it before serving.
- 3Use this sauce as a glaze for grilled pork or chicken, a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or a flavor base for stir-fries and noodle dishes.
- 4If you don't have fresh garlic, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-Free Hoisin
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure your fermented soybean paste (miso) is also certified gluten-free.
Peanut Butter HoisinPeanut Butter Hoisin
For a common Chinese-American variation, replace the 4 tbsp of fermented soybean paste with 3 tbsp of smooth, natural peanut butter. This version is creamier and has a nutty flavor.
Spicier HoisinSpicier Hoisin
Increase the amount of sriracha to 2-3 teaspoons, or add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a more pronounced heat.
Sweeter HoisinSweeter Hoisin
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the molasses to 3 tablespoons or add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Control Over Ingredients
Making hoisin sauce at home allows you to control the amount of sodium and sugar, and avoid artificial preservatives or MSG often found in commercial brands.
Rich in Probiotics
The base of this sauce is fermented soybean paste (miso), which contains beneficial probiotics that can support gut health and digestion.
Plant-Based Flavor
This sauce provides a deep, complex umami flavor entirely from plant-based sources, making it a great way to enhance vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Frequently asked questions
This homemade hoisin sauce contains approximately 50 calories per 2-tablespoon serving, making it a relatively low-calorie flavor enhancer.