Homemade Hoisin Sauce
Discover the rich, complex flavors of Hoisin Sauce right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for dipping, glazing, or marinating, this sauce provides a delightful sweetness and umami, complementing a variety of Asian dishes. While finding Hoisin Sauce in Mexico can be a challenge, this homemade version allows you to create a fresh, customizable sauce that can elevate your stir-fries, BBQ, or even noodle dishes. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have your own half cup of this savory delight ready in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soy Sauce
4 tablespoons (none)
Peanut Butter or Black Bean Paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Honey or Molasses
1 tablespoon (none)
White Vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Sesame Seed Oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Chinese-Style Hot Sauce
20 drops (adjust to taste)
Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, peanut butter (or black bean paste), honey (or molasses), white vinegar, garlic powder, sesame oil, hot sauce, and black pepper.
2
Using a whisk or fork, mix all the ingredients together vigorously until they are thoroughly blended and smooth.
3
Taste the sauce and adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred level of spiciness.
4
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Hoisin Sauce?
Homemade Hoisin Sauce is a savory, sweet, and umami-rich condiment made from soy sauce, peanut butter, and spices, used in Asian cuisine.
How long does homemade hoisin sauce last?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
What can I use instead of black bean paste?
Peanut butter is an excellent substitute that provides a similar creamy texture and depth of flavor.
Can I use molasses instead of honey?
Yes, the recipe allows for either honey or molasses depending on your preference for sweetness and color.
How much sauce does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately half a cup of hoisin sauce.
Is this hoisin sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild heat from 20 drops of hot sauce, but this can be adjusted to your preference.
What dishes can I use hoisin sauce for?
It is perfect for dipping, glazing, marinating, stir-fries, BBQ, or adding flavor to noodle dishes.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for white vinegar to provide a sharp, clean acidity.
Is sesame oil necessary for this recipe?
Yes, sesame seed oil adds a critical nutty aroma and traditional flavor to the sauce.
How do I mix the sauce?
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix vigorously with a whisk or fork until smooth.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
While you can use fresh garlic, garlic powder is used here to ensure a completely smooth texture.
Is this recipe vegan?
It is vegan if you use molasses or maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your hot sauce is vegan-friendly.
Can I use this as a BBQ glaze?
Absolutely, its thick consistency and sweet-savory profile make it an excellent glaze for BBQ meats.
What if I don't have Chinese-style hot sauce?
You can substitute with any hot sauce you have on hand, such as Sriracha or chili paste.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.
Does this sauce contain gluten?
Standard soy sauce contains gluten; use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch.
What is the main flavor of hoisin sauce?
The flavor is a complex mix of salty umami from the soy sauce and sweetness from the honey or molasses.
Do I need to cook this sauce?
No cooking is required; it is a simple whisk-and-serve recipe.
Is it cheaper to make it at home?
Making it at home is often more cost-effective if you already have common pantry staples like peanut butter and soy sauce.
Can I use this for Peking Duck?
Yes, this homemade version is a great accompaniment for traditional dishes like Peking Duck.
How do I make the sauce thinner?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water or a little extra soy sauce to reach your desired consistency.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Adding a bit more peanut butter or black bean paste will help thicken the sauce.
Can I use maple syrup?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as a liquid sweetener substitute for honey or molasses.
What kind of soy sauce is best?
A standard dark or all-purpose soy sauce works best for the rich color and saltiness required.
Is it hard to find hoisin sauce in certain countries?
In some regions, like parts of Mexico, hoisin sauce can be difficult to find, making this homemade version very useful.
Can I use almond butter instead?
Yes, almond butter or other nut butters can be used, though it will slightly alter the traditional flavor.
How long does it take to prepare?
It takes less than five minutes to measure and whisk the ingredients together.
Does this sauce contain MSG?
This depends on the brand of soy sauce you use, but the recipe itself does not call for added MSG.
Can children eat this sauce?
Yes, though you may want to reduce or omit the hot sauce for children who are sensitive to spice.