Hoisin Sauce Explained

Last updated on Nov 30, 2023
Katie McCaslin

If you love Asian cuisine, you've probably encountered hoisin sauce at some point. This sweet and savory condiment is a staple in Chinese cooking and is known for its rich, thick consistency and complex flavor profile. Made from a blend of soybeans, garlic, chili peppers, and types of spices, hoisin sauce adds unique flavor depth to dishes. From marinades to dipping to stir fry, hoisin sauce can elevate a wide range of dishes with its distinct taste.

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What Is Hoisin Sauce?

Drizzling hoisin sauce on soup

Hoisin sauce is a tangy, thick, dark Asian sauce used as a marinade, condiment, and mixer. Its rich umami flavor has a sweet finish, making it perfect for entrees with meat or noodle bases. Though "hoisin" means "seafood" in Cantonese, hoisin sauce contains no ocean elements and is rarely used with seafood dishes. Chefs incorporate this delicious sauce in authentic Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cantonese dishes, and its versatility has earned it the title "Chinese Barbecue Sauce."

Is Hoisin Sauce Gluten Free?

If you choose to make hoisin sauce in-house, traditional recipes are gluten-free. However, commercially processed hoisin sauce sometimes contains wheat to thicken the texture. Check the ingredients and inform customers of the potential allergen if necessary.

What Is Hoisin Sauce Made Of?

Though hoisin sauce recipes vary, a few ingredients are staples in every variety.

  • Fermented soybean paste
  • Red chili peppers
  • Garlic
  • Vinegar
  • Sesame seeds or oil
  • Starch - sweet potato, wheat, or rice
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Water

Does Hoisin Sauce Need to Be Refrigerated?

Hoisin sauce is very shelf-stable, but it does need to be refrigerated after you open the bottle. Not doing so results in bacteria growth stemming from the unsafe temperature. When stored in the refrigerator, hoisin sauce remains usable for six months after opening.


What Does Hoisin Sauce Taste Like?

A bowl of hoisin sauce

Since the primary ingredient of hoisin sauce is soybeans, many assume it tastes like soy sauce. However, hoisin sauce has a tangy flavor with sweet undertones. Its thick, smooth profile is similar to barbecue sauce, and chefs can add ingredients for more exotic tastes.

Is Hoisin Sauce Spicy?

Traditionally, hoisin sauce is mild and tangy. However, chefs add spices to provide an extra kick. Common additions include sriracha, chili powder or paste, pepper, or spicy chili flakes.

What Is Hoisin Sauce Used For?

The beauty of hoisin sauce lies in its versatility. It's sometimes used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings. Some chefs use it as a marinade or glaze on meat entrees, while others mix it into stir fry for flavor complexity. Many Chinese and Vietnamese dishes have hoisin sauce drizzled over the top as a finishing touch.

If you are looking for ways to incorporate hoisin sauce into your menu, try one of these dishes:

  • Peking duck
  • Stir fry
  • Char siu
  • Pho nam
  • Moo shu chicken
  • Asian meatballs
  • Meat and vegetable lo mein

Hoisin Sauce vs. Oyster Sauce

Dipping spring rolls in hoisin sauce

Though very similar in appearance, hoisin sauce and oyster sauce have distinct characteristics that make them unideal for substitutions. Hoisin sauce has a sweeter flavor profile than its counterpart with a soy base. It also does not contain animal or seafood products and has a thicker consistency.

The primary ingredient of oyster sauce is oyster extract, giving it a distinct seafood flavor. It does not contain soy or many other ingredients found in hoisin sauce. Given its simple profile, oyster sauce is more versatile than hoisin sauce.

Hoisin Sauce Substitutes

Unfortunately, hoisin sauce does not have many options for substitutions. If you can't find hoisin sauce, your best option is making the sauce from scratch. It's a simple process, but it might not be convenient if you're in a rush.

However, a few ready-made hoisin sauce substitutions match specific dishes. Be careful when using these options, as they will alter the final product's flavor.

  • Garlic teriyaki: A garlic teriyaki sauce has a similar flavor as hoisin sauce, but its acidity prevents it from being a true substitution. It fits well with meat entrees, though consider using a thickener to mimic hoisin sauce's texture.
  • Kecap manis or traditional soy sauce: The Indonesian sauce kecap manis is thin but sweet, making it an ideal replacement for hoisin sauce in stir fry. Traditional soy sauce is another option for savory dishes, but its saltiness makes a 1:1 substitution impossible.
  • Oyster sauce: If you're making seafood, oyster sauce's natural, fishy flavor will enhance the dish's flavors without the extra complexities of hoisin sauce.

Incorporating hoisin sauce into your culinary repertoire is a game-changer, allowing you to create authentic Asian cuisine. Whether you're grilling meats, stir-frying vegetables, or creating a delicious dipping sauce, hoisin sauce will enhance the flavor profile of your dish. If you want to add a touch of sweetness and umami to your culinary creations, hoisin sauce will elevate your entrees from ordinary to exceptional.

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