Kitchen & Cooking Tips

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.

Shop All Hoisin Sauce

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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This mixture is left to ferment for several months, resulting in a thick, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. While gochugaru provides heat and flavor, gochujang takes it a step further by combining those elements with a complex umami taste. Its versatility allows it to be used as a condiment, a marinade, a base for sauces, or even as a dip. What Does Gochujang Taste Like? Gochujang is a fermented hot pepper paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. These ingredients create a unique and versatile savory, smoky, and spicy flavor profile. Gochujang's spiciness varies by brand, but it generally packs a punch without being overwhelmingly hot. When it comes to flavor, gochujang hits on three of the five basic tastes: umami, salty, and sweet. The fermented soybeans and rice contribute to the umami flavor, enhanced by the addition of salt. The glutinous rice produces sugar over its fermentation period, giving gochujang sauce the subtle sweetness that balances out the smoky, spicy flavor of the red chili peppers. Gochujang vs Sriracha If you're a fan of sriracha, odds are you'll love gochujang. Think of it as sriracha's more complex, fermented relative. Both gochujang and sriracha are made from chili peppers and deliver that coveted umami flavor. However, while sriracha's umami flavor comes from garlic, gochujang gets its umami flavor from fermented soybeans. Its fermentation process gives gochujang a subtle sweetness whereas sriracha tends to have a more overt tangy sweetness. How to Use Gochujang Gochujang is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can add a punch of heat and depth to dishes. Although gochujang can be enjoyed on its own, it is not commonly used as a standalone dipping sauce. 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Add a spoonful or two of gochujang to your stir-fry sauce for an instant kick of heat and umami. Its thick consistency helps to coat the ingredients evenly, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Toss some soba or udon noodles with gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and your favorite vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal. Soups and Stews: Korean stews, or jjigae, are hearty and comforting dishes that often feature gochujang as a key ingredient. Whether you're making a spicy kimchi stew or a hearty beef soup, a dollop of gochujang can elevate the flavors to another level. Its spiciness can be adjusted to your preference, making it a versatile ingredient for all taste buds. Dips and Spreads: Thinking outside the box, gochujang can also be used to create unique dips and spreads. Mix it with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a spicy kick to your sandwiches or burgers. You can even blend gochujang with cream cheese and scallions for a flavorful twist on a classic dip. Gochujang Substitutes If you don't have gochujang on hand or you can't find it at your local store, several gochujang substitutes exist and can be used in a pinch. These alternatives may not be an exact match, but they can still add a spicy kick and unique flavor to your dishes. Let's take a look at some of the best gochujang substitutes: Gochugaru: If you don't have gochujang on hand but you can find gochugaru, this is your best substitution. This coarse chili powder is made from dried Korean red peppers and is a main ingredient in making gochujang sauce. While it won't deliver the same complex flavor profile as gochujang, gochugaru can still provide the desired heat and color. Sriracha: If you're a fan of spicy foods, chances are you already have a bottle of sriracha in your pantry. This Thai hot sauce is known for its tangy and garlicky flavor. While it lacks the depth and savoriness of gochujang, sriracha can still add a fiery kick to your dishes. Hoisin Sauce: While hoisin sauce is not as spicy as gochujang, it can still substitute for a similar umami-rich flavor. Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce made from soybeans, garlic, sugar, and various spices. It has a slightly sweet and tangy taste that can add depth to stir-fries, marinades, and glazes. Harissa Paste: Hailing from North Africa, harissa paste is a spicy chili paste made from red chilis, garlic, and various spices. While it may not have the same Korean flavor profile as gochujang, harissa paste can still provide a fiery heat to your dishes. Harissa paste tends to be spicier than gochujang, so adjust the quantity according to your tolerance level. Miso Paste with Chili Flakes: Although miso paste cannot fully replace gochujang, it can contribute a comparable umami flavor and richness to culinary creations. By combining miso paste, chili flakes or cayenne powder, and sugar to taste, you can create a savory, spicy paste to use in your recipes. How to Store Gochujang Similar to miso, gochujang has a relatively long shelf life thanks to its fermentation process. Store unopened gochujang in a dark, cool place, and once opened, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps extend the paste's shelf life and maintain its freshness. Gochujang can last several months in the refrigerator without compromising its taste or quality. If the paste looks dried out, has changed in color, or is past its expiration date, it is time to throw it out. Whether you're looking to add depth to soups and stews or elevate the flavor of your marinades and dressings, this versatile Korean condiment is sure to impress. Its unique blend of fermented soybeans, red chili powder, and glutinous rice creates a rich umami flavor that enhances everything from stir-fries to grilled meats. With its bold and addictive taste, gochujang is the secret ingredient that will take your signature creations to the next level.

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Although ekiben is “travel food”, traveling is often seen as a luxury in Japan, and ekiben is designed to be a luxurious food that showcases regional flavor and ingredients. For upscale restaurants, Ekiben bento is a fantastic way to explore Japanese cuisine while providing a great take-home option for customers. 2. Konbini Konbini is the abbreviated form of konbiniesu sutoru, the Japanese word for convenience store. In Japan, bento boxes are common in konbinis, with konbini bento being a common affordable lunch for many working-class individuals. Konbini bento is a basic bento box with the standard makeup of rice, fish, and vegetables. Although this type of bento may not be as intricate as other types, it’s simple to make and provides customers with a fantastic affordable lunch option. 3. Koraku The literal translation of Koraku is “picnic lunchbox”, an apt name for a type of bento designed to be shared outdoors among multiple people. Traditionally, these bento boxes are enjoyed in March and April and are closely related to the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. Koraku bento is much larger than other bento boxes, as they are meant to serve multiple people. These are great to offer during the spring and summer months, providing customers with their very own picnic in a box. 4. Kyaraben Kyaraben, also known as character bento, is a type of bento that consists of food cut and decorated to resemble characters from popular media. Kyaraben started as a way for parents to entice their children to try a variety of foods, presenting healthy meals in the form of cute character designs. Due to the global rise in the popularity of Japanese media such as manga and anime, kyaraben has become a popular form of bento around the world. Kyaraben is now much more than an attractive way to present healthy foods to children, as many adults love both the aesthetics and taste of kyaraben boxes. 5. Hinomaru Translating to “circle of the sun”, Hinomaru bento is designed to look like the Japanese flag. Hinomaru bento consists of steamed rice and a pickled plum called umeboshi in the center, a display of red and white colors just like the Japanese flag. This type of bento is one of the easiest to create, making it an easy addition to your establishment's offerings. 6. Aisai Aisai bento translates to “Bento made by loving wife”, and is typically made by a partner for their significant other or children. This type of bento is also made and given by young romantics to show their affection. Aisai bento boxes consist of a well-balanced flavor profile and contain strong motifs of love and romance. As a result, this type of bento is perfect as an addition to your Valentine's Day menu. Bento boxes have been a staple in Japanese culture for years, but since it has become a global trend in recent times, it presents the perfect opportunity for restaurants and businesses. Creating a bento box is a straightforward process, but allows plenty of room for creativity and expression. A well-designed bento box filled with quality foods and ingredients can serve as the perfect take-out or delivery option for customers. The various types and styles of bento also allow you to experiment and create different bento boxes, expanding your delivery and take-out menu and keeping customers coming back to try new bento boxes.