Oh no! You ran out of Hoisin sauce, or maybe you never had any and have a recipe that calls for it? Either way, we’ve got you covered with our 5 favorite substitutes for hoisin sauce.
Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is a combination of fermented soybean paste, garlic, red chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. It is usually used as a glaze or dip for meats, or to add flavor to stir-frys.
Personally I love using hoisin sauce with Dim Sum. It can be a nice dipping sauce to mix in along with the hot sauce and other options.
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What are the best hoisin sauce substitutes?
1. Plum Sauce
Plum sauce can be used as a great alternative to hoisin sauce, as both are made with sweet and savory ingredients. Plum sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment made from plums, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is commonly used in Asian cooking, especially in Chinese cuisine.
Plum sauce is used as a dip for egg rolls and other appetizers, as a marinade for meats, and as a glaze for poultry and pork dishes. It is also a popular condiment for dipping sauce for dim sum. The sauce is sweet and slightly tart and has a unique flavor that is great for adding a unique twist to traditional dishes. Plum sauce is an essential part of Chinese cuisine, and a must-have in any pantry.
2. Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce has a similar flavor profile to hoisin sauce, as it has a salty, sweet and savory taste. Oyster sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, made from oyster extracts, sugar, salt, and other seasonings. It has a dark, glossy, and thick consistency with a salty and slightly sweet flavor. Oyster sauce is mainly used as a flavoring for stir-fries, marinades, and sauces.
It is also used as a dipping sauce for steamed dishes and dim sum. Oyster sauce is widely available in supermarkets and Chinese grocery stores, and can also be found in many other Asian cuisines.
3. Teriyaki Sauce
This sauce has a similar flavor as hoisin sauce, but with a more intense flavor. Teriyaki Sauce is a popular Japanese condiment that is used to flavor and glaze meat, fish, and vegetables. It is made with a combination of soy sauce, sake, Mirin, and sugar.
It has a sweet and savory flavor that is popular all over the world. It is often used as a marinade or a glaze on grilled and broiled meats. It can also be used in stir-fries, noodle dishes, and as a dipping sauce. Teriyaki sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes.
4. Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce has a sweet and smoky flavor that can make a great substitute for hoisin sauce. Barbecue sauce is a condiment used to enhance the flavor of grilled meats, vegetables, and sandwiches. It is typically made with a tomato base and can include a variety of spices, herbs, and other seasonings.
The most common ingredients in barbecue sauce are tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and onion. Depending on the region, other ingredients may be added such as mustard, honey, molasses, and hot peppers. The sauce can range from sweet and mild to tangy and spicy, and is often used as both a marinade and a finishing sauce for barbecued meats.
5. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a great option to use as a replacement for hoisin sauce, as it has a salty and savory flavor. Soy sauce is a dark, salty liquid condiment that is most commonly used in East Asian cuisine. It is made from fermented soybeans, which are then mixed with wheat, salt, and other ingredients to create the distinct flavor. For a different flavor, try substituting dark soy sauce!
Soy sauce has been a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine for centuries and is now widely used in many other cuisines around the world. It is often used as a dip, a marinade, a glaze, and a seasoning, and it can add a savory, umami flavor to dishes. Soy sauce is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any meal.
Best recipes for substituting hoisin sauce
Hoisin sauce goes really well with lots of different Asian cuisines, below are some of our favorite dishes that normally call for hoisin sauce. Feel free to swap out hoisin sauce for any of the 5 substitutes for hoisin sauce we’ve mentioned above.
- Mongolian Beef
- Honey Walnut Prawns
- Crispy Shrimp Egg Rolls
- Chinese Barbecue Pork (Char Siu)
- Chinese Steamed Buns (Char Siu Bao)
- Drunken Noodles
- Mu Shu Pork
- Peking Duck
- Orange Chicken
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce
Those are just some of our favorites. Next time you’re in a pinch and need a substitute for hoisin sauce, try using Plum sauce, Oyster sauce, Soy sauce, Barbecue sauce or Teriyaki sauce!
