Hoisin sauce is a delicious Chinese condiment that is used in many dishes. You can use it to make everything from stir-fry to dipping sauces for dumplings and spring rolls.
If you love Asian food, then this sauce will become your new best friend.
Hoisin sauce is a versatile ingredient that adds tons of flavor to your favorite dishes, but it’s not for everyone. Also, it’s hard to find in many parts of the world or expensive.
If you’re looking for hoisin sauce substitutes, I have found some great options for you.
In this article, I’ll share my 5 favorite substitutes for hoisin sauce that are easier to find in the US.
Also, make sure to read till the end for an easy-to-prepare homemade hoisin sauce recipe.
Table of Contents
What Is Hoisin Sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark brown Chinese condiment that’s sweet and salty. It’s made with soybeans, garlic, chilies, and spices like star anise and cinnamon.
It has a rich flavor that makes it the perfect addition to stir-fries or marinades. You can also use it as a dipping sauce or in soups!
While hoisin sauce isn’t difficult to find in most grocery stores, not everyone likes it. If you don’t like the taste of hoisin sauce, then alternatives are always nice!
5 Best Hoisin Sauce Substitutes
1. Barbecue Sauce
If you like the taste of barbecue sauce, then you’ll love this hoisin sauce substitute.
Barbecue sauce is tangy and sweet; it’s also similar to hoisin in texture and consistency. Look for low-sugar versions because most barbecue sauces are pretty sugary already.
You can use barbecue sauce in place of hoisin sauce in marinades and dipping sauces.
2. Black Bean Sauce
Black bean sauce is a Chinese condiment that’s made with fermented black beans, chilies, garlic, and spices like star anise and cloves.
It has a rich umami flavor that makes it the perfect replacement for hoisin sauce in stir-fries, dips, or even soups.
It’s a bit thinner in consistency than hoisin, but it adds a nice tanginess to dishes that you’ll love.
It goes especially well with pork and shellfish, so it will be perfect for your next shrimp or lobster meal.
3. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is another popular option for those looking for a hoisin sauce alternative.
Like black bean sauce, it has an umami flavor that gives anything you add to an extra kick of flavor.
It’s important to get the right type of soy sauce for this hoisin sauce substitute, though.
You’ll want to get one that’s low in sodium because soy sauce is already pretty high in sodium.
Soy sauce is perfect for dipping sauces and marinades, but it also works well when mixed with other ingredients like broth or coconut aminos to make a glaze for meat.
This hoisin sauce substitute is especially good in Asian-inspired dishes.
4. Oyster Sauce
If you love the taste of seafood, then the Oyster sauce is a great hoisin sauce substitute.
You can think of it as a more liquid form of soy sauce because it’s very similar in flavor and consistency.
Oyster sauce is made from oysters, water, salt, and cornstarch. It has a slightly sweet flavor that adds a nice richness to anything you add it to.
It can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or even glaze for meat!
5. Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is another great, soy-based option that adds tons of flavor without being too intense on the sodium content.
Like Oyster sauce, teriyaki is more liquid in consistency than hoisin sauce, so it’s really good as a marinade or dipping sauce.
Teriyaki starts with soy sauce and adds in brown sugar for sweetness, mirin rice wine for flavor, garlic, and ginger. It has a rich umami flavor that’s perfect for meat dishes.
It can be made at home or bought in most grocery stores. Look for low-sodium or gluten-free versions because teriyaki sauce is often packed with sodium and soy sauce.
When it comes to finding a hoisin sauce substitute, you’re sure to find one that fits into your diet!
What does Hoisin Sauce Taste Like?
Hoisin sauce is a sweet, spicy Chinese condiment that’s made from soybeans, spices, and sugar. It has a rich umami flavor that adds an extra kick to anything you add it to!
Hoisin sauce has a sweet and salty flavor with a nice tanginess from the vinegar.
It has a dark brown color and is thicker in consistency than barbecue sauce, soy sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Are Teriyaki and Hoisin Sauce the Same?
No, teriyaki sauce and hoisin sauce are not the same things! Teriyaki comes from Japan while hoisin is a Chinese sauce.
Hoisin is made with soybean paste, chilies, garlic, sugar, and other spices. It’s thicker in consistency than barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce but thinner than oyster sauce, and it has a bit of sweetness to it.
Hoisin is typically used as a dipping sauce or marinade for meat and vegetables like water chestnuts and Chinese cabbage.
What Tastes Like Hoisin Sauce?
If you’re not a fan of hoisin sauce, then it may be hard to find something that tastes like it. Hoisin sauce has such a distinct flavor that’s really unlike anything else.
That said, if you don’t like the taste of hoisin sauce, then you probably won’t like any of the alternatives above either. They all mimic that sweet and salty flavor with a tangy aftertaste.
Can You Make Your Own Hoisin Sauce?
Yes, you can make your own hoisin sauce at home.
There are lots of recipes online that aren’t too difficult to follow.
You could also combine ingredients from other recipes or go with store-bought brands instead.
You might not think that making your own hoisin sauce would be worth the effort, but it’s so easy and actually healthier for you to make your own. You can control the amount of sugar, sodium, or bad ingredients that are in it.
Making hoisin sauce is actually really easy. Here are the steps:
- First, mix soy sauce with dark brown sugar until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Then stir in garlic, sesame oil, and chilies. You can add a touch of ginger and vinegar if you like, but it’s not necessary.
- Once everything is combined and the sauce has cooled off, spoon it into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store your hoisin sauce in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Can I Substitute Worcestershire Sauce for Hoisin?
That won’t be a good idea.
Worcestershire sauce is another popular Asian sauce that’s made with various spices, tomatoes, and vinegar. However, it doesn’t taste anything like hoisin sauce.
It’s much thinner and has a fruitier flavor which you might not want in your dish.
Instead of making a hoisin substitute out of Worcestershire sauce, you should just use this ingredient in its own dishes.
It can be used in marinades or glazes for meats and fish, sauces for vegetarian dishes, or even as a dip.
Final Words
Hoisin sauce is one of the best Asian condiments around, but it’s not for everyone!
If you’ve been struggling to find a replacement for hoisin sauce, then these five hoisin sauce substitutes are the perfect options.
They have similar flavors and consistencies so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.
No matter what hoisin sauce substitute you choose to use, your dishes will be bursting with flavor. Who needs hoisin sauce when there are so many other options?
Comment below which is your favorite hoisin sauce substitute. Also, if you like this post, don’t forget to share it with your friends.
