Authentic Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Whip Up Tangy Homemade Hoisin Sauce: Simplest Recipe Ever

Whipping up a batch of homemade hoisin sauce brings incredible flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort.

This rich, sweet, and tangy hoisin sauce recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your pantry.

Store-bought versions pale in comparison to the vibrant depths you can create at home.

Professional chefs know the secret to outstanding Asian-inspired dishes lies in authentic, fresh ingredients.

The complex blend of soy sauce, garlic, and spices creates a sauce that completely transforms your favorite stir-fries and marinades.

With just a few simple pantry staples, you can craft a condiment that rivals any commercial brand.

Get ready to upgrade your cooking game and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 33 kcal

Servings: 9

Easy Homemade Hoisin Sauce Ingredient Guide

For Liquid Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness, opt for clear and mild variety.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces rich nutty undertone, select toasted version for more intense flavor.
For Sweetening Agents:
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness, use raw local honey for best quality.
  • Molasses: Offers deep caramel notes, select unsulphured variety for cleaner taste.
For Thickening and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Peanut Butter: Creates creamy texture, use natural unsweetened type.
  • Cornstarch: Helps achieve perfect sauce consistency, ensure fresh and clump-free.
For Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Brings sharp pungent depth, choose fresh firm cloves.
  • Ginger: Introduces warm spicy kick, select firm root without soft spots.
For Seasoning:
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat, freshly ground provides best flavor.

Kitchen Tools for DIY Hoisin Sauce

  • Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Small Saucepan: Ideal for heating and thickening the sauce gently.
  • Whisk or Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients until completely combined.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping sauce from bowl and pan, ensuring no waste.
  • Jar or Airtight Container: Necessary for storing the finished hoisin sauce in the refrigerator.

How to Make Hoisin Sauce at Home

  • Flavor Fusion

Gather your favorite umami-rich ingredients like tangy soy sauce, creamy nut butter, sweet nectar, and zesty vinegar. This magical combination will transform ordinary dishes into culinary adventures.

  • Smooth Blending

Whisk all components together in a cozy bowl until the mixture becomes silky and uniform. Let each ingredient dance and mingle, creating a harmonious sauce that sings with depth.

  • Heating Magic

Gently warm the blend in a small pan over soft heat. Stir lovingly to prevent sticking and watch as the sauce transforms, developing a rich, velvety texture that clings to foods.

  • Preservation

Once cooled, transfer your liquid gold to a clean glass container. Tuck it into the refrigerator, where it will happily wait to elevate your next meal for about two weeks.

Flavor Adjustments and Sweetness Tweaks

  • Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to create a zesty, heat-packed version that brings extra excitement to your meals.
  • Prepare a larger batch of hoisin sauce and freeze in small portions using ice cube trays for convenient future use in quick weeknight cooking.
  • Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative, or use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for more dietary needs.
  • Roast garlic and ginger briefly before mixing to intensify their aromatic qualities and develop a deeper, more complex taste in your homemade sauce.

Serving Homemade Hoisin with Stir-Fries or Dips

  • Drizzle Over Stir-Fries: Elevate your vegetable or protein stir-fries by generously pouring this homemade hoisin sauce, adding a rich, sweet, and tangy flavor that transforms ordinary dishes into restaurant-quality meals.
  • Brush on Grilled Meats: Use as a glaze for chicken, pork, or tofu before grilling, creating a caramelized exterior with deep, complex flavors that will impress your dinner guests.
  • Dip and Delight: Serve alongside spring rolls, dumplings, or fresh vegetable crudités as a dynamic dipping sauce that brings an Asian-inspired zest to your appetizers and snacks.
  • Marinade Magic: Marinate chicken, beef, or plant-based proteins for 30 minutes to infuse them with the sauce's bold, umami-rich character before cooking for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Storing Homemade Sauces with Long-Lasting Taste

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store your homemade hoisin sauce in an airtight glass container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Quick Mix Before Use: Gently shake or stir the sauce before each application to redistribute ingredients and restore its smooth, consistent texture. Separation is natural and doesn't indicate spoilage.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Pour sauce into ice cube trays for convenient portion-sized freezing. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag, allowing easy defrosting for future Asian-inspired dishes.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Use this homemade sauce as a marinade for chicken, glaze for grilled meats, stir-fry enhancer, or dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls. Experiment with different cooking styles to maximize its rich flavor profile.
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Authentic Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Authentic Hoisin Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Quick homemade hoisin sauce elevates Asian-inspired dishes with rich, complex flavors. Pantry staples combine effortlessly, delivering an authentic condiment you can whip up in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey or molasses
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) ginger, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Ingredient Fusion: Combine full-fat soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, pure honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced fresh garlic, grated fresh ginger, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  2. Smooth Mixture: Whisk ingredients energetically until the blend achieves a silky, homogeneous texture with no visible clumps.
  3. Thickening Process: Create a cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch into cool water, stirring until completely transparent.
  4. Heat Integration: Transfer the sauce mixture to a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gradually incorporating the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring to prevent lumping.
  5. Simmering Stage: Gently simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes, maintaining constant movement to develop a slightly thickened consistency without reaching a full boil.
  6. Cooling and Flavor Development: Remove from heat and let the hoisin sauce cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  7. Storage and Preservation: Pour the cooled sauce into a clean glass jar or airtight container, securely sealed and refrigerated for up to two weeks.
  8. Serving Recommendation: Before use, stir thoroughly to reincorporate any natural separation, then enjoy as a versatile condiment for Asian-inspired culinary creations.

Notes

  • Prioritize Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients like fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor intensity and authentic taste.
  • Whisk with Precision: Blend ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth, consistent sauce texture that coats dishes evenly.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Simmer on medium-low heat while stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve the perfect sauce thickness without scorching.
  • Smart Storage Strategy: Refrigerate in an airtight glass container, stirring before each use, and consume within two weeks for optimal taste and food safety.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 33
  • Sugar: 3.1 g
  • Sodium: 579 mg
  • Fat: 1.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.7 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 1.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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