🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Hoisin Sauce Substitutes: for Chinese Cooking Guide

Find the best substitutes for hoisin sauce in Chinese cooking and Asian recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic sweet and savory flavor.

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Quick Answer

The best hoisin sauce substitutes are Oyster Sauce + Brown Sugar + Soy Sauce, BBQ Sauce + Soy Sauce + Honey, and Miso Paste + Honey + Soy Sauce + Rice Vinegar. Use 2 tbsp oyster sauce + 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tbsp soy sauce, or 2 tbsp BBQ sauce + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey.

Best Substitutes

Oyster Sauce + Brown Sugar + Soy Sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce + 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tbsp soy sauce

Umami-rich combination with sweetness and saltiness that closely mimics hoisin sauce flavor profile.

Best for:

Chinese disheswhen you want authentic umamimarinadesglazesstir-fries

Mix oyster sauce with brown sugar and soy sauce. This combination provides the sweet, salty, and umami flavors characteristic of hoisin sauce.

BBQ Sauce + Soy Sauce + Honey

2 tbsp BBQ sauce + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey

Sweet and tangy combination with umami that provides similar flavor complexity to hoisin sauce.

Best for:

when you want sweet-tangy profileAmerican-Chinese fusionmarinadesglazes

Mix BBQ sauce with soy sauce and honey. This combination provides sweetness and tanginess similar to hoisin sauce.

Miso Paste + Honey + Soy Sauce + Rice Vinegar

1 tbsp miso paste + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp rice vinegar

Fermented umami with sweetness and acidity that mimics the complex flavor profile of hoisin sauce.

Best for:

when you want fermented flavorauthentic Asian dishesmarinadessauces

Mix miso paste with honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. This combination provides fermented umami and sweetness similar to hoisin sauce.

Teriyaki Sauce + Soy Sauce + Honey

2 tbsp teriyaki sauce + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey

Sweet and savory combination that provides similar flavor profile to hoisin sauce.

Best for:

when you want similar flavor profilequick substitutionsmarinadesglazes

Mix teriyaki sauce with soy sauce and honey. This combination provides sweetness and savory flavors similar to hoisin sauce.

Soy Sauce + Honey + Peanut Butter + Rice Vinegar

2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp peanut butter + 1 tsp rice vinegar

Sweet, salty, and nutty combination that provides complex flavor similar to hoisin sauce.

Best for:

when you want nutty flavordipping saucesmarinadesglazes

Mix soy sauce with honey, peanut butter, and rice vinegar. This combination provides sweetness, saltiness, and nuttiness similar to hoisin sauce.

Plum Sauce + Soy Sauce + Honey

2 tbsp plum sauce + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey

Fruity and sweet combination with umami that provides similar flavor profile to hoisin sauce.

Best for:

when you want fruity sweetnessChinese dishesmarinadesglazes

Mix plum sauce with soy sauce and honey. This combination provides fruity sweetness and umami similar to hoisin sauce.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Hoisin sauce is known for its sweet, salty, and umami flavor profile - choose substitutes that can provide all three
  • 💡For best results, use authentic Asian ingredients like soy sauce and miso paste in your substitutes
  • 💡Hoisin sauce typically has a thick, syrupy consistency - adjust your substitute accordingly
  • 💡Hoisin sauce often contains fermented soybeans for umami - consider adding miso paste to your substitute
  • 💡Store homemade hoisin sauce substitutes in the refrigerator for up to a week
  • 💡Hoisin sauce is essential for authentic Chinese cooking - use substitutes that maintain the flavor profile
  • 💡Start with less substitute and add more gradually to achieve the desired sweetness level
  • 💡Hoisin sauce pairs well with pork, duck, and vegetables - ensure your substitute works with these ingredients
  • 💡The key to successful hoisin sauce substitutes is balancing sweetness, saltiness, and umami

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use oyster sauce instead of hoisin sauce?

Yes, oyster sauce can work as a substitute, but you'll need to add sweetness to match the flavor profile. Mix 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.

What's the best ratio for hoisin sauce substitute?

For oyster sauce + brown sugar + soy sauce, use 2 tbsp oyster sauce with 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp soy sauce. For BBQ sauce + soy sauce + honey, use 2 tbsp BBQ sauce with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp honey.

Why doesn't my dish taste right with hoisin sauce substitutes?

Common issues include not adding enough sweetness, using too much substitute, or not accounting for different flavor profiles. Make sure to include honey or brown sugar in your substitute and start with less substitute, adding more gradually.

Can I make my own hoisin sauce substitute?

Yes, blend soy sauce with honey, miso paste, and rice vinegar. You can also mix oyster sauce with brown sugar and soy sauce for a quick substitute.

What's the difference between hoisin sauce and other Asian sauces?

Hoisin sauce is thicker and sweeter than most Asian sauces, with a complex umami flavor from fermented soybeans. Other sauces may not have this specific combination of sweetness and umami.

Can I use BBQ sauce instead of hoisin sauce?

Yes, BBQ sauce can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. Mix 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey for best results.

Is hoisin sauce very sweet?

Yes, hoisin sauce is quite sweet, but also has salty and umami flavors. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste when using substitutes.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce in a recipe?

The best substitutes depend on your recipe. For Chinese dishes, use oyster sauce + brown sugar + soy sauce. For quick substitutions, use BBQ sauce + soy sauce + honey. For authentic flavor, use miso paste + honey + soy sauce + rice vinegar.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for hoisin sauce in Chinese cooking and Asian recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for authentic sweet and savory flavor.