Plum sauce substitutes
Plum sauce substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Hoisin sauce
Same amount as the plum sauce
Sweet and savory Chinese sauce with similar thick consistency and flavor profile.
The best substitutes for plum sauce are hoisin sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or apricot jam.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- stir-fries
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of plum sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoisin saucestir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Sweet and sour saucestir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Apricot jamstir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Orange marmaladestir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Teriyaki saucestir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Hoisin sauce
similar taste and texture
Sweet and savory Chinese sauce with similar thick consistency and flavor profile.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, dips, glazes
Similar flavor profile but slightly different taste.
Sweet and sour sauce
similar taste and texture
Sweet and tangy sauce with similar flavor profile and consistency.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, dips, glazes
Similar flavor profile but slightly different taste.
Apricot jam
different taste, similar texture
Sweet fruit spread with similar thick consistency and flavor.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, dips, glazes
Different flavor but similar sweetness and thickness.
Orange marmalade
different taste, similar texture
Sweet citrus spread with similar thick consistency and flavor.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, dips, glazes
Different flavor but similar sweetness and thickness.
Teriyaki sauce
different taste, similar texture
Sweet and savory Japanese sauce with similar thick consistency.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, dips, glazes
Different flavor profile but similar thickness and uses.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use hoisin sauce instead of plum sauce?
Yes, hoisin sauce is a good substitute for plum sauce. It has a similar sweet and savory flavor profile and thick consistency, making it good for the same applications.
What's the difference between plum sauce and sweet and sour sauce?
Plum sauce is made from plums and has a sweet, tangy flavor with a thick, syrupy consistency, while sweet and sour sauce is made from vinegar and sugar and has a more acidic, tangy flavor. Both work well in similar applications.
Can I make plum sauce at home?
Yes, you can make plum sauce at home by cooking plums with sugar, vinegar, and spices until thick. However, commercial plum sauce often has additional ingredients and flavors.
How long does plum sauce last?
Plum sauce can last for several months when stored properly in the refrigerator after opening. However, it's best to use it within 6-12 months for optimal flavor.
Tips for substituting plum sauce
7 tips- Plum sauce is best when used as a finishing sauce or glaze
- Store plum sauce in the refrigerator after opening for best flavor
- Plum sauce pairs well with duck, pork, and other meats
- For stir-fries, plum sauce adds sweetness and depth of flavor
- Plum sauce can be used in both sweet and savory applications
- Add plum sauce gradually to avoid overpowering other flavors
- Plum sauce works well in marinades, dressings, and sauces