Out of Chinese sweet soy sauce, one case
Chinese sweet soy sauce substitute
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Hoisin sauce
Same amount as the Chinese sweet soy sauce
The best Chinese sweet soy sauce substitutes are hoisin sauce (1:1 ratio), dark soy sauce with rock sugar (1:1 dark soy + 1 tsp rock sugar per tbsp), or regular soy sauce with brown sugar and star anise (1:1 soy + 1 tsp brown sugar + 1 star anise per tbsp). Chinese sweet soy sauce is essential for authentic Chinese braised dishes and glazes.
- Best for —
- Chinese braised dishes
One casethe full soy sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Chinese sweet soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoisin sauceChinese braised dishes | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Dark soy sauce + rock sugarauthentic Chinese cooking | Same amountDark soy sauce + 1 tsp rock sugar per tbsp | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Soy sauce + brown sugar + star aniseChinese cooking | Same amountSoy sauce + 1 tsp brown sugar + 1 star anise per tbspWorks | Works |
| 4 | Oyster sauceChinese stir-fries | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 5 | Teriyaki sauceChinese glazes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Soy sauce + honey + five-spiceChinese braised dishes | Same amountSoy sauce + 1 tsp honey + ¼ tsp five-spice per tbspWorks | Works |
Hoisin sauce
very similar · identical texture
Hoisin sauce is the closest substitute to Chinese sweet soy sauce. It has the same thick consistency, intense sweetness, and complex flavor that's essential for authentic Chinese braised dishes and glazes.
- Best for
- Chinese braised dishes, Chinese glazes, Chinese marinades, Peking duck, Chinese barbecue
Very sweet and thick, closest to Chinese sweet soy sauce.
Dark soy sauce + rock sugar
most authentic · similar texture
Combining dark soy sauce with rock sugar creates the most authentic Chinese sweet soy sauce substitute. Rock sugar is the traditional sweetener used in Chinese cooking and provides a unique flavor.
- Best for
- authentic Chinese cooking, Chinese braised dishes, Chinese glazes, traditional Chinese dishes
Most authentic substitute using traditional Chinese ingredients.
Soy sauce + brown sugar + star anise
similar taste and texture
When rock sugar isn't available, brown sugar with star anise provides a similar flavor profile to Chinese sweet soy sauce. The star anise adds the characteristic Chinese spice note.
- Best for
- Chinese cooking, Chinese braised dishes, Chinese marinades, Chinese glazes
Good substitute with Chinese spices when rock sugar isn't available.
Oyster sauce
different but complementary · similar texture
Oyster sauce is naturally sweet and has a thick consistency similar to Chinese sweet soy sauce. It's commonly used in Chinese cooking and works well in stir-fries and vegetable dishes.
- Best for
- Chinese stir-fries, Chinese vegetable dishes, Chinese marinades, Chinese glazes
Naturally sweet and thick, good for Chinese stir-fries.
Teriyaki sauce
similar taste and texture
Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor similar to Chinese sweet soy sauce. It's good for glazes and marinades but may not provide the same depth of flavor.
- Best for
- Chinese glazes, Chinese marinades, Chinese grilled dishes, general Chinese cooking
Sweet and savory, good for Chinese glazes and marinades.
Soy sauce + honey + five-spice
similar taste and texture
Combining soy sauce with honey and five-spice powder creates a complex, sweet flavor similar to Chinese sweet soy sauce. The five-spice adds traditional Chinese flavor notes.
- Best for
- Chinese braised dishes, Chinese marinades, Chinese glazes, Chinese barbecue
Complex flavor with traditional Chinese spices.
Tips for substituting Chinese sweet soy sauce
7 tips- Chinese sweet soy sauce is essential for braised dishes like red-cooked pork
- Add Chinese sweet soy sauce substitutes early in braising to develop color and flavor
- Chinese sweet soy sauce is used in combination with dark soy sauce and regular soy sauce
- For authentic Chinese flavor, use rock sugar instead of regular sugar
- Chinese sweet soy sauce works best in braised dishes, glazes, and marinades
- Store homemade Chinese sweet soy sauce substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Chinese sweet soy sauce is thicker and more intense than regular sweet soy sauce
Questions
7 questionsWhat is Chinese sweet soy sauce?
Chinese sweet soy sauce is a thick, sweet soy sauce used in Chinese cooking, particularly for braised dishes and glazes. It's made with dark soy sauce and rock sugar, providing both sweetness and deep color.
Is hoisin sauce a good substitute for Chinese sweet soy sauce?
Yes, hoisin sauce is the best substitute for Chinese sweet soy sauce. It has the same thick consistency, intense sweetness, and complex flavor that's essential for authentic Chinese braised dishes and glazes.
What's the difference between Chinese and Thai sweet soy sauce?
Chinese sweet soy sauce is typically made with dark soy sauce and rock sugar, while Thai sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) is made with regular soy sauce and palm sugar. Chinese versions tend to be darker and more complex.
Can I use dark soy sauce with rock sugar for Chinese cooking?
Yes, combining dark soy sauce with rock sugar is the most authentic substitute for Chinese sweet soy sauce. Rock sugar is the traditional sweetener used in Chinese cooking and provides a unique flavor.
What's the best substitute for Chinese braised dishes?
For Chinese braised dishes, dark soy sauce with rock sugar or hoisin sauce work best as substitutes for Chinese sweet soy sauce. They provide the deep color and sweetness needed for braising.
Can I use regular soy sauce with brown sugar for Chinese cooking?
Yes, but for more authentic flavor, add star anise or five-spice powder. Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a pinch of Chinese spices.
How do I make Chinese sweet soy sauce at home?
Mix 1 cup of dark soy sauce with ½ cup of rock sugar and 2 tablespoons of molasses. Add 1 star anise and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.