Sauce | Vegan Vegetarian

Hoisin Sauce

N/A (Prepared Sauce) Allergens: Soy, Wheat
hoisin sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Processed Product, Primary ingredient is soy)
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Soybeans, Sweet potato, Garlic

The Forktionary Angle

"The quintessential sweet and savory umami bomb of Cantonese cuisine, offering depth and shine to countless dishes."

Definition

A thick, dark, sweet, and savory sauce essential in Chinese cuisine, made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and spices.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Salty, Umami, Savory, Slightly Spicy
TextureThick, Viscous, Smooth
AromaPungent, Garlic, Sweet, Fermented
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Common Usage

Essential for Peking Duck and Mu Shu Pork

Primary Ingredient

Fermented soybeans are the base

Storage After Opening

Refrigerate up to 6 months

Nutrition Facts

Per 30 ml (2 tbsp)
Calories257 kcal
Total Fat1 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein2.1 g
Total Carbohydrate58 g
Dietary Fiber1.4 g
Total Sugars51 g
Calcium40 mg
Iron0.8 mg
Potassium190 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a richer hoisin glaze, reduce it slightly over low heat until it coats the back of a spoon, then brush onto meats during the final cooking stages.

Substitutions

Best Match

BBQ Sauce (Asian-style or Sweet & Smoky)

1:1

Good for glazes and marinades, provides similar sweetness and savory depth.

Teriyaki Sauce

1:1

Offers a sweet and umami profile, but lighter in texture and less complex flavor.

Plum Sauce

1:1

Similar sweetness and fruitiness, but less savory and garlic-forward than hoisin.

Miso Paste + Honey + Soy Sauce + Garlic

Varies

DIY option to replicate complex savory-sweet-garlic notes, customizable.

Buying Guide

Check for natural ingredients, avoid high fructose corn syrup if possible. Look for 'authentic' brands.

Flavor Pairings

Duck Pork Ribs Stir-fries Spring Rolls Lettuce Wraps Noodles

Recipes Using Hoisin Sauce

Stir Fry Szechuan Beef Technique

3 Dragons Szechuan Steak

Ignite your taste buds with this fiery 3 Dragons Szechuan Steak! This Asian-inspired recipe delivers a sizzling blend of savory steak, aromatic vegetables, and a mouthwatering Szechuan sauce. Ready in under an hour, it's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Double the chili for extra heat! Serve with cold sesame noodles for a complete and unforgettable meal. #SzechuanSteak #AsianRecipe #SpicyFood #QuickDinner #EasyRecipe #SteakRecipe

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30 Minutes Or Less Served Hot Time To Make Chinese

Amazing Cashew Chicken

Craving takeout? This incredibly easy Amazing Cashew Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and crunchy cashews tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. A weeknight winner that's sure to become a family favorite. #cashewchicken #chinesefood #easyrecipe #weeknightdinner #comfortfood

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Dietary Copycat 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Applebee's Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl

Recreate the irresistible Applebee's Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl at home! This recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken tossed in a vibrant orange sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables. A complete and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Easy Equipment Low Calorie One Dish Meal

Asian Beef Crock Pot

Unleash incredible Asian flavors with this slow-cooked beef recipe! Tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak boasts a delightful, mild teriyaki-soy-hoisin glaze. Easily adjust the spice level – double the garlic, teriyaki, soy, and hoisin for a bolder kick! Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is updated with precise ingredient measurements for the best results.

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Easy Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Easy

Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps

Craving a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner? These Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps are the perfect solution! This family-favorite recipe bursts with delicious Asian-inspired flavors – savory beef, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce – all nestled in crisp lettuce cups. Easy to customize to your spice preference, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Salads Preparation

Asian Chicken Orzo Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired pasta salad perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a light weeknight meal. This recipe, inspired by Paula Deen, features tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

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Meat Preparation Meat Time To Make

Asian Chicken Burgers

Juicy Asian Chicken Burgers bursting with flavor! This recipe skips the bread crumbs and egg unless your chicken is extra dry. These flavorful patties are perfectly complemented by crisp beansprouts, a tangy soy sauce drizzle, and creamy sour cream. Serve on toasted buns for a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a fun weekend BBQ.

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Low Saturated Fat Main Dish Preparation Low In Something

Asian Chicken Linguine

A quick and easy weeknight dinner bursting with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors! This recipe isn't authentically Asian, but it delivers a delicious fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a mouthwatering sauce make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Poultry Holiday Event 60 Minutes Or Less Meat

Asian Chicken Or Turkey Crispy Lettuce Wraps

Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal? These Asian Chicken or Turkey Crispy Lettuce Wraps are bursting with deliciousness! Juicy ground chicken or turkey, mixed with savory teriyaki, peanut butter, and a hint of spice, is perfectly nestled in crisp lettuce cups. A quick and easy weeknight dinner, these wraps are also incredibly adaptable – leftover rice can be added to the filling for extra heartiness. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and refreshing!

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Free Of Something Course Dietary Occasion

Asian Hoisin Ribs

Tender, fall-off-the-bone Asian Hoisin Ribs, slow-cooked to perfection! This recipe, inspired by Betty Crocker's 'More Slow Cooker Recipes', delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy juicy, succulent ribs glazed with a rich and savory hoisin sauce – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Equipment Easy 3 Steps Or Less Equipment

Asian Honey Grilled Fish

Sweet and savory Asian Honey Grilled Fish recipe! This vibrant dish from 'The Everything Barbecue Cookbook' features succulent fish fillets marinated in a luscious honey-soy-lime glaze, then grilled to perfection. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 30 minutes (plus marinating time).

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For 1 Or 2 Low Carb Low In Something Cuisine

Asian Influnced Salmon

Elevate your weeknight meal with this vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired salmon recipe! This light yet flavorful glaze lets the delicate taste of the salmon shine through. A simple blend of Asian-inspired ingredients creates a zesty salsa that's both sweet and spicy. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference – add more salsa for extra heat! Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish.

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4 Hours Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Equipment Course

Asian Inspired Chili

Spice up your chili game with this Asian-inspired twist! Developed over years to perfectly utilize hoisin sauce, this recipe delivers a rich, thick chili brimming with umami. Perfect for a cozy night in, it's easily adaptable to your slow cooker – simply toss everything in and cook on low for 6 hours. Prefer a thinner chili? No problem! Just add water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Poultry Dietary Broccoli Time To Make

Asian Noodles With Chicken And Scallions

A quick and easy 30-minute one-dish meal! This recipe features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory oyster and hoisin sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, it's a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired dinner that's perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Main Ingredient Ground Beef Low In Something Meat

Asian Sloppy Joes

Experience a delicious fusion of flavors with these Asian Sloppy Joes! A tantalizing twist on a classic comfort food, this recipe features tender beef simmered in a savory hoisin-lemon sauce, served over fluffy white rice and vibrant steamed vegetables. Inspired by r. Reisman, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Asian Grilling Pork To Go

Asian Spareribs

These incredibly flavorful Asian BBQ spareribs are a crowd-pleaser! Tender, juicy, and bursting with sweet and savory Asian flavors, this recipe is perfect for grilling in the summer or baking year-round. The secret? A delicious marinade infused with pineapple, soy sauce, and a touch of spice. Prepare to experience fall-off-the-bone tenderness with every bite!

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Picnic 60 Minutes Or Less Meat Presentation

Barbecued Roast Pork Tenderloin Char Shui

Experience the ultimate flavor explosion with this succulent Barbecued Roast Pork Tenderloin Char Siu! Our mouthwatering recipe features a signature glaze that elevates this classic dish to new heights. Perfect served hot or cold, and fantastic in sandwiches the next day – leftovers are a treat! (Prep time excludes marinating and resting.)

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30 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive Preparation Number Of Servings

Chinese Restaurant Ginger Cashew Chicken

Craving authentic Chinese takeout but don't have a local restaurant? This copycat recipe for Chinese Restaurant Ginger Cashew Chicken delivers the same incredible flavors right in your kitchen! Perfectly tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce will have you saying goodbye to takeout forever. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and delivers restaurant-quality results in just 25 minutes.

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