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

Preparation Brunch Main Dish Number Of Servings

Amaretto Oriental Salmon

Experience a culinary fusion with this Amaretto Oriental Salmon recipe! Sweet Amaretto, savory soy sauce, and zesty lime create an unforgettable glaze for perfectly baked salmon fillets (or steaks!). This easy recipe, adapted from about.com, is ready in under 2 hours and features a vibrant marinade infused with ginger, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh asparagus for an elegant presentation. Prepare to impress!

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Low Cholesterol Dietary Asian Time To Make

Asian Barbecue Chicken Salad

Fire up your grill for this incredible Asian Barbecue Chicken Salad, inspired by Camp Robber Cafe in Montrose, CO! This Bon Appetit-approved recipe features juicy grilled chicken slathered in a homemade Asian barbecue sauce, tossed with crunchy croutons, crisp lettuce, and a tangy poppy seed dressing. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Appetizers 3 Steps Or Less Main Ingredient Meat

Asian Barbecued Chicken Wings

Fire up the grill for these irresistible Asian Barbecued Chicken Wings! Sweet, savory, and spicy, this recipe is perfect for your next cookout or game day. Get ready for finger-licking good flavor in just 40 minutes! (Marinating time not included)

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Asian Barbecued Pork Tenderloin

Experience a burst of Asian flavors with this succulent Barbecued Pork Tenderloin recipe, inspired by Marlene Koch's "Fantastic Food with Splenda." This recipe uses a rich and complex hoisin-based marinade (Koon Chun brand recommended) to create tender, flavorful pork perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The marinade infuses the pork with sweet, spicy, and savory notes, resulting in a dish that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Prep time doesn't include the essential marinating time, allowing you to tailor it to your schedule.

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Low In Something Healthy 2 Meat Dietary

Asian Chicken And Pasta Salad

This award-winning Asian Chicken and Pasta Salad recipe (winner of Better Homes and Gardens' Prize Tested Recipes!) is a crowd-pleaser that's as easy as it is delicious. Imagine juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a vibrant Asian dressing, and topped with crisp vegetables and fresh fruit. Customize it with additions like mangoes, cucumbers, or romaine lettuce for an extra burst of flavor and texture. This recipe tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant, but it's so simple to make at home! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this quick and satisfying meal.

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Dinner Party Taste Mood Main Dish Main Ingredient

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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Main Ingredient Poultry Course Chicken

Asian Citrus Roasted Chicken And Veggies

Experience a flavor explosion with this Asian Citrus Roasted Chicken and Veggies recipe! Juicy chicken roasted to perfection with sweet and savory citrus glaze, tender-crisp carrots and snap peas. A vibrant dish bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve with a refreshing fruit salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Presentation Presentation Equipment Low In Something

Asian Drumstix

Kids and adults alike will gobble up these flavorful Asian-glazed chicken drumsticks! Sweet, savory, and sticky, this easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. Get ready for sticky fingers – napkins are a must!

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Low In Something Course For 1 Or 2 Seafood

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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Low In Something Low Fat Lunch 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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Course Cuisine Meat Asian

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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Barbecue Asian Summer Course

Asian Steak Salad

Sizzle into summer with this vibrant Asian Steak Salad! Juicy grilled steak is tossed with a refreshing Asian slaw and a tangy hoisin lime dressing. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a light yet satisfying weeknight dinner. Optional additions like diced tart apples or mandarin oranges add extra sweetness and texture.

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Low Calorie Easy Preparation Cuisine

Asian Style Lettuce Wraps

Craving a light yet flavorful dinner? These Asian Style Lettuce Wraps are a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe the whole family will devour! This recipe features juicy ground pork and beef, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce that's perfectly balanced – but feel free to add a kick with extra chili paste! Ready in under 30 minutes, these satisfying wraps are perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Presentation Presentation Served Hot Vegetables

Baked Chicken Spring Rolls

Craving delicious spring rolls without the guilt? This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful baked chicken spring rolls that are surprisingly light and healthy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for three, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. Skip the deep fryer and save on calories and fat – you won't miss the oil one bit!

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Poultry Easy 3 Steps Or Less Cantonese

Baked Hoisin Sauce Chicken Wings

These baked hoisin chicken wings achieve crispy, caramelized perfection without deep frying! A flavorful honey-hoisin marinade infuses the wings with irresistible sweet and savory goodness. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Asian Shellfish One Dish Meal 30 Minutes Or Less

Beef And Scallops

Experience a whirlwind of flavor with this incredibly quick and easy Beef and Scallops Stir-Fry! Perfectly seared beef and succulent scallops dance in a vibrant, light sauce – no heavy saucing here! Serve this restaurant-quality dish over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests.

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Time To Make For 1 Or 2 Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

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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Pork Time To Make Meat Oven

Spicy Chinese Pork Tenderloin

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly flavorful Spicy Chinese Pork Tenderloin! This easy recipe, originally from a local newspaper's syndicated cooking column, is a crowd-pleaser perfect for company or a special treat. Tender pork tenderloin is marinated in a vibrant blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of spice (easily omitted for milder palates), then roasted to juicy perfection. Served over fluffy rice and drizzled with a luscious, homemade sauce, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Grill it for smoky char or bake it in the oven for ultimate convenience – either way, get ready for a flavor explosion!

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