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The dark, glossy sauce in the duck pancakes. Sweet, salty and far more useful than the one jar you bought it for.
What is hoisin sauce?
Hoisin is a thick Chinese sauce made from fermented soybean paste, sugar, vinegar, garlic and spices, usually including five spice. It is sweet, salty and slightly tangy, with a texture close to ketchup. Despite the name, which means seafood in Chinese, it contains no fish.
What does hoisin taste like?
Sweet first, then savoury, with a garlicky finish and a background warmth from the five spice. It is stronger than most Western sauces, so a tablespoon goes a long way. Think barbecue sauce with more depth and less smoke.
What to use hoisin for
- Crispy duck pancakes, as the dipping sauce
- Char siu marinade, mixed with soy and honey
- Glazing pork ribs or chicken wings
- A spoon stirred into a stir fry sauce for body
- Dressing for noodle salads, thinned with lime and water
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
Mix two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of peanut butter, one tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of rice vinegar and a small crushed garlic clove. That covers the salt, sweetness, body and tang in roughly the right proportions.
- The homemade mix above. Closest by some distance.
- Oyster sauce plus honey. Three parts to one. Less garlicky.
- Barbecue sauce plus soy and five spice. Rough, but recognisable.
- Black bean sauce plus sugar. Saltier and more savoury.
Where to buy hoisin sauce in the UK
All the major supermarkets stock it in the world food aisle. Chinese supermarkets carry larger jars and a wider range of brands, which is worth it if you cook Chinese food regularly. It keeps for months in the fridge once opened.
Frequently asked questions
Is hoisin sauce vegan?
Usually yes. It is soybean based and contains no fish or meat, but a few brands add honey, so check the label.
Is hoisin sauce gluten free?
Normally no. Most versions contain wheat from the soybean paste. Gluten free versions exist but are not common in supermarkets.
Is hoisin the same as plum sauce?
No. Plum sauce is fruitier and sweeter with no fermented soybean. They are often served with the same dishes, which causes the confusion.
How long does it keep once opened?
Around six months in the fridge. It is high in sugar and salt, both of which preserve it well.
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- Hoisin sauce. A thick, sweet sauce used in Cantonese cooking.
