Homemade Hoisin Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Hoisin Sauce is a rich, sweet, and savory condiment that brings bold umami flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re stir-frying, grilling, or using it as a dipping sauce, this version is free of preservatives and customizable to your taste. It’s a quick, pantry-friendly alternative to store-bought hoisin with deeper flavor and freshness.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

soy saucepeanut butter or black bean pastehoney or brown sugarsesame oilrice vinegargarlic powderonion powdersriracha or chili saucefive-spice powderwater

directions

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce and peanut butter (or black bean paste) until smooth.

Stir in honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.

Add garlic powder, onion powder, sriracha or chili sauce, and five-spice powder.

Whisk the mixture until fully blended and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice level as needed.

Transfer to a jar or airtight container.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 1 cup of sauce.Preparation time: 5 minutesTotal time: 5 minutes

Variations

Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a vegan version.

Add a small amount of grated fresh ginger for extra depth.

Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty twist.

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

storage/reheating

Store homemade hoisin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.Shake or stir before each use, as natural separation may occur.It can also be frozen in small portions for up to 3 months.

FAQs

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Black bean paste is the traditional base, but almond butter or tahini can work too.

Is homemade hoisin sauce spicy?

It has mild heat—adjust the amount of sriracha to control spiciness.

Can I use fresh garlic?

Yes, but it will shorten the shelf life. Use garlic powder for longer storage.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Can I can this sauce for long-term storage?

It’s not recommended unless using proper sterilization and preservation techniques.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales well and stores nicely.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes, just reduce or omit the chili sauce for a milder version.

Can I cook with it?

Absolutely—it’s great in stir-fries, marinades, and glazes.

What if I don’t have five-spice powder?

You can mix a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and pepper as a substitute.

Is this sauce sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness, which you can adjust to taste.

Conclusion

Homemade Hoisin Sauce is a simple and flavorful way to elevate your meals with a personal touch. Quick to prepare and rich in taste, this sauce is perfect for dipping, glazing, or adding depth to your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought version.

Print