Hoisin sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes. Its dark, sweet-salty flavor adds depth and richness to everything from stir-fries to dipping sauces. But what do you do when you run out of hoisin sauce? Fear not! With a little creativity and some pantry staples, you can easily make your own hoisin sauce substitute that might just be better than the original. Let’s explore some mouthwatering alternatives that will elevate your recipes to new heights.
What is Hoisin Sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thick and glossy dark sauce that is both sweet and salty. It’s typically made with fermented beans, five-spice powder, and soy sauce. While the exact recipe may vary, these key ingredients are essential for achieving that signature hoisin flavor. However, not all of us have fermented beans on hand. But fear not, you can still recreate that sweet and sticky goodness using simple ingredients like kidney beans and molasses.
The Best Substitutes for Hoisin Sauce
While there are ready-made hoisin sauce substitutes available, they often lack the same texture and taste. To truly replicate the flavor of hoisin sauce, you’ll need to put in a little more effort. Here are some homemade hoisin sauce substitutes that are easy to make and will make your taste buds dance with joy.
1. Garlic Teriyaki + Kidney Beans
Store-bought teriyaki sauce is a great substitute for hoisin sauce, as it offers a similar flavor profile. By pureeing kidney beans, molasses, teriyaki sauce, and a few other ingredients, you can create your own hoisin sauce alternative. This homemade version allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Add brown sugar for extra sweetness or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade teriyaki and kidney bean sauce.
2. Garlic + Prunes
If you don’t have hoisin or teriyaki sauce on hand, don’t worry! A simple and delicious alternative can be made with just a few pantry staples. Dried prunes are the star of this substitution, providing natural sweetness without the need for additional sugar. Boil the prunes until they’re soft, then blend them with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. The result is a hoisin-like sauce that will elevate your dishes to new heights.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade garlic and prune sauce.
3. Bean Paste + Brown Sugar
Bean paste is a staple in making hoisin sauce, providing thickness and depth of flavor. By combining bean paste with brown sugar, soy sauce, and other ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade hoisin sauce substitute. The beauty of making your own sauce is that you can adjust the flavors and consistency to suit your preferences. Experiment with different additions like honey, chili paste, or garlic to create your perfect sauce.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade bean paste sauce.
4. Sriracha + Molasses
If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, this hoisin sauce substitute is for you. By combining sriracha, soy sauce, molasses, peanut butter, and other ingredients, you can create a sauce that closely resembles the taste and texture of hoisin sauce. Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more sriracha, and enjoy the complex flavors of this homemade substitute.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade sriracha and molasses sauce.
5. Soy Sauce + Peanut Butter
Peanut butter adds a unique and delightful nuttiness to your homemade hoisin sauce substitute. Simply mix soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, hot sauce, and other seasonings to create a flavorful sauce. The combination of salty and savory flavors in this substitute will elevate your dishes to a new level of deliciousness. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and enjoy the rich flavors of homemade hoisin sauce.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade soy and peanut butter sauce.
6. Barbecue Sauce + Molasses
For a quick and easy hoisin sauce substitute, look no further than your favorite barbecue sauce. By combining barbecue sauce, molasses, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, you can create a sauce that closely resembles the flavors of hoisin sauce. This substitute is perfect for those times when you need a quick fix but still want the delicious taste of hoisin sauce.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade BBQ and molasses sauce.
7. Ginger + Plum Jam
If you have a jar of plum jam in your fridge, it’s time to put it to good use. Plum jam adds a delightful sweetness to your homemade hoisin sauce substitute. Simply mix the jam with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings to create a delicious sauce. This substitution is quick and easy, and the flavors will leave you wanting more.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade ginger and plum jam sauce.
8. Black Beans + Plums
Cooked black beans or black bean sauce are excellent options for achieving the thickness and depth of flavor that hoisin sauce offers. By combining black bean sauce with plums, brown sugar, and other seasonings, you can create a sauce that closely resembles hoisin sauce. The umami-rich yet sweet flavors of this substitute will take your dishes to new heights.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade black bean and plum sauce.
9. Miso Paste, Mustard, and Raisins
Miso paste is a key ingredient in traditional hoisin sauce, providing thickness and savory flavors. By combining miso paste with mustard, raisins, and other ingredients, you can create a flavorful substitute. Soak the raisins to soften them, then blend them with water, miso paste, mustard, garlic, and sesame oil. Adjust the flavors and consistency to your liking, and enjoy the complex flavors of this homemade hoisin sauce substitute.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of homemade miso, mustard, and raisin sauce.
10. Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is the closest ready-made substitute for hoisin sauce. While it may not offer an exact replica of the flavor, it provides a similar taste and texture. Oyster sauce can be found in most supermarkets or Asian markets. If using oyster sauce as a substitute, consider adding honey or brown sugar to replicate the sweetness of hoisin sauce. With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect balance of flavors for your recipes.
How to Substitute: Swap 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce with 1/4 cup of oyster sauce.
Now that you have a variety of homemade hoisin sauce substitutes at your disposal, you can confidently tackle any recipe that calls for this delicious sauce. Each substitute offers its own unique flavors and textures, allowing you to customize your dishes to your liking. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the mouthwatering results!
