Homemade Hoisin Sauce: Better Than Takeout!
Ditch the shop-bought stuff! This hoisin sauce recipe is easy to make at home and tastes amazing in stir-fries. Sweet, salty, and umami – give it a go! ... Quick & Easy
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of fakeaway tonight? Ever looked at a bottle of hoisin sauce in the shops and thought, "Blimey, that's expensive!"?
Well, i've got you covered. this hoisin sauce recipe is dead easy and tastes way better than the shop-bought stuff.
I promise you, once you make it from scratch, you won't go back.
Quick Hook
This homemade hoisin sauce recipe will knock your socks off. The star of the show is that sweet, savoury, and umami goodness – pure flavour bomb!
Originally from Cantonese cuisine, it's a simple recipe. It's ready in just 30 minutes, and makes about 1 cup.
Main Benefits
One of the main benefits? you control what goes in it. no dodgy additives. perfect for whipping up a banging hoisin chicken stir fry.
What makes this hoisin sauce recipe special is that it's customizable. you can adjust the sweetness and the spice to suit your taste.
Plus, it's a cracking way to impress your mates.
Okay, right then, let's get this keyword list sorted out, shall we? Ready to transform the ordinary with the extraordinary? Homemade Hoisin Sauce awaits!
Next up? Ingredients!
Alright, right then, let's get this hoisin sauce recipe sorted out, shall we? Ditching the supermarket stuff is always a good shout. Let's nail this!
Homemade Hoisin Sauce: Better Than Takeout! Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Hoisin Sauce Arsenal
Okay, so before we dive in, let's gather our bits and bobs. trust me, having everything prepped makes the whole process way smoother.
Honestly, nothing worse than realising you're out of rice vinegar halfway through.
Main Ingredients for a Knockout Hoisin
Here’s what you'll need for about 1 cup of seriously tasty homemade hoisin sauce recipe . Quality matters, especially with the soy sauce – a good one makes all the difference.
- Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred): 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Look for a rich, dark color.
- Dark Molasses: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This adds that signature depth.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Don't skimp here!
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Toasty and nutty.
- Water: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Just a splash.
- Peanut Butter (smooth or crunchy): 2 tablespoons (30 g) . I've used both, honestly.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (8 g) . This helps thicken it up nicely.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (2 g) . A cheat's trick, I know.
- Five-Spice Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) . This is essential for that authentic hoisin sauce recipe flavour.
- White Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) . Or black, if that's what you have.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/8 teaspoon . For a bit of a kick, if you fancy.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Sauce)
Five-spice powder is the mvp here. that blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds is what gives chinese bbq sauce recipe its character.
Want more depth? a tiny pinch of ground ginger works wonders. i found using tamari instead of soy sauce helped my vegan friends enjoy this tasty recipe.
If you haven't got rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch. But honestly, the rice vinegar is worth getting.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No fancy kit needed. Just your basics will do!
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container
Honestly, you can use a fork instead of a whisk. I've done it plenty of times.
My top tip? get all your ingredients measured out before you start. it makes the whole thing so much easier, and less likely you'll forget something.
Now you have your toolkit and materials ready, you're ready to dive into this great recipe to make your favourite hoisin chicken stir fry and recipes with hoisin sauce stir fry
Cooking Method: Homemade Hoisin Sauce - Easy Peasy!
Okay, right then, let's get this hoisin sauce recipe sorted out, shall we? forget that shop-bought stuff. honestly, making your own is so much easier than you think.
And the flavour? oh my gosh, it's miles better! it is a staple from cantonese cuisine. this authentic hoisin sauce recipe is seriously going to elevate your cooking.
I remember the first time i tried it. i was like, "where has this been all my life?"
Prep Steps: Mise en Place – Sorted!
First, let's get everything prepped. it's all about the mise en place . grab your soy sauce , molasses, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, peanut butter, cornstarch, garlic powder, five-spice powder, white pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional!).
Having it all ready saves a ton of time. safety? just mind the heat, innit. this hoisin sauce recipe is easy to make, don't worry!
Step-by-Step: As Easy as Pie!
Right, here's the breakdown:
- Combine all the wet and dry ingredients in a small saucepan. Whisk like you mean it. No lumps allowed.
- Simmer it over medium heat. Stir constantly until it simmers.
- Thicken it up on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5- 10 minutes . It should resemble thick ketchup.
- Cool it completely. It thickens even more as it cools.
- Transfer it to an airtight container and chill in the fridge.
Visual cue? Look for that lovely, glossy, thick consistency. No need to fret about temperatures, as long as it simmers gently. A good homemade hoisin sauce recipe is ready now!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Hoisin Game!
Here are some tips i've learned over time. it's not about fancy techniques. one common mistake? overcooking. that is a no-no.
Remember, it thickens as it cools, alright? for a shortcut, use good-quality peanut butter. the storage is also important. it'll keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks in an airtight container.
If you want something interesting, serve it over rice vermicelli noodles with sliced cucumber and pickled carrots, for a nice and fresh appetizer.
And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try using this hoisin glaze for chicken ? or, even better, a delicious hoisin chicken stir fry ! you know, a little something to spice up your life.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Hoisin Sauce
Alright, right then, let's get this sorted out, shall we? making your own homemade hoisin sauce recipe is easier than you think.
And honestly? way tastier than that gloopy stuff from the shop. let's cover some quick notes to make yours bangin’ .
Serving like a Pro
Fancy pants plating, anyone? dollop your freshly made hoisin sauce over rice vermicelli noodles with sliced cucumber and pickled carrots.
It makes a stunning appetizer. or, use it in recipes with hoisin sauce stir fry . chicken, beef, tofu… the choice is yours!
It's also great for dipping spring rolls. A nice cold beer pairs wonderfully with it. Just saying.
Storage Secrets
Pop your cooled hoisin sauce into an airtight container. Fridge it! It'll last about two weeks.
Freezing? Hmmm, not the best . The texture can change a bit. I wouldn't recommend it, tbh.
Reheating? Nah, you won't need to. Just use it straight from the fridge.
Mix It Up!
Feeling spicy? Add more red pepper flakes. Or, even a dash of cayenne. Boom!
Nut allergy? No worries! Use tahini instead of peanut butter. A simple swap! This will make this a fantastic vegan hoisin sauce too!
Molasses missing? A brown sugar syrup will do the trick.
If you want a more authentic hoisin sauce recipe I have tried using fermented bean curd (furu) with a good consistency when I made the test.
Nutrition Bits
One tablespoon is roughly 40 calories. Protein? About 1 gram. Not bad, eh?
There's some fat from the sesame oil and peanut butter. Carbs clock in around 5 grams. But homemade hoisin sauce is so tasty it's really good.
Hoisin glaze for chicken will make even the most novice chef look good at their next barbecue.
Don’t stress about exact numbers. It’s homemade . It's all about the flavour, isn't it? I think this might be the best stir fry sauce recipe ever.
So, go on! get cooking! you got this! it's a chinese bbq sauce recipe that’s so much better than anything you can buy.
I really think it's one of those hoisin sauce recipe dishes chicken that you're going to make again and again.
And if you dont have some of the ingredients try to get a hoisin sauce substitute that fits the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is hoisin sauce, and what makes this hoisin sauce recipe better than the shop-bought stuff?
Hoisin sauce is a sweet, savoury, and slightly fermented sauce commonly used in Cantonese cuisine. It's like the umami bomb of the East! This homemade version lets you control the ingredients, avoid artificial additives and adjust the flavour to your exact preferences. Plus, let's be honest, homemade always tastes better, doesn't it?
My hoisin sauce turned out too thin! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
A sauce that's too thin usually means it wasn't simmered long enough or the heat was too low. Don't panic! Simply return the sauce to the saucepan and simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. A touch more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) can also help, but add it gradually so you don't end up with wallpaper paste!
Can I tweak this hoisin sauce recipe to be spicier or sweeter? What variations are possible?
Absolutely! For more heat, add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped chilli. If you like it sweeter, increase the honey a little at a time, tasting as you go. For a nut-free version, swap the peanut butter for tahini. You can also try adding a touch of ginger for another layer of flavour.
How long does this homemade hoisin sauce last, and what's the best way to store it?
Your homemade hoisin sauce, if stored properly, should last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavours from the fridge. It's a good idea to label it with the date so you know when you made it, just like your nan used to do with her jams!
Is there a healthier alternative to soy sauce that I can use in this hoisin sauce recipe?
Definitely! For a lower-sodium option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or Tamari. Tamari is also a great choice for those who are gluten-free. Just remember that changing the soy sauce will slightly alter the overall flavour profile, so taste and adjust the other ingredients as needed to balance it out.
I'm all out of cornstarch! Can I use anything else to thicken my hoisin sauce?
No worries! If you're fresh out of cornstarch, you can substitute it with tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. Use the same amount as the cornstarch called for in the recipe. Another option is to simply simmer the sauce for a bit longer, allowing it to reduce and thicken naturally. Remember to keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan!
