If you're out of XO Sauce, reach for Teriyaki Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce, and Sweet Chili Sauce.
Teriyaki Sauce is the closest match - it has a similar flavor and works at a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.
For cooking, Oyster Sauce also works well - adjust the amount to taste since it may be slightly stronger or milder.
Finding the perfect XO sauce substitute can feel like hitting a culinary jackpot.
We all get that craving for a rich, umami-packed Thai dish.
Sometimes, though, that important bottle of XO sauce plays hide and seek in our pantry.
With a bit of kitchen creativity, other ingredients can step up to the plate.
Think of these substitutes as your secret weapon for tempting Thai delights.
They bring those deep, complex flavors we all crave.
And guess what? You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now.
5 Best Substitutes for XO Sauce
XO sauce is a popular condiment in Cantonese cuisine known for its rich, umami flavor and spicy kick.
However, if you're unable to find XO sauce or want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes available.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Teriyaki Sauce | A sweet and savory Japanese sauce with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin; adds a glossy finish to dishes | Use an equal amount of teriyaki sauce as a substitute for XO sauce |
| Oyster Sauce | A thick, savory sauce made from oyster extract, soy sauce, and other seasonings; improves dishes | Use an equal amount of oyster sauce as a substitute for XO sauce |
| Hoisin Sauce | A thick, sweet and salty Chinese sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, and spices; versatile | Use an equal amount of hoisin sauce as a substitute for XO sauce |
| Sweet and Sour Sauce | A tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and various fruits; adds a balance of sweet and sour flavors | Use an equal amount of sweet and sour sauce as a substitute for XO sauce |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | A sweet and spicy sauce made from chili peppers, sugar, and garlic; adds a kick of heat and sweetness | Use an equal amount of sweet chili sauce as a substitute for XO sauce |
Now let's look into each substitute in more detail:
1 - Teriyaki Sauce
One of the most popular sauces available today is the teriyaki sauce.
It's popular because of its versatility and flavor.
This sauce is derived from Japan and contains soy sauce, mirin, and sake.
This sauce is used for cooking meat such as chicken or beef.
It may also be used for vegetables and rice.
The ingredients are combined in a pot, heated together, and then cooled down before consumption.
When using this sauce, many people enjoy marinating the meat before cooking.
Some individuals put the meat in the pot and cook it with the sauce.
In addition, this popular sauce may be used for various meals.
It's available in a bottle or can, so all you need to do is heat it and serve it with your food.
- Key Characteristics: Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. It adds a glossy finish to dishes and complements various ingredients.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of teriyaki sauce as a substitute for XO sauce. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding additional ingredients like chili flakes or honey if desired.
2 - Oyster Sauce
If you want to add some flavor to your food, oyster sauce is a perfect choice.
It's a type of thick sauce that contains oysters and other ingredients.
This sauce is used in Chinese cooking from soybeans, brine, water, sugar, salt, alcohol, and yeast.
The sauce is dark brown. Oyster sauces are used for anything from stir-fries to fried rice dishes.
When cooking with this type of sauce, you may need to add a little bit of water if you want it to be thinner.
If you're not going to use it right away, you should store it in the refrigerator.
The sauce is also rich in protein and amino acids.
- Key Characteristics: Oyster sauce is a thick and savory sauce made from oyster extract, soy sauce, and other seasonings. It adds depth and umami flavors to dishes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of oyster sauce as a substitute for XO sauce. Adjust the spiciness by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
3 - Hoisin Sauce
If you're looking for a sweet and spicy sauce, hoisin is a perfect choice.
This sauce is used in Chinese cooking, especially when preparing chicken.
It's rich in flavor and tastes good on many different types of food.
Hoisin is made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, sugar, red chili peppers, and other spices.
The sauce is usually sold in a bottle or can and can sometimes be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store.
When using this type of sauce, it's important to know that a little bit goes a long way.
Depending on what you're using it for, you should try to find seven or eight on your food until your dish is covered.
This will help give your dish the flavor it needs without adding too much sauce.
If you cook an Asian dish, you should try to find this sauce.
It's a good substitute for XO sauce, which is a bit more expensive.
- Key Characteristics: Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and salty Chinese sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, and spices. It is a versatile condiment that adds complexity to dishes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of hoisin sauce as a substitute for XO sauce. Adjust the spiciness by adding chili flakes or a touch of hot sauce if desired.
4 - Sweet and Sour Sauce
For those of you who love to eat Chinese food, you should try to find sweet and sour sauce.
This sauce is used in many dishes, including chicken, pork, and beef.
It's also used in many different types of stir fry recipes.
The sweet and sour sauce is made from tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
The ingredients are usually mixed in a bowl until they're smooth.
After this point, the sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you're looking for a substitute for sweet and sour sauce, you should try using ketchup or chili sauce instead.
Both of these sauces are easy to find at your local grocery store or supermarket.
They can also be found in the condiment section of your local fast-food restaurant.
- Key Characteristics: Sweet and sour sauce is a tangy condiment made from vinegar, sugar, and various fruits. It provides a balance of sweet and sour flavors to dishes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of sweet and sour sauce as a substitute for XO sauce. Adjust the spiciness by adding chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.
5 - Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce is a popular condiment used on many different types of Asian dishes.
It's often served with fried rice, seafood, chicken, and beef.
It's also used in many different types of stir fry recipes.
Sweet chili sauce is made from vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.
The ingredients are usually mixed in a bowl until they're smooth.
After this point, the sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Sweet chili sauce is different from the hot chili sauce.
Hot chili sauce is made from vinegar, sugar, chilies, and spices.
It's usually served with fried rice, seafood, and beef dishes.
Sweet chili sauce can be found in the condiment section of your local grocery store or supermarket.
It's also available at most Asian food stores.
- Key Characteristics: Sweet chili sauce is a sweet and spicy condiment made from chili peppers, sugar, and garlic. It adds a kick of heat and sweetness to dishes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of sweet chili sauce as a substitute for XO sauce. Adjust the spiciness by adding additional chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teriyaki Sauce is the best substitute for XO Sauce because it shares a similar flavor and texture. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for XO Sauce.
Absolutely. Teriyaki Sauce is the closest swap.
Oyster Sauce also works in a pinch. Match the original amount and tweak from there.
Can this substitute be used in baking as well as cooking?
Some work in both, but baking is less forgiving.
Substitutes that alter fat content, sweetness, or moisture can shift the structure of baked goods.
Test with a small batch first.
Frozen substitutes sometimes change texture after thawing. This matters more in raw applications like salads than in cooked dishes where texture is softened by heat anyway.