Got a craving for something saucy and can’t find hoisin in the pantry? No sweat.
We’ve all been there, hunting through shelves for that one ingredient that decides to play hide-and-seek right when our stomachs are grumbling.
Good news, though! We can still whip up those mouth-watering dishes with a few genius swaps.
Believe it or not, several sauces hanging out in your kitchen right now could save the day.
From the rich sweetness of barbecue sauce to the savory depth of miso, we’re here to share the top five stand-ins that’ll get those flavors popping.
Trust us, these alternatives are about to become your new best friends in the kitchen.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Hoisin Sauce
There are a few great substitutes when you want the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of hoisin sauce without the preservatives.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Substitute Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Bean Paste | Fermented soybean paste with a savory and umami flavor | Use an equal amount of bean paste as a substitute for hoisin sauce in recipes. Adjust the seasoning to achieve the desired level of savory and umami taste |
| Garlic Teriyaki Sauce | Teriyaki sauce infused with garlic, providing a sweet and savory flavor | Use an equal amount of garlic teriyaki sauce as a substitute for hoisin sauce in recipes. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to match the flavor profile of your dish |
| Garlic and Prune | Combination of minced garlic and prune paste for a sweet and tangy flavor | Use an equal amount of garlic and prune mixture as a substitute for hoisin sauce in recipes. Adjust the sweetness and tartness to suit the taste of your dish |
| Barbecue Molasses | Sweet and sticky sauce made from molasses, vinegar, and spices | Use an equal amount of barbecue molasses as a substitute for hoisin sauce in recipes. Adjust the spices and sweetness to achieve the desired flavor profile |
| Soy Peanut Butter | Blend of soy sauce and peanut butter, offering a nutty and savory taste | Use an equal amount of soy peanut butter as a substitute for hoisin sauce in recipes. Adjust the saltiness and nuttiness to match the flavor profile you desire |
If you’re looking to make Asian cuisine easy and need substitutes for hoisin sauce, consider these five alternatives:
1 – Bean Paste
Bean paste is thickened paste made from beans that have been soaked and ground into a fine powder.
It is commonly used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisine and can be either sweet or savory in flavor.
Sweet bean paste is typically made from red beans, while savory bean paste is usually made from black beans.
Bean paste is often used as a filling for desserts and pastries or as a condiment for savory dishes.
In China, bean paste is sometimes used as a stuffing for mooncakes, a traditional snack eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In Korea, bean paste is often used in making kimchi, a popular fermented cabbage dish.
Substitute hoisin sauce with an equal amount of bean paste in recipes. Adjust the seasoning to achieve the desired level of savory and umami taste.
2 – Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
This garlic teriyaki sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a touch of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes.
It’s so easy to make and great on chicken, fish, rice, vegetables, pretty much anything.
Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and vinegar.
Then add a little vegetable oil and crushed red pepper flakes (optional), and you’re done.
Try it today. This garlic teriyaki sauce is sure to become a family favorite.
Use an equal amount of garlic teriyaki sauce as a substitute for hoisin sauce in recipes. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to match the flavor profile of your dish.
3 – Garlic and Prune
Garlic and prunes may seem unlikely, but they have a lot in common.
Both garlic and prunes are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and promote healthy cell development.
In addition, both garlic and prunes contain compounds that have been shown to boost immune system function.
Furthermore, garlic and prunes are versatile ingredients that can be used in various dishes.
Substitute hoisin sauce with an equal amount of garlic and prune mixture in recipes. Adjust the sweetness and tartness to suit the taste of your dish.
So whether you’re looking for a way to add flavor to your next meal or hope to find a new recipe, consider combining garlic and prunes for a delicious and nutritious dish.
4 – Barbecue Molasses
Barbecue molasses is a thick, syrupy sauce used to add flavor and moisture to grilled meats.
It is made from sugarcane juice that has been boiled down to a thick syrup and often contains spices like cloves, ginger, and allspice.
Barbecue molasses is most commonly used in Jamaica, where it is used to add flavor to jerk chicken and pork.
However, it can also be used in other barbecue sauces or marinades.
When shopping for barbecue molasses, look for a product that is dark in color and has a consistency similar to honey.
Avoid light-colored or overly thin products, as these will not provide the same level of flavor.
Use an equal amount of barbecue molasses as a substitute for hoisin sauce in recipes. Adjust the spices and sweetness to achieve the desired flavor profile.
5 – Soy Peanut Butter
Who doesn’t love peanut butter? It’s creamy, it’s nutty, and it’s perfect for everything from sandwiches to desserts.
Unfortunately, traditional peanut butter can be a problem for people with allergies to peanuts.
That’s where soy peanut butter comes in.
Soy peanut butter is made with soybeans instead of peanuts, which means it’s safe for people with peanut allergies.
But that’s not all. Soybeans are also a great source of protein, so soy peanut butter is tasty and nutritious.
Substitute hoisin sauce with an equal amount of soy peanut butter in recipes. Adjust the saltiness and nuttiness to match the desired flavor profile.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and allergy-friendly alternative to traditional peanut butter, give soy peanut butter a try.
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