DIY Hoisin Sauce Recipe

This homemade hoisin sauce is a delicious and easy way to add a sweet and savory kick to your favorite dishes. With simple ingredients you probably already have, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful sauce ready in minutes.

Start cooking ↓

TIME11 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

6 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 2 cloves garlic, pressed 2 teaspoons sesame oil 2 teaspoons tahini 1 teaspoon molasses 1 teaspoon apricot jam ¼ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by gathering all your ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, tahini, molasses, apricot jam, brown sugar, miso, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes. Pop everything into a jar that has a lid you can screw on tightly. Once everything’s in there, put the lid on and give the jar a good, vigorous shake until all the ingredients are well combined and smooth. If you have a moment, let it sit for a bit to let the flavors meld together even more. Give it another quick shake before using, and you’re all set!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use smooth peanut butter or black bean paste for a creamier texture.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness before finishing to get the perfect balance.
- Simmer the sauce gently to help the flavors meld without burning.

Why you’ll love it

This sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors to any dish. It’s versatile and can be made quickly with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Making it yourself means you can adjust the taste to suit your preferences and avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions.

Serving ideas

This sauce works great as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings, a glaze for grilled meats, or a flavorful addition to stir-fries and noodle dishes. Its rich taste can also brighten roasted vegetables or be used as a spread in sandwiches.

Storage & leftovers

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Stir well before each use, as some ingredients may naturally separate over time. For longer storage, freezing in small portions works well, but thaw completely before using.