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Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Carolyn Richardson
Are you looking to elevate your meals? Hoisin sauce might be your answer. This thick, dark sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine. It’s sweet but tangy, with a hint of spice.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 53 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons dark molasses syrup
  • 1/4 cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • First, I recommend setting out all your ingredients on the counter. This will not only save you time but will also ensure you have everything ready to go. When I cook, I love to do a little mise en place—it means everything in its place!

Step 2: Mix the Backing Agents

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, ginger, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Using a whisk, blend these until smooth. The peanut butter and sesame oil will create a creamy base.

Step 3: Add the Sweetness and Spice

  • Next, incorporate the chili garlic sauce, black pepper, molasses syrup, and tamari or soy sauce. Stir well to ensure that the flavors meld beautifully. The combination here will offer a delightful mix of sweet and spicy.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic

  • Grate the fresh garlic cloves and mix them into the concoction. Fresh garlic will provide a punch that powdered forms simply can't achieve.

Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce

  • Sprinkle in the cornstarch. This is crucial for giving your hoisin sauce that wonderful thickness. Continue mixing until all of the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth, cohesive sauce.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

  • Here comes the fun part: Tasting! Adjust any ingredient as necessary. Need a little more sweetness? Maybe a dash more chili sauce for heat? Go wild.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger pack the most flavor. Don’t go for the jarred versions if you can avoid it.
Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to play with the ratios. If you like it sweeter, add more molasses. Prefer it spicier? Kick up the chili garlic sauce.
Check for Allergies: If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, ensure you use the appropriate substitutes, like gluten-free soy sauce.
Ditch the Preservatives: By making it from scratch, you bypass any artificial flavors. It just tastes better!
Keep it Simple: You don’t need to overthink it. Stick to this recipe first, then tweak to your heart's content later.

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 1.9gSaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 389mgSugar: 7gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Hoisin Sauce Recipe
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