Hoisin Sauce Substitutes: 5 Best Sweet-Savory Swaps
The best substitute for hoisin sauce is Soy Sauce + Peanut Butter + Honey + Vinegar at a 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp peanut butter + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sesame oil = 3 tbsp hoisin ratio. It works best for Peking duck, spring rolls, stir-fries. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Soy Sauce + Peanut Butter + Honey + Vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp peanut butter + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sesame oil = 3 tbsp hoisin
Mix all ingredients until smooth. The closest homemade version: captures the sweet, salty, nutty, and tangy notes of hoisin sauce.
What are the other substitutes for hoisin sauce?
Oyster Sauce + Sugar
1 tbsp oyster sauce + 1 tsp sugar + splash of soy sauce = 1 tbsp hoisin
Provides the thick consistency and savory-sweet flavor. Missing the spice complexity of hoisin but works well in cooked dishes.
Barbecue Sauce
1 tbsp barbecue sauce + splash of soy sauce = 1 tbsp hoisin
Sweet, smoky, and thick: similar texture and sweetness profile. Add soy sauce for the savory depth that barbecue sauce lacks.
Miso Paste + Maple Syrup
1 tbsp miso paste + 1 tsp maple syrup + 1 tsp rice vinegar = 1 tbsp hoisin
Miso provides the fermented soy depth. The maple syrup adds sweetness. A good vegan option when blended together.
Teriyaki Sauce
1 tbsp teriyaki sauce = 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Similar sweet-savory profile but thinner. Teriyaki has more of a Japanese flavor with mirin, while hoisin is more Chinese with spices. Works in a pinch.
What should you know before substituting hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce's unique combination of sweet, salty, and savory is hard to match with a single ingredient. The homemade blend of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and vinegar is the most accurate substitute. For nut-free versions, replace peanut butter with tahini.
How do you substitute hoisin sauce in a recipe?
A thick, fragrant sauce made from soybeans, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and spices, with a sweet and savory flavor. Hoisin sauce is used as a glaze, dipping sauce, and stir-fry ingredient in Chinese and Vietnamese cooking.
The best substitute for hoisin sauce depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Soy Sauce + Peanut Butter + Honey + Vinegar (2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp peanut butter + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sesame oil = 3 tbsp hoisin), which works well for Peking duck, spring rolls, stir-fries.
If you need a different option, Oyster Sauce + Sugar (1 tbsp oyster sauce + 1 tsp sugar + splash of soy sauce = 1 tbsp hoisin) is another reliable choice. Provides the thick consistency and savory-sweet flavor. Missing the spice complexity of hoisin but works well in cooked dishes.
When substituting hoisin sauce, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make homemade hoisin sauce?
Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir until smooth. Add sriracha or five-spice powder for extra authenticity.
Can I use barbecue sauce instead of hoisin sauce?
Yes, barbecue sauce is the quickest substitute. Add a splash of soy sauce to boost the savory umami flavor. The taste will be smokier than hoisin but works well in glazes and as a dipping sauce.
Is hoisin sauce the same as oyster sauce?
No: hoisin sauce is sweeter, thicker, and made from soybeans with spices, while oyster sauce is thinner, saltier, and made from oyster extracts. They can substitute for each other in a pinch with flavor adjustments.