Dunking dumplings into soy sauce is probably one of life’s little pleasures.
Dunking dumplings into soy sauce is probably one of life’s little pleasures. Have you also tried dousing your freshly steamed white rice in it? It tastes exquisite. As good as the rice you boil in the bag is, there’s just something uniquely magical about scooping it out of the rice cooker with its own special spatula. But even you aren’t familiar with Chinese condiments in general, you’ve probably noticed that soy and hoisin are not the same sauces.
A Look at the History of Soy-Based Sauces
The special brew known as soy sauce has been a staple of Chinese food for over a thousand years. In that time, it’s no surprise that it has spread out to the rest of the continent as well. People living in Japan, Korea, and all over Southeast Asia are fond of it, too. The key ingredient in this mixture is the fermented soybean. The resulting liquid is then used to enhance the flavors of stir-fry dishes, marinades, and braised meats. Other ingredients include salt, wheat, and yeast. That’s why finding gluten-free varieties matters so much when someone in your family has a gluten intolerance or even full-blown celiac disease.
And a Closer Look at What Hoisin Is
Even though they look identical, soy and hoisin are not the same. Besides soybeans, hoisin is formulated with garlic, sesame oil, chilies, vinegar, and some sweetener for good measure. For lovers of Korean barbecue, you’ll be pleased to know that hoisin is considered the Chinese equivalent. When you look up various Cantonese recipes, you’ll notice that hoisin shows up in almost all of them; this condiment is also incredibly popular in Vietnamese cooking.
Texture Distinguishes the Two Sauces
Ultimately, it’s the texture that helps you tell the two apart. That’s because hoisin tends to be thicker and taste sweeter. But if you need a thickener for your noodle dish or your next stir-fry, hoisin is your best friend. It can also be a secret weapon when you’re making a tasty dipping sauce. Such sauces can accompany egg rolls and other appetizers. Use your imagination! Want to try making some yourself? Creating this concoction isn’t hard. Soy sauces (even gluten-friendly ones) are a good base. Then, you’ll want to add garlic, honey, white vinegar, and Vietnamese-style hot sauce (you’ll know which one we mean!) That way, you can kick up the spice level however much you want. Gochujang can also be a substitute if you’re feeling particularly adventurous!
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your go-to destination for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 Maryland and Virginia locations, this growing market is continually expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.
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FAQs
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce that is slightly sweet and tangy, with a hint of garlic and five-spice flavor. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine, particularly in dishes like Peking duck and moo shu pork. Contrastingly, soy sauce is a thin, salty sauce made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt.
What is the difference between soy sauce and hoisin sauce? ›
Even though they look identical, soy and hoisin are not the same. Besides soybeans, hoisin is formulated with garlic, sesame oil, chilies, vinegar, and some sweetener for good measure. For lovers of Korean barbecue, you'll be pleased to know that hoisin is considered the Chinese equivalent.
Can you use hoisin in place of soy sauce? ›
Hoisin sauce has a sweet flavor that can enhance dishes in place of soy sauce. It does contain sugar, but has a much lower sodium content than soy sauce.
What does hoisin taste like? ›
Hoisin sauce tastes salty and tangy. It has a similar flavour profile to barbecue sauce, but with distinctly different flavours. Our Hoisin Sauce contains yellow bean sauce, soybeans, muscovado sugar, soy sauce, garlic purée and spices. A sweet, savoury and smoky taste featuring mild heat.
What do you use hoisin sauce for? ›
What Is Hoisin Sauce? Hoisin sauce is a condiment most often used in Chinese and Vietnamese cooking. While many people associate hoisin sauce with Peking duck, you can also use it with Vietnamese rolls or as a dipping sauce for other dishes. We make hoisin sauce from red miso, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and spices.
Do I need to refrigerate hoisin sauce? ›
Once the sauce lid is opened, you should always refrigerate the sauce instead of leaving the sauce out on the kitchen countertop where warm conditions can easily form bacteria. If the sauce is refrigerated, the oyster sauce or hoisin sauce can be kept for up to three to six months.
What to use in place of soy sauce? ›
7 Soy Sauce Substitutes That Are As Good As the Real Thing
- Tamari.
- Coconut Aminos.
- Fish Sauce.
- Miso Paste.
- Balsamic Vinegar.
- Worcestershire Sauce.
- Oyster Sauce.
You can use Worcestershire sauce as an alternative when you are in dire need of hoisin sauce. However, it's not the best alternative to hoisin sauce as Worcestershire has a thinner consistency and fruitier taste.
What is the secret ingredient in stir fry? ›
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments in America.
What is another name for hoisin sauce? ›
Hoisin sauce, also known as Chinese barbecue sauce, is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines. It's used to marinate and cook meats, and many people add it to vegetables and stir-fry dishes for a sweet and tangy burst of deliciousness.
Often used as a cooking ingredient, oyster sauce has a richer and more intense taste than hoisin but it does not have the sweetness. If you want to cook with an oyster sauce substitute, hoisin sauce works fine if you like a sweet, tangy flavor.
Why is it called hoisin sauce? ›
The word "Hoisin" is Cantonese and translates to 'seafood sauce', although it contains no seafood. It was created by a chef as a dip to accompany seafood at a local food stall. It was so unique and tasty, that people refer to the sauce as "seafood sauce" and the name stuck with the sauce.
Does hoisin sauce go bad? ›
Unopened hoisin sauce can be stored from the date of purchase in a cool, dark place such as the pantry, for 12-18 months—or by the marked expiry date on the bottle. Once hoisin sauce is opened always refrigerate in an airtight container. It will be usable for up 6 months.
Can I put hoisin sauce in ramen? ›
Transform ultra low-cost ramen noodles into a hearty, delicious and flavourful dinner that is worthy of a payday splurge, without the hefty cost. Pork tenderloin is roasted in a sweet and sticky sauce along with onions, carrots and frozen peas then tossed into your University go-to.
Can you use hoisin sauce alone? ›
Dipping Sauce: Use hoisin alone or combine it with other ingredients to create a dipping sauce like my Spring Rolls with Pineapple Hoisin Sauce or Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Hoisin peanut Sauce.
Is hoisin sauce just oyster sauce? ›
One of the main differences between hoisin sauce and oyster sauce is that the latter contains oyster. Hoisin sauce is plant-based, so it can be an oyster sauce substitute for vegetarians if necessary.
Is hoisin sauce sweet or sour? ›
Store-bought hoisin tends to be excessively salty, overly sweet, and disappointingly thick. Our homemade hoisin sauce recipe tastes sweet, salty, tangy, and downright delicious. Use this umami-rich sauce for chicken, salmon, ribs, tofu, and veggies. Since perfecting this recipe, we've explored so many ways to use it.
