Homemade Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) molasses 1 tablespoon (15ml) molasses
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 60 kcal / 251 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, molasses, minced garlic, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, and chili flakes (if desired).
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the sauce mixture to the saucepan and bring to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and let the hoisin sauce cool completely.
6. 6.
   Transfer the sauce to a sterilized jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty hoisin sauce.
• Rice vinegar — If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have this spice blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier hoisin sauce, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or molasses if desired.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or vegetable broth.
• Store the hoisin sauce in a glass jar or container to preserve its flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or roasted meats. It can also be used as a glaze for grilled vegetables or as a condiment in stir-fries and noodle dishes.

Presentation advice

Transfer the hoisin sauce to a small serving bowl or ramekin. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an attractive presentation.