Montserrat-style Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients

Montserrat-style Hoisin Sauce differs from the original Chinese hoisin sauce by incorporating Montserratian spices and flavors. The addition of scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, and allspice gives it a distinct Caribbean twist, adding a spicy and aromatic kick to the sauce. We alse have the original recipe for Hoisin Sauce, so you can check it out.

• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Montserratian rum 2 tablespoons (30ml) Montserratian rum
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 29g, 24g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, molasses, rice vinegar, Montserratian rum, tomato paste, honey, minced garlic, minced scotch bonnet pepper, grated ginger, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. 2.
   Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4. 4.
   Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
5. 5.
   Once cooled, transfer the Montserrat-style Hoisin Sauce to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Soy sauce — Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty sauce.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Adjust the amount of pepper according to your spice tolerance. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds before mincing.
• Montserratian rum — If Montserratian rum is not available, you can substitute it with dark rum or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.
• Tomato paste — Look for a high-quality tomato paste to ensure a rich and robust flavor.
• Allspice — If you can't find ground allspice, you can use a combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender before simmering.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
• Store the Montserrat-style Hoisin Sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Use this sauce as a glaze for grilled meats, a dipping sauce for spring rolls, or a marinade for stir-fried vegetables.
• Experiment with different levels of spiciness by adding more or less scotch bonnet pepper.

Serving advice

Serve Montserrat-style Hoisin Sauce alongside your favorite Caribbean-inspired dishes, such as jerk chicken, plantain fritters, or callaloo stew. It also pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries and dumplings.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Montserrat-style Hoisin Sauce to a small serving bowl or ramekin. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for a pop of color. Serve with a side of fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.