Vegetarian Classic Hoisin Sauce

Total time15 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

This deeply savory sauce comes together in one saucepan, blending fermented black bean paste, molasses, and rice vinegar into a glossy, spoon-coating glaze. Toasted sesame oil and minced garlic build a rich, aromatic base, while Chinese five-spice and a touch of chili garlic sauce add warmth and a gentle kick. A quick simmer melds everything together, and straining the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve gives it that signature silky, restaurant-style texture. It's endlessly versatile — brush it on roasted vegetables, stir it into noodles, or use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. Homemade means you control the sweetness and spice level exactly to your taste, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge for whenever a craving hits. This one's a natural fit for a vegetarian kitchen, ready to add depth to whatever you're cooking next.

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Ingredients

8 servings

3 tbsp soy sauce
Kikkoman Soy Sauce All-Purpose Seasoning Bottle - 10 Fl. Oz.Kikkoman Traditionally Brewed Less Sodium Soy Sauce, 10 fl oz San-J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce - 10 fl oz San-J Gluten Free 28% Less Sodium Tamari Brewed Soy Sauce - Low FODMAP Certified La Choy Soy Sauce - 10 Fl Oz
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2 tbsp fermented black bean paste
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chinese five-spice powder
½ tsp chili garlic sauce
2 tbsp water

Instructions

1
Combine the soy sauce, fermented black bean paste, honey, molasses, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, five-spice powder, chili garlic sauce, and water in a small saucepan and whisk until the paste is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2
Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and the garlic is fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear line when a finger is drawn through.

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