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5 from 18 votes
Looking to elevate your Asian-inspired dishes? Look no further than this easy Hoisin Dipping Sauce, made with only three ingredients and takes only 5 minutes! With its rich and complex flavors, this sauce brings a burst of umami to any dish it accompanies, and it's especially great with Vietnamese rice paper rolls and spring rolls!
Table of Contents
- What to Use This Hoisin Dipping Sauce On
- What Is Hoisin Sauce?
- Why You’ll Love This Hoisin Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Hoisin Dipping Sauce At Home
- How to Make Hoisin Dipping Sauce
- Joyce's Tips For Making the Best Hoisin Dipping Sauce
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Hoisin Dipping Sauce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Hoisin Dipping Sauce
- Recipes To Use Up Leftover Hoisin Sauce
- More Sauce Recipes You May Like
- Did You Make This Easy Hoisin Dipping Sauce?
- Recipe Card
- Recipes to Try with This Dipping Sauce
Hoisin is very flavorful on its own, so it doesn't take much tweaking to make it a delicious dipping sauce, which is why I only use 2 ingredients (plus the hoisin).
I still wanted to retain the wonderful flavor from the hoisin sauce, so I didn't want to overdo it by adding too many ingredients to this dipping sauce. Fewer ingredients also meant I could get it out faster as well.
This is actually one of my most-used recipes at home. It's weird, right? An easy dipping sauce recipe of all things?
I eat a lot of Vietnamese rice paper rolls, I mean a lot. It's my 'clean the fridge' meal that requires no cooking, so I can have a meal out on the table in less than 10 minutes, and this hoisin dipping sauce, and my Easy Thai Peanut Satay Sauce is what makes summer rolls delicious.
That being said, this versatile hoisin dipping sauce is definitely not limited to just fresh rice paper spring rolls. Don't believe me? Then check out what I use it on from the list below!
What to Use This Hoisin Dipping Sauce On
When it comes to using this delicious sauce, the ideas are endless because it goes so well with almost everything! Here are a few ways I like to use them at home!
- Peking Duck Sauce: I never get enough sauce when I have this so I whip up a huge batch of this and drizzle it like crazy. Alternatively, I also use this hoisin dipping sauce on my Peking chicken recipe instead of the recommended ginger scallion sauce I normally use.
- Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls (Goi Cuon, Salad Rolls): This is actually my go-to sauce whenever I make rice wraps. If I want something a bit creamier, I will add a bit of peanut butter as well. I also love using Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese fish dipping sauce) on these fresh spring rolls as well.
- Hot Pot - Dipping sauces for hot pot are fun to make, the more sauces you have to pick from, the more fun it is. Sometimes, I like to make this hoisin dipping sauce on the side to dip my meats in.
- Chinese Roast Pork Belly (Siu Yuk): Whenever I buy Chinese roasted pork belly from the store, I never get enough sauce. I usually whip this up with a little less water so that it's thicker and I only add toasted sesame oil to keep the flavor more simple and traditional.
- Wings: Deep-fried (or oven-roasted) wings are delicious when tossed in this dipping sauce. I add a touch more chili oil than what the recipe calls for and I thin it out a bit more as well so that it coats the wings better without being too thick and gloopy.
- Potstickers/Dumplings: I usually make my dumpling dipping sauces with soy sauce mixed with chili oil and some maple syrup, but if I am feeling like a thicker dipping sauce (especially for the deep-fried gyozas) I will use this hoisin dipping sauce instead. It uses almost the same ingredients, but it also has a spiced flavor as well. I would thin this out as well so that it doesn't overpower the gyozas or dumplings.
- Lettuce Wraps: Similar to Peking duck, you're basically wrapping some meat with some veggies! This hoisin dipping sauce is what makes them delicious and is a must for any lettuce wrap you make.
- Spring Rolls: This is great with traditional crispy spring rolls as well, but you will need to thin the sauce out a lot more to prevent it from being too salty and overpowering.
- Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Bowls: This hoisin dipping sauce (when thinned out) goes amazing with any type of grilled meat vermicelli bowl. Especially when combined with a peanut satay sauce and some nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce)
What Is Hoisin Sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and savory sauce that is used a lot in Cantonese cooking. It is also used a lot as a dipping sauce in Chinese-American and Vietnamese cuisine as well.
The word 'hoisin' literally translates to 'seafood' in Chinese, even though the sauce itself does not contain any seafood, and it is not commonly used with seafood as well.
Some believe that it has a seafood flavor, which is why it is called 'seafood sauce', but everyone's taste buds are different, so I'll let you be the judge of that. 🙂
Hoisin is most commonly used in marinades for dishes like Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork), it is also used to make sauces for easy vegetable and noodle stir-fries, but the easiest way to use them is to make dipping sauces for dishes like Crispy Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun), Vietnamese spring rolls (rice paper rolls) and Chinese Hot Pot.
It's a must-have sauce for your kitchen if you like to make Asian food at home.
Why You’ll Love This Hoisin Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Easy to make: This hoisin dipping sauce recipe requires just a few ingredients and a quick mix in a small bowl, making it a simple and hassle-free addition to any meal.
- Versatile: This sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, including as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, egg rolls, or lettuce wraps, or as a glaze for stir-fry dishes. Its sweet and savory flavors complement a wide range of ingredients.
- Delicious: The combination of hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, and chili oil creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will enhance the taste of any dish. The optional addition of peanut butter adds a creamy and nutty element to the sauce.
- Crowd pleaser: Whether you’re serving it as a condiment at a party or using it to elevate a weeknight dinner, this hoisin dipping sauce is sure to impress your guests with its bold and delicious flavors.
- Customizable: You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less water, depending on your preference. Additionally, you can garnish the sauce with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped herbs to add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Hoisin Dipping Sauce At Home
All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious hoisin dipping sauce recipe at home.
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Hoisin Sauce: This is the main star of this dipping sauce and should not be substituted. It'll provide that classic flavor for this delicious dipping sauce.
- Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a lot of nutty flavor to this dipping sauce and gives a richer flavor.
- Chili oil: I like adding chili oil to this dipping sauce for a bit more flavor and spiciness. My favorite chili oil to use is Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp. If you don't have any chili oil at home, you can also use Sriracha chili sauce instead to give it a spicy kick and some garlic flavors to it. If you don't want your dipping sauce spicy, omit the chili oil and Sriracha.
- Water: Hoisin on its own is a very thick sauce and will always require a bit of thinning out before using it as a dipping sauce.
- Peanut Butter (Optional): If you're using this for Vietnamese rice rolls, you can also add peanut butter to it as well. Just make sure you add a bit more water to it to thin it out.
- Garnish: You can choose to garnish the dipping sauce with finely crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped cilantro, chives, or green onions. These garnishes will add texture, visual appeal, and additional flavors to the dipping sauce.
How to Make Hoisin Dipping Sauce
Making this incredible hoisin dipping sauce recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
In a small bowl, add the hoisin sauce, chili oil, and toasted sesame and mix well. If you want it creamy, you can also add peanut butter at this stage for added flavor.
Gradually add in ½ teaspoon of water to the mixture until you achieve the desired consistency. The amount of water needed may vary depending on personal preference and the specific dish you are serving the sauce with. As a general guideline, you can start with about 6 tablespoons of water and adjust accordingly.
Optional: Garnish the sauce with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped cilantro, chives, or green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
Joyce's Tips For Making the Best Hoisin Dipping Sauce
Adjusting the Consistency: When making hoisin dipping sauce, the amount of water you add will depend on your personal preference. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired thickness. Remember, you can always add more water, but you can’t take it out, so go slowly and taste as you go.
Add Peanut Butter: If you want to add a creamy element to your hoisin dipping sauce, try mixing in some peanut butter. Start with a small amount, like 3 ½ tablespoons, and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that adding peanut butter will make the sauce thicker, so you may need to add more water to thin it out.
Spicy Variation: If you prefer a spicy hoisin dipping sauce, add Sriracha chili sauce to it. The amount you use will depend on your heat tolerance, so start with a small amount and add more if it's not spicy enough. Just be cautious not to make the sauce too spicy, as it can overpower the other flavors.
Garnishing Options: To enhance the presentation and flavor of your hoisin dipping sauce, consider adding garnishes like finely crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped cilantro, chives, or green onions. These toppings add texture and freshness to the sauce, making it even more enjoyable.
Check for Sodium: When using chili oil, always check the sodium content. Some brands may be high in sodium, which can make the dipping sauce overly salty. Adjust the amount of chili oil accordingly or increase the water to balance out the flavors. Remember to taste the sauce before serving to ensure it’s not too salty.
Serving Suggestions
I like to drizzle the hoisin dipping sauce over Vietnamese vermicelli noodle bowl. The sweet and savory flavors of the sauce complement the grilled shrimp and fresh basil, creating a deliciously balanced dish.
Serve the hoisin dipping sauce alongside crispy crab and cheese spring rolls. The rich and creamy filling pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory sauce, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
Use the hoisin dipping sauce as a flavorful condiment for roasted okra. The combination of the sauce’s umami taste and the crispy texture of the okra creates a delightful contrast that will elevate this simple side dish.
Accompany crispy fried wonton chips with the hoisin dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer. The sauce adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor to the crispy chips, making them even more irresistible.
Dip crispy buttermilk popcorn chicken into the hoisin sauce for a delightful fusion of flavors. The sauce’s sweet and savory notes enhance the crispy chicken, creating a delicious and addictive combination.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Hoisin Dipping Sauce
This delicious hoisin dipping sauce recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:
Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, try adding a teaspoon of Sriracha sauce to the hoisin dipping sauce. This will give it a fiery kick and add a layer of spiciness to your dishes.
Creamy peanut: To enhance the nutty flavors in the hoisin dipping sauce, mix in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. This will create a smooth and rich texture, perfect for dipping spring rolls or drizzling over stir-fried dishes. You will need to add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out though, since peanut butter will make the sauce very thick.
Ginger infused: For a zesty twist, grate some fresh ginger into the hoisin dipping sauce. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust according to your taste preferences. The ginger will add a refreshing and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you definitely can! Since it stores quite well, you can make this ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. If there is peanut butter in it, it might get thicker when it gets cold so leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it.
Is there any seafood in hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is made with fermented soybean paste, garlic, spices, sugar, and thickeners and does not contain any seafood in it, even if the literal Cantonese translation of hoisin sauce is 'seafood sauce'.
Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?
Most hoisin sauces are thickened with wheat flour, which makes them not gluten-free. However, there are brands that do use xanthan gum, soy flour, and corn starch as a thickener, so there are gluten-free hoisin sauces out there, but they are harder to find.
Can I substitute oyster sauce for hoisin sauce?
The only similarity between these 2 sauces is the consistency. They both have completely different flavor profiles (oyster sauce is saltier, and hoisin sauce is a sweeter sauce with hints of spice) so I would not substitute these sauces with each other.
What does hoisin sauce taste like?
Hoisin sauce is a thick and rich sauce that tastes sweet and savory with hints of spice. If you like teriyaki sauce, I'm sure you'll love this one. It's also a central ingredient in many Chinese dishes.
What's the difference between hoisin sauce and soy sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thicker sauce that has a sweet and savory flavor with hints of spice (garlic and five-spice). Soy sauce, on the other hand, has a thinner viscosity and is much saltier.
Do I need to refrigerate hoisin sauce?
Once opened, you should always keep your hoisin sauce in the fridge. Make sure the lid is tight so that it doesn't dry out in the fridge. It will keep for about a year.
How to Store Leftover Hoisin Dipping Sauce
To store leftover hoisin dipping sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. The sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week in a well-sealed jar or small bowl covered with plastic wrap.
When you’re ready to use the sauce again, simply remove it from the fridge and give it a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
It’s important to note that hoisin dipping sauce is not suitable for freezing. The ingredients in the sauce, such as soy sauce and garlic, may not freeze well and can affect the texture and flavors when thawed. Therefore, it is best to enjoy the sauce fresh and discard any leftovers that cannot be consumed within the recommended refrigeration period.
Recipes To Use Up Leftover Hoisin Sauce
- Sweet and Sticky Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
- 15-Minute Asian Shrimp Recipe
- Sweet and Sticky Crispy Beef
- Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) Gyoza Dumplings Recipe
More Sauce Recipes You May Like
- Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Easy Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
- Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)
- Ginger Scallion Sauce
- Thai Peanut Sauce (From Scratch)
- Miso Garlic Chili Oil
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo
- Chinese Stir Fry Sauce
- Chinese White Sauce
Did You Make This Easy Hoisin Dipping Sauce?
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Recipe Card
Easy Hoisin Dipping Sauce (3 Ingredients)
A super easy, hoisin dipping sauce that only uses 3 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to make! A great dipping sauce for Vietnamese rice paper rolls and more!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Asian, Asian American Fusion, Chinese, Vietnamese
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
1 cup
5 from 18 votes
Made with ♡ by Joyce Lee
Joyce's Recipe Notes
- Always check how much sodium is in the chili oil you are using. If there is a lot of sodium, you may need to either put less or increase the water so that the sauce is not overly salty.
- You can also add peanut butter to this dipping sauce as well to make it a hoisin peanut dipping sauce for Vietnamese rice rolls. Make sure you add a bit more water to it to thin it out.
- If you want to make this a spicy hoisin dipping sauce, use Sriracha chili sauce instead of chili oil.
- How thick or thin you like your dipping sauce is always a personal preference so the amount will vary. Always add the water last, after the dipping sauce is all mixed with the other ingredients. Once the sauce is completely mixed, add in ½ teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the consistency you like.
- Once made, it will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Keep it well sealed in a jar or a small bowl wrapped in plastic wrap so that it doesn't dry out.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons chili oil
- 6 tablespoons water
- 3 ½ tablespoons peanut butter (Optional, you will need to add more water to thin out the sauce)
Garnish (Optional, Pick One)
- finely crushed peanuts
- toasted sesame seeds
- finely chopped cilantro, chives, or green onions
Instructions
In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 teaspoons chili oil, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil and mix well.
(Optional) If you are adding peanut butter to this sauce, mix in 3 ½ tablespoons peanut butter now.
Add in ½ teaspoon of water until you get the consistency you like.
I like to add about 6 tablespoons of water, but it will vary depending on how thin or thick you want the sauce to be.
If you added peanut butter, you definitely want to add more water.
(Optional) Garnish! You can use crushed peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped cilantro, chives, or green onions!
Nutrition
Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 782mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
*Nutritional information is calculated using online tools and is an estimate*
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Recipes to Try with This Dipping Sauce
- Oven Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken
- Ultimate Chinese Hot Pot Guide on How to Hot Pot at Home
- Crab and Cheese Spring Rolls
- Crispy Fried Wonton Chips
- Vietnamese Grilled Shrimp Vermicelli Noodle Bowl
