Sauces and Dips

Thick, Glossy Sauce for Peking Duck, Lettuce Wraps, and Noodles

Hoisin sauce is a classic Chinese pantry staple—sweet, savory, and deeply umami. It’s used as a glaze, marinade, and dipping sauce, especially for roasted meats, stir-fries, lettuce wraps, and noodles. This homemade version is rich and balanced, with the familiar hoisin flavor you expect.

Ingredients (Makes about 1 cup)

1/3 cup hoisin-style base: smooth peanut butter or black bean paste (choose one)

1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)

3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder

2 teaspoons garlic, finely grated

1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated

2 tablespoons warm water, as needed to thin

Optional: 1 teaspoon chili paste for heat

Instructions

1. Mix the base
   In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter (or black bean paste), soy sauce, honey or sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, five-spice, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency
   Whisk in warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce is thick but pourable.
3. Rest
   Let sit 10 minutes so flavors settle. Taste and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or acidity as needed.

Serving Ideas

Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or lettuce wraps

Brush onto pork, chicken, or tofu as a glaze before roasting or grilling

Stir into noodles or stir-fries for sweet-savory depth

Spread inside bao buns, wraps, or sandwiches

Tips from @saucesanddips

For a more authentic “bean-forward” flavor, use black bean paste instead of peanut butter.

If your sauce tastes too sharp, add a touch more honey and let it rest 15 minutes.

Keeps 2–3 weeks refrigerated in a sealed jar; stir before using.

Tag your recreations with #saucesanddips and follow @saucesanddips on Instagram.