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Gluten free hoisin sauce is a game-changer for adding rich, savory flavors without the gluten. This homemade version is healthier and versatile, perfect for BBQ meats, stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce. It balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors beautifully.
In this post, learn how to make your own vegetarian hoisin sauce in just 5 minutes and get tips on how to use this versatile sauce. From essential ingredients to delicious serving ideas, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is hoisin sauce
Hoisin sauce, pronounced [hói sīn jeung] in Cantonese and hǎi xiān jiàng in Mandarin, means “seafood sauce.” Despite its name, it does not contain seafood.
This thick, fragrant sauce is sweet and savory, made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and various spices. It’s perfect for adding a rich flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. Traditional hoisin sauce can contain gluten, but our homemade version is both gluten-free and delicious!
What does hoisin sauce taste like
Hoisin sauce is a delightful mix of salty and sweet flavors, with hints of star anise and cloves, and a tangy finish. Traditionally made with fermented soybean paste and seasonings, it’s less sweet than plum sauce or egg roll sauce. This sauce has a dark caramel color and a thick, syrup-like consistency. It’s perfect as a glaze for BBQ meats, a dipping sauce, or a stir-fry sauce when diluted.
Ingredients
This healthy hoisin sauce is gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and perfect for everyone. It’s also a great substitute than store-bought. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sauce:
- Date syrup or pitted soft dates: Adds natural sweetness and a rich texture.
- Gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos: Provides a savory umami flavor.
- Unsweetened and unsalted peanut butter (or tahini, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter): Contributes creaminess and depth.
- Garlic clove (grated) or garlic powder: Infuses a mild, aromatic garlic flavor.
- Coarse sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance.
- Five spice powder (star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, cloves, and ginger): Introduces warm, complex spice notes.
- Water: Adjusts the sauce consistency to your preference.
Flavor adjustments
- Too Sweet? Add a bit more soy sauce or coconut aminos to balance it out.
- Too Thick? Thin with a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Want More Umami? Mix in a teaspoon of miso paste for extra depth of flavor.
- Optional Tang: If you like a bit of tang, add ½ teaspoon of rice vinegar. This adds a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness, making the sauce more vibrant. However, it’s entirely optional and can be left out if you prefer a purely sweet and savory profile.
How to make hoisin sauce gluten free
Creating this vegan hoisin sauce is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to get a delicious sauce that’s perfect for various dishes!
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Mix the Ingredients:
- In a glass measuring cup, combine date syrup, soy sauce, peanut butter, grated garlic, salt, and five spice powder.
- Start by adding 0.5 tablespoon of water to thin the paste. Mix well, adding more water if needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Blend the Dates (if using):
- If you’re using pitted dates, blend them in a mini food processor with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Scrape the bowl a few times and blend until you get a thick, syrup-like texture.
Taste and adjust:
- Taste the sauce. It should be savory, sweet, and slightly tangy with hints of star anise and cloves.
- If needed, add a pinch more salt or a splash of water to get the perfect taste and texture.
Storage tips
Gf hoisin sauce leftovers should be stored in a glass, airtight container. Once refrigerated, it can last for up to 3 weeks and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Before using, defrost it in the fridge and shake the bottle again. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of water and blend it again to reach your desired consistency.
How to use the sauce
This hoisin sauce substitute is incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
Add to Stir-Fries:
- Moo shu chicken: Add a touch of hoisin sauce to your stir-fry and use it as a dipping sauce on the side for pancakes.
- Asian chicken lettuce wraps: Incorporate hoisin sauce into your stir-fry and serve it as a dipping sauce for pancakes.
As a Dipping Sauce/Condiment:
- Vietnamese peanut sauce recipe (made with hoisin sauce) for Shrimp summer rolls: Use hoisin sauce as a key ingredient in this delicious peanut sauce.
- Brisket pho: Use hoisin sauce as a condiment, along with sriracha, to fragrant the broth.
As a Marinade:
- Vietnamese grilled chicken drumsticks: Marinate the chicken drumsticks in hoisin sauce for a flavorful and tender dish.
- Beef and broccoli kabobs: Use hoisin sauce as a marinade for a savory and delicious kabob.
Helpful tips
- Choose the Right Sweetener: If using pitted dates, blend thoroughly with water to achieve a smooth, syrup-like texture. If you prefer date syrup, it’s ready to use and easier to mix.
- Adjust Consistency Gradually: Start with a small amount of water to thin the sauce, and add more as needed. The sauce should be thick but pourable.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce as you mix. Adjust the saltiness with soy sauce or coconut aminos and sweetness with additional date syrup or dates.
- Optional Tang: For a tangy twist, add ½ teaspoon of rice vinegar. This is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a purely sweet and savory sauce.
FAQs
A good substitute is a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, blackstrap molasses, and a pinch of five spice powder. Adjust to taste for sweetness and consistency.
Yes, hoisin sauce is typically vegan and vegetarian, as it contains no animal products. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden animal-derived ingredients.
More gluten free Chinese sauces you might like
If you loved our Gluten free hoisin sauce, here are more delicious gluten-free Chinese sauces to try. These sauces will add amazing flavors to your dishes and keep you coming back for more!
- Shacha Sauce: Taiwanese BBQ sauce with a savory and deeply umami flavor profile.
- Wonton Sauce: Savory and garlicky, perfect for shrimp wontons and beef wontons.
- Hotpot Sauces: Five different flavors to pick and choose for your hot pot feast!
Gluten free hoisin sauce recipe (homemade)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp date syrup or 1 oz. pitted dates (6 soft and moist dates)
- ½ tbsp light soy sauce or 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp unsweetened and unsalted peanut butter or tahini, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter
- 0.1 oz garlic clove grated, or ½ tsp garlic powder
- Small pinch coarse sea salt or to taste
- Small pinch five spice powder
- 0.5 to 1 tbsp water to thin if using pitted dates, add 3 tbsp water to blend.
Instructions
- In a glass measuring cup, add date syrup, soy sauce, peanut butter, grated garlic, small pinches of salt and five spice powder. Start with half tablespoon of water to thin the paste and mix. Add a bit more if the paste is too thick. Taste and see if more salt is needed.
- The sauce should taste savory, sweet, and with a hint of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and tangy flavor.
- If using pitted dates, blend with a mini food processor with 3 tablespoons of water. Scrap the bowl a few times and blend until it becomes a thicker and almost syrup-ish texture.
- Store the extra in a glass container in the fridge. Best use in 1-2 weeks. If the paste turns too thicker, thin with 0.5 tablespoon water or more until your desired consistency.
Notes
- If you prefer a tangier version, add ½ teaspoon rice vinegar to the sauce. I personally did not like the taste so I didn’t add it to my sauce.
- Traditional Chinese hoisin sauce is made with fermented black bean paste which is harder to find and might not be gluten-free. You can add 1-2 teaspoons of miso paste to mix for an even deeper taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I just made this and wow is it good! I’m pretty sensitive to soy and try my best to avoid it which really limits certain dishes I can eat. So excited to try this out in my stir fry tonight! And I’m so glad I found your site and recipes!
Thank you!
Loved having a Whole 30 recipe for this hoisin sauce. It was yummy, and we tried it in your Moo Shu Chicken. A definite repeat recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for this recipe — I am making a batch to have on hand! How long can I keep it in the fridge?
I’d say best finish it in one week for the most refreshing flavor!
What a great idea to use pitted dates! I’ll have to try that and this recipe soon!
Awesome, I’ve been looking for a healthy hoisin sauce recipe and this one is so simple to make. Thank you.
Thank you for this recipe! I love hoisin sauce and have always wanted to know how to make it! So easy and delicious!
You have no idea how excited I am for this. Thank you!
This is so fun to make with wholesome ingredients!
So delicious! It’s amazing on stir fry.
We made it the other day to go with the Moo shu chicken! It was fantastic and easy to make. I store the extra in a small glass jar in the fridge. Will be using it for mandarin pancakes and stir-fry sauce, too! Thanks!