Make Your Own Hoisin Bbq Sauce At Home

Hoisin BBQ sauce is a quick and easy, sweet and savoury Asian-style sauce that can be used on fish, meat, tofu, and vegetables. It is commonly used in Cantonese-style cooking, adding a sweet and salty flavour to marinades and sauces. To make Hoisin BBQ sauce, you will need vegetable oil, garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Some recipes also call for ketchup, sake or dry sherry, and onions. The ingredients are cooked and simmered in a saucepan until thickened, and then cooled before serving or storing.

Hoisin BBQ sauce ingredients

Hoisin BBQ sauce is a fusion of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavours. The ingredients used to make this sauce are common condiments and spices that can be found in most kitchens.

The base of the sauce is hoisin sauce, which is a common Chinese condiment. Hoisin, which means "seafood sauce" in Cantonese, adds a sweet and salty flavour to the BBQ sauce. Despite its name, hoisin sauce does not contain any seafood products. The other main ingredients are soy sauce, garlic, and some form of acid like rice vinegar or sherry.

To make the sauce, start by cooking diced onions and minced garlic in vegetable oil until fragrant. Then, add the remaining ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar or sherry, and other spices like Sriracha, Szechuan peppercorns, or Chinese five-spice powder. Simmer the sauce over low heat until it thickens, and then let it cool. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a month.

Some recipes also include additional ingredients like sesame oil, sesame seeds, ketchup, honey, or peanut butter to enhance the flavour and texture of the sauce.

How to cook the sauce

To make Hoisin BBQ sauce, start by heating some vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Then, add your choice of aromatics—typically garlic, but you can also use onions or scallions—and cook until fragrant. Next, stir in the remaining ingredients, including hoisin sauce, a liquid such as water, sake, or sherry, a sweetener like honey or ketchup, and seasonings such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and pepper. Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, remove from the heat, let it cool, and serve, or transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator.

• Heat a small amount of vegetable oil or olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add your aromatics: Mince or crush 2-3 garlic cloves or use diced onion (about 1/2 cup). Cook until softened and fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients:

• Hoisin sauce (about 1/2 cup)
• A liquid such as water, sake, or sherry (2-3 tablespoons)
• A sweetener like honey or ketchup (1 tablespoon)
• Seasonings such as soy sauce (about 1 tablespoon), rice vinegar (1-2 tablespoons), and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon)

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. This usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool.
• For an extra touch of flavour, add a small amount of sesame oil (about 1/2 teaspoon) and stir to combine.
• Serve the Hoisin BBQ sauce immediately, or transfer it to a jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 2 days to a month, depending on the recipe.

Feel free to adjust the measurements and ingredients to suit your taste preferences and desired consistency. You can also add other ingredients like sesame seeds, fish sauce, or Chinese five-spice powder to give your sauce a unique twist.

How to store Hoisin BBQ sauce

To store your Hoisin BBQ sauce, you'll want to use an airtight container. A mason jar is a good option, but any container that limits the amount of air inside will work. The oxygen in the air reacts with the microorganisms in the sauce, so the less air there is, the longer it will last.

Once you've chosen your container, place it in the fridge. The sauce should last about two weeks if stored this way. If you don't think you'll finish the sauce within that time, you can freeze it. Make sure you use a freezer-safe container and, if storing in a plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen BBQ sauce will last up to three months. When you're ready to use it, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw.

One way to tell if your sauce has gone bad is by smell. Spoiled BBQ sauce will have a pungent vinegar scent, which may be accompanied by small bubbles on the surface. If you see mould, it's definitely time to throw the sauce away.

What foods to serve with Hoisin BBQ sauce

Hoisin BBQ sauce is a delicious condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what foods to serve with Hoisin BBQ sauce:

Grilled Meats

Hoisin BBQ sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats. Try brushing it on chicken wings, pork chops, or ribs before throwing them on the barbecue. The slightly sweet and salty flavour of the sauce will add a delightful dimension to the smokiness of the grilled meats.

Asian-Inspired Dishes

Hoisin sauce is commonly used in Asian cuisine, so incorporating it into Asian-inspired dishes is a natural fit. Use it as a stir-fry sauce for vegetables and meats, or as a marinade for tofu or chicken. Hoisin sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or other appetisers.

Sandwiches and Tacos

For a unique twist on classic sandwiches and tacos, incorporate Hoisin BBQ sauce. Spread it on a BLT sandwich or use it as a filling for pulled pork sandwiches. For tacos, try using it as a base for an Asian-Mexican fusion with fillings like tender pork, shredded cabbage, and fresh herbs.

Sides

Hoisin BBQ sauce can also be a tasty addition to side dishes. Glaze roasted vegetables like broccoli florets or Brussels sprouts with the sauce for a sweet and savoury kick. Alternatively, toss grilled shrimp or oysters in Hoisin BBQ sauce for a tangy seafood side dish.

Customisable Options

Set up a burger or hot dog station with Hoisin BBQ sauce as a condiment option. It can be a fun and interactive way to serve food, allowing your guests to customise their meal to their liking.

How long does it take to make Hoisin BBQ sauce?

Hoisin BBQ sauce is a quick and easy sauce to make. The prep time is around 5 minutes, and the cooking time is around 10 minutes, giving a total time of 15 minutes.

The first step is to gather all the ingredients. The ingredients vary depending on the recipe, but they usually include vegetable oil, garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Some recipes also include onions, honey, ketchup, and spices.

Once you have all the ingredients, the next step is to cook the garlic and onion (if using). Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add the garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about 2 minutes. If using onion, cook it first until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so.

The next step is to add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened. This should take around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe and your desired consistency.

Finally, let the sauce cool and then serve, or transfer it to a jar and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce should last for at least a couple of days in the fridge and can also be frozen.

Frequently asked questions