Substitute for Hoisin Sauce
A thick, sweet, savory sauce used in Chinese cooking for stir fries, glazes, and as a dipping sauce.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing hoisin sauce is Soy Sauce + Peanut Butter + Honey + Garlic at a ratio of 2 tablespoons soy sauce + 1 tablespoon peanut butter + 1 tablespoon honey + 1 teaspoon garlic = about 1/4 cup hoisin sauce. This works well for stir fries, glazes, marinades, dipping sauces. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Soy Sauce + Peanut Butter + Honey + Garlic
Flavor impact: Captures the sweet, salty, thick profile of hoisin. Slightly different flavor but works in most applications.
Dairy-free
This homemade version is surprisingly close to bottled hoisin. Mix it in a bowl and taste; adjust the soy-to-honey ratio for saltier or sweeter results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opened hoisin sauce lasts 3-6 months in the fridge. It is shelf-stable before opening. If it smells off or changes color significantly, discard it.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of hoisin sauce, the best all-around substitute is soy sauce + peanut butter + honey + garlic. Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role hoisin sauce plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology