Hoisin sauce is a condiment used in Chinese cooking made from fermented soy beans. It is reddish brown and both sweet and spicy. Typical ingredients include soybean paste, sugar, garlic and vinegar.
Use hoisin sauce as a glaze for roasted meats, Peking Duck, marinades and stir-frys. Hoisin sauce can be mixed with soy sauce and used as a dip for mushu pork.
You can purchase this sauce in most well-stocked grocery stores in the Asian food section. Of course it would be found in any Asian market or online at Amazon.com. See how to make your own hoisin sauce substitute below.
4 tablespoons soy sauce (lower sodium if you prefer) 2 tablespoons black bean paste 1 tablespoon molasses 2 teaspoons white vinegar 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seed oil 20 drops Chinese hot chili oil (or use Tabasco sauce) 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well incorporated. This sauce will last for several months, refrigerated in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.