Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of hoisin sauce?

DIY: soy + honey + garlic + vinegar, Oyster sauce + honey and Plum sauce are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

DIY: soy + honey + garlic + vinegar. Use the same amount. Per 3 tbsp hoisin: 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey or molasses + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + pinch garlic powder.

Adjust: Taste — adjust sweet/salty 1:1.

DIY: soy + honey + garlic + vinegar
Drop-in swap

Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

Per 3 tbsp hoisin: 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey or molasses + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + pinch garlic powder.

Flavor
Very close sweet-salty balance.

Texture
Slightly thinner; simmer 1-2 min to reduce.

Moisture
Same after reduction.

Adjust
Taste — adjust sweet/salty 1:1.

Best for
Stir-fries, Glazes, Dips, Marinades
Oyster sauce + honey
Small adjustment

Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

Saltier than hoisin; sweeten with 1/2 tsp honey per tbsp.

Flavor
More umami, less five-spice.

Texture
Same.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Not vegetarian.

Best for
Stir-fries, Noodles

not vegetarian · contains shellfish
Plum sauce
Changes flavor or texture

Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

Sweeter and fruitier; good for dipping.

Flavor
Fruity-sweet, mild.

Texture
Same.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Add a splash of soy to savory dishes.

Best for
Dipping sauces, Glazes

vegetarian
Barbecue sauce + soy sauce
Changes flavor or texture

Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

Sweet-tangy profile is the closest Western stand-in; 2:1 BBQ to soy.

Flavor
Smoky-sweet; lacks five-spice.

Texture
Same.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Use sparingly — smoke flavor can dominate.

Best for
Glazes, Marinades

Common questions

What is the best substitute for hoisin sauce?

DIY: soy + honey + garlic + vinegar is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Per 3 tbsp hoisin: 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey or molasses + 1/2 tsp rice vinegar + pinch garlic powder.

How much should I use instead of hoisin sauce?

It depends on the swap. DIY: soy + honey + garlic + vinegar: Use the same amount. Oyster sauce + honey: Use the same amount. Plum sauce: Use the same amount.