Have you ever stared at a wall of hoisin sauce bottles, wondering which one will truly elevate your stir-fry? It’s a common kitchen dilemma! Finding the perfect hoisin sauce can feel like a guessing game, and sometimes the results are just…meh. You want that sweet, savory, slightly spicy flavor that makes Chinese takeout so irresistible, but store-bought options can be hit or miss.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’ve done the delicious, scientific work for you, testing countless brands to find the absolute best hoisin sauce. They understand the frustration of a lackluster dish and are dedicated to helping you achieve culinary success.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes a hoisin sauce truly stand out, according to the experts at America’s Test Kitchen. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and discover their top pick that promises to bring that authentic, craveable flavor to your home cooking. Get ready to unlock the secret to perfect hoisin!
Our Top 5 Hoisin Sauce America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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365 by Whole Foods Market | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (36 oz – 1 Pack) | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Simply Asia Drizzle Sauce | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Hoisin Sauce America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce
Rating: 8.7/10
Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce is a delicious sauce that makes your food taste amazing. You can use it for many different meals. It comes in a 13.2 ounce bottle. This sauce is made without preservatives and is gluten-free. It’s also made right here in the USA!
What We Like:
- It’s gluten-free, so more people can enjoy it.
- It doesn’t have any preservatives.
- The taste is sweet and savory, perfect for many dishes.
- It’s made in the USA.
- It’s easy to use for marinades, stir-fries, and dipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bottle can be a little slippery when wet.
- Some people might find the sweetness level a bit high.
Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It brings great flavor to your meals and is made with care.
2. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Rating: 9.0/10
We tried the 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Hoisin Sauce, 10 Ounce, and it’s a handy addition to any kitchen. This sauce is made with organic ingredients and comes in a convenient 10-ounce bottle. It’s part of the 365 brand, which is known for its quality. We found it easy to use in various recipes.
What We Like:
- The sauce has a good, balanced sweet and savory flavor that works well in many dishes.
- It’s organic, which is a big plus for those who prefer natural ingredients.
- The 10-ounce size is just right for home cooks who don’t need a huge amount.
- It’s readily available from Amazon, making it easy to get.
- The texture is smooth, which helps it mix into sauces and marinades easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cap can sometimes be a bit sticky after use, which requires a quick wipe.
- While good, some might find the sweetness a little more pronounced than other hoisin sauces.
Overall, this organic hoisin sauce is a solid choice for adding authentic flavor to your cooking. It’s a dependable ingredient that delivers good taste and quality.
3. Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (36 oz – 1 Pack)
Rating: 8.8/10
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (36 oz – 1 Pack) is a sweet and savory sauce that adds amazing flavor to many dishes. It’s great for marinades, BBQ sauce, dips, stir-frying, pizza, Peking duck, and even soup noodles. This large bottle means you’ll have plenty for all your cooking adventures.
What We Like:
- Sweet-Savory Flavor: It has a wonderful sweet and savory taste with hints of smokiness and a little tang. This makes it a key ingredient for many Asian foods and a fun way to try new recipes.
- Versatile Cooking: You can use it to marinate meats, stir-fry veggies, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls. It adds a burst of flavor to everything.
- Classic and Flexible: It’s famous for dishes like Peking duck and hoisin beef stir-fry, but you can also add it to fusion wraps, pizza, or tacos for a modern twist.
- Rich, Smooth Texture: The sauce is thick and smooth. It sticks well to food, creating a nice, shiny glaze. It’s also a great base for other sauces and toppings.
- Endless Culinary Possibilities: This sauce opens up a world of cooking. It makes meats, veggies, pizza, and noodles taste better by adding depth and complexity.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large 36 oz size might be too much for someone who doesn’t cook with it often.
- While versatile, some might find the flavor too strong if they are not used to hoisin sauce.
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both traditional flavors and modern culinary freedom. It’s a versatile sauce that can elevate many different types of meals.
4. Simply Asia Drizzle Sauce
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to add some serious flavor to your meals with Simply Asia Drizzle Sauce, Spicy Hoisin! This sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves a little kick and a lot of deliciousness in their food. It’s perfect for making ordinary meals extraordinary, right in your own kitchen.
What We Like:
- The sauce has a fantastic balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors that taste amazing.
- It’s super easy to use – just squeeze and drizzle! No need for extra prep.
- It’s incredibly versatile. You can put it on so many different dishes, like noodles, rice bowls, stir-fry, and even soup.
- The Asian-inspired flavor, with chili, soy sauce, and gochujang, really makes your dishes pop.
- It helps you create restaurant-quality Asian dishes at home easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- For those who are very sensitive to spice, it might be a bit too spicy.
- The bottle size is 8 fl oz, which is great for trying it out, but if you use it a lot, you might wish for a larger size.
Simply Asia’s Spicy Hoisin Drizzle Sauce is a fantastic way to bring exciting Asian flavors to your table. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference in taste.
5. Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce
Rating: 9.4/10
Discover Sauce Grandmaster’s Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce, a game-changer for anyone seeking authentic Asian flavor without the usual dietary compromises. This sauce is a dream for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike, offering a low-sodium, low-calorie, and preservative-free experience. It’s all-natural, handmade, and brings real Asian taste to your table, working wonders from barbecue to simple dipping.
What We Like:
- Real Ingredients, No MSG: Made with 100% natural ingredients and no artificial additives, it delivers pure, fresh flavor.
- Small Batch Craftsmanship: Each bottle is carefully blended in small batches, ensuring a unique flavor and texture.
- Incredibly Versatile: Perfect for Peking duck, spring rolls, ramen, pizza, meats, vegetables, seafood, sushi, and salads.
- Truly Gluten-Free: Rigorously tested to be free of wheat and gluten, offering a safe and reassuring option.
- Thoughtful Bottle Design: Easy to store and use, keeping the sauce fresh and perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.
- Quality Focused: Designed for those who value health and quality, with a commitment to customer satisfaction.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the bottle design is good, storing it upside down is recommended for easier dispensing, which might not be intuitive for everyone.
This sauce is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, making healthy eating flavorful and exciting. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Choosing the Best Hoisin Sauce: A Guide for Home Cooks
Hoisin sauce is a staple in many kitchens. It’s a sweet and savory sauce that adds a lot of flavor to your cooking. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best hoisin sauce, especially if you’re looking for one that America’s Test Kitchen recommends.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for hoisin sauce, keep these important features in mind:
- Flavor Balance: The best hoisin sauce has a good mix of sweet and savory. It shouldn’t be too sweet or too salty. You want a rich, deep flavor.
- Texture: A good hoisin sauce is thick but smooth. It should coat your food nicely without being too watery or clumpy.
- Ingredients: Look for sauces with simple, recognizable ingredients. Things like soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and spices are common. Avoid artificial colors or flavors if you can.
- Versatility: The best hoisin sauce can be used in many dishes. It’s great for marinades, stir-fries, dipping sauces, and even glazes for meats.
Important Materials
Hoisin sauce is made from a few key ingredients that give it its unique taste:
- Soy Sauce: This is the salty, umami base of the sauce.
- Sweeteners: Sugar, corn syrup, or honey add sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh or powdered garlic gives it a pungent kick.
- Vinegar: Vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Spices: Spices like star anise, cinnamon, or five-spice powder add complexity.
- Thickeners: Cornstarch or other starches are often used to give the sauce its thick texture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a hoisin sauce better or worse:
- Natural Ingredients: Sauces made with natural sweeteners and real garlic tend to taste better.
- Fermentation: Some traditional hoisin sauces are fermented, which can add a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Artificial Additives: Sauces with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives might not taste as good or be as healthy.
- Salt Content: Too much salt can overpower other flavors.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using hoisin sauce is easy and rewarding.
- Marinades: Marinate chicken, pork, or tofu for a few hours before cooking.
- Stir-fries: Add a few spoonfuls to your stir-fry for instant flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Mix it with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes for a tasty dipping sauce.
- Glazes: Brush it on ribs or chicken during the last few minutes of grilling or baking.
- Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer on sandwiches for an extra flavor boost.
America’s Test Kitchen often looks for sauces that are well-balanced, have a good texture, and use quality ingredients. They test many brands to find the ones that perform best in various recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hoisin Sauce
Q: What is hoisin sauce?
A: Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce used in Chinese cooking. It has a sweet and savory flavor.
Q: What does “hoisin” mean?
A: “Hoisin” means “seafood” in Chinese. However, most hoisin sauces do not contain seafood. The name might refer to its use in seafood dishes or its rich flavor.
Q: What are the main ingredients in hoisin sauce?
A: Common ingredients include soybeans, garlic, chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Q: Is hoisin sauce spicy?
A: Some hoisin sauces have a little heat from chili peppers, but they are generally not very spicy. You can add chili flakes if you want more spice.
Q: Can I use hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce?
A: Yes, hoisin sauce is excellent as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or grilled meats.
Q: How long does hoisin sauce last?
A: Once opened, hoisin sauce can last for several months in the refrigerator. Always check the expiration date on the bottle.
Q: What’s the difference between hoisin sauce and oyster sauce?
A: Hoisin sauce is sweeter and thicker, with a more complex flavor from spices. Oyster sauce is saltier and has a less pronounced flavor, with a hint of the sea.
Q: Can I make hoisin sauce at home?
A: Yes, you can make hoisin sauce at home using ingredients like soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, garlic, and vinegar.
Q: What are some popular dishes that use hoisin sauce?
A: Popular dishes include Peking duck, Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork), stir-fries, and marinades.
Q: Where can I buy hoisin sauce?
A: You can find hoisin sauce in most grocery stores, Asian markets, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!