Hoisin sauce is the thick & rich fermented soybean-based Chinese condiment. It's funky, sweet, and savory with strong hits of fermented bean paste and sesame.
Ingredients
1 large clove garlic
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/3 cup fermented soybean paste or dark aged miso
4 teaspoons black sesame paste or tahini
4 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon duo jiao (Chinese salted chopped chilies), 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/3 cup water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
Mince 1 large garlic clove and place in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup fermented soybean paste or dark aged miso, 4 teaspoons black sesame paste or tahini, 4 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon duo jiao, and 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder.
Place 1/3 cup water and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add to the saucepan whisk to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor fitted with the blade attachment and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 months. Let the sauce come to room temperature before using.
