Looking to make a bold, sticky, and slightly sweet sauce at home?

This Jamie Oliver Hoisin Sauce is just the thing. It’s quick, rich in umami, and adds incredible depth to stir-fries, grilled meats, dipping platters, and wraps. With pantry staples and under 10 minutes, you’ll have a delicious sauce that rivals the store-bought version—but with a fresher taste and no preservatives.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Hoisin Sauce?

Jamie Oliver’s hoisin sauce is a savory and slightly sweet Asian condiment known for its complex flavor. It combines soy sauce, peanut butter (or black bean paste), honey, garlic, vinegar, and aromatic spices. The result is a smooth, thick, and glossy sauce that works well as a marinade, dip, or glaze.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Ready in less than 10 minutes with no cooking required.
Customizable – Adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
Healthier Alternative – No artificial preservatives or MSG.
Vegan-Friendly Option – Use maple syrup and skip fish sauce.
Versatile Usage – Works as a dip, marinade, glaze, or stir-fry sauce.
Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable pantry ingredients.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Hoisin Sauce

Here’s everything you need to recreate this bold and flavorful sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce – Use low-sodium if desired.
2 tbsp peanut butter or black bean paste – For creaminess and depth.
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – Adds sweetness and balance.
1 tsp rice vinegar – Brings acidity to round out the flavor.
1 tsp sesame oil – Adds nuttiness and aroma.
1 garlic clove, minced – For a punch of savory flavor.
½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder – A signature hoisin spice blend.
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional) – Adds a touch of heat.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Whisk or spoon
Airtight jar or bottle for storage

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Hoisin Sauce

Step 1: Combine the main ingredients

Add soy sauce, peanut butter (or black bean paste), honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil into a bowl.

Step 2: Add flavor boosters

Mix in the minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and chili flakes if using.

Step 3: Whisk until smooth

Use a whisk or spoon to blend everything into a smooth, thick sauce.

Step 4: Taste and adjust

You can add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.

Step 5: Store the sauce

Pour into an airtight jar and refrigerate. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Hoisin Sauce

Perfect with grilled chicken – Use it as a glaze during the final minutes of grilling.
Delicious on spring rolls – Serve as a dipping sauce with fresh or fried rolls.
Fantastic for stir-fries – Toss it with noodles or vegetables.
Use as a bao bun filling base – Mix with shredded pork or chicken.
Spread on wraps or sandwiches – Adds a sweet-savory twist.
Pairs well with tofu – Marinate and pan-fry tofu slices for an umami kick.
Great dipping sauce for dumplings – Blend with vinegar for extra tang.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Hoisin Sauce

Whisk until silky – A smooth texture is key; use warm water (1 tsp at a time) if it’s too thick.
Use black bean paste for authenticity – Peanut butter is great, but fermented paste gives depth.
Balance the flavors – Taste before storing and tweak the sweetness or saltiness if needed.
Let it sit before serving – Refrigeration helps the flavors combine better.
Add a smoky note – A dash of smoked paprika gives an edge to the sauce.
Make it spicy – Mix in chili oil or sriracha for heat lovers.
Don’t skip five-spice – It’s what gives the sauce its unique character.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Hoisin Sauce

Vegan version – Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip any fish sauce additions.
Nut-free option – Replace peanut butter with tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Extra spicy version – Add chili paste or sriracha directly to the mix.
Smoky BBQ twist – Add 1 tsp tomato paste and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Tangier flavor – Increase rice vinegar slightly or add lime juice.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Hoisin Sauce

Refrigerate after making – Keeps fresh for 5–7 days.
Use a glass jar – Airtight containers preserve flavor and prevent staining.
Label and date it – Helps track freshness in the fridge.
Avoid double dipping – Always use a clean spoon to prevent spoilage.
Freeze for later use – Store in ice cube trays, then transfer to bags.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Hoisin Sauce

Stovetop reheating – Warm gently in a pan on low heat with a splash of water if too thick.
Microwave safe – Reheat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each.
Don’t overheat – Sauce can separate or become too salty if reduced further.
Add water to adjust – A little warm water helps bring back its original consistency.
Stir well before use – Reincorporate any separated ingredients.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Hoisin Sauce Healthier?

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content
Replace honey with pure maple syrup or agave for a lower glycemic index
Add minced fresh ginger for added antioxidants
Use natural peanut butter or unsweetened black bean paste
Skip the sesame oil if you’re watching fats
Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 45
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 2g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 420mg
Fiber: 0.5g

FAQs

How do you make Jamie Oliver’s hoisin sauce from scratch?

Start by whisking together soy sauce, peanut butter (or black bean paste), honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder. Blend until smooth and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Can I use peanut butter instead of black bean paste in hoisin sauce?

Yes, peanut butter works well as a substitute for black bean paste. It adds creaminess and depth while still offering a rich base for the hoisin flavor. Use smooth, natural peanut butter for the best texture.

How do you fix hoisin sauce that’s too thick?

To fix thick hoisin sauce, simply add warm water one teaspoon at a time while stirring until you reach the desired consistency. Avoid adding too much at once to keep the flavor concentrated.

Does hoisin sauce need to be cooked?

No, hoisin sauce does not need to be cooked. Most homemade versions, including this one, are no-cook and can be used immediately or stored in the fridge to let the flavors develop further.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Hoisin Sauce is quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. It’s a great addition to your homemade condiments and perfect for stir-fries, wraps, or grilling. You control the ingredients, the balance, and the flavor, making it better than most store-bought versions.