Ever wonder what makes your favorite Chinese takeout taste so good? A secret ingredient might be the rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce called hoisin. But have you ever tried to find the perfect hoisin sauce at the store? There are so many choices! They can taste different, with some being too salty or not sweet enough. Finding the best one can feel like a real guessing game.
Choosing the right hoisin sauce matters because it can make or break your dish. A bad sauce can ruin your stir-fry or leave your spring rolls tasting bland. Wouldn’t it be great to know which hoisin sauce is the best before you buy it? America’s Test Kitchen has done the hard work for us, taste-testing many brands to find the winners. They also know the pain of making your own and will teach you to make your own.
In this blog post, we’ll explore America’s Test Kitchen’s hoisin sauce secrets. You’ll discover the top-rated brands and learn what makes them stand out. We’ll also look at tips and tricks to make the most of your hoisin sauce. Get ready to become a hoisin sauce pro and make delicious meals every time!
Our Top 5 Hoisin Sauce America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (36 oz – 1 Pack) | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
 |
365 by Whole Foods Market | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
 |
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (20 oz – 1 Pack) | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Hoisin Sauce America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (36 oz – 1 Pack)
Rating: 9.4/10
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (36 oz – 1 Pack) is a sweet and savory sauce. It’s perfect for many dishes. You can use it for marinades, BBQ sauce, dips, and stir-fries. It also works well on pizza, Peking duck, and soup noodles. This sauce adds a special flavor to your meals.
What We Like:
- Sweet-savory flavor with umami and a hint of smoke. It is a complex flavor.
- It is great for many uses. You can marinate, stir-fry, or dip.
- It is a classic flavor. It is used in Peking duck and other dishes. You can also use it in new recipes.
- It has a rich, smooth texture. It sticks well to food.
- It opens up many cooking options. You can use it in Asian dishes and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 36 oz bottle may be too big for some people.
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce is a tasty and useful sauce. It can make your meals better. You should try it today!
2. Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a delicious and safe hoisin sauce? Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce is a great choice. It is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. The sauce is made in the USA. It comes in a 13.2-ounce bottle. It is also preservative-free. This sauce is ready to make your meals tasty!
What We Like:
- It is gluten-free. This makes it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- The sauce is preservative-free. This means it uses natural ingredients.
- It is made in the USA. This supports local businesses.
- The flavor is rich and savory. It adds depth to many dishes.
- It is versatile. You can use it in marinades, stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce.
What Could Be Improved:
- The taste is not exactly like traditional hoisin sauce. Some may find it a little different.
- The price might be higher than some other sauces.
Kikkoman Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce is a good option for those needing a gluten-free choice. It is tasty and easy to use. Give it a try for a flavorful meal!
3. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Rating: 9.0/10
Spice up your meals with 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Hoisin Sauce! This sauce brings the flavor of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for marinades, stir-fries, or dipping. This product is brought to you by Amazon, which gives you a great product at a great price. Get ready to dance down the aisles with 365 by Whole Foods Market!
What We Like:
- Made with organic ingredients.
- It has a delicious, authentic hoisin flavor.
- Great for lots of different recipes.
- From a trusted brand with high-quality standards.
- The price is affordable.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might want a larger size.
- If you have allergies, check the ingredients.
In short, 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Hoisin Sauce is a tasty and convenient way to add flavor to your cooking. It is a good option for anyone who enjoys Asian-inspired dishes.
4. Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce
Rating: 9.0/10
Discover the delicious world of Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce! This sauce is a new favorite for vegetarians and anyone who loves healthy eating. It’s low in sodium and calories, with no preservatives. It’s all natural and handmade, offering real, authentic Asian flavors. This all-around sauce is great for everything from BBQ to dipping. Get ready to add a burst of flavor to your meals!
What We Like:
- NO MSG and real ingredients! The sauce uses 100% natural ingredients for fresh flavor.
- Small batch production makes each bottle special. Every drop has a unique taste.
- It is a versatile seafood sauce. It works well with many dishes, like Peking duck, spring rolls, and ramen. It tastes great with meats, veggies, seafood, and sushi.
- It’s truly gluten-free. The sauce is made without wheat or gluten.
- The bottle is easy to store and use. It keeps the sauce fresh. You can take it anywhere!
- Quality is assured. It’s made for people who care about health and quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons mentioned in the provided text.
This Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful sauce. Try it today and enjoy a new level of deliciousness!
5. Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (20 oz – 1 Pack)
Rating: 8.7/10
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (20 oz – 1 Pack) is a sweet and savory sauce. It is perfect for many dishes like marinades, BBQ sauce, and stir-fries. This sauce brings the authentic taste of Asian cuisine to your home. It adds great flavor to your meals.
What We Like:
- Authentic Style: The sauce has a perfect sweet and savory taste. It makes your dishes taste like they are from a restaurant.
- Versatile Uses: You can use this sauce in many ways. It is good for glazing meats, stir-fries, and dipping sauces. It adds flavor to soups and dressings.
- Premium Ingredients: Lee Kum Kee uses great ingredients. They make the sauce rich and flavorful.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: This sauce makes your food taste like it was made by a chef. It has a great balance of flavors.
- Endless Culinary Possibilities: You can use this sauce for many dishes. It works well with Chinese and other Asian foods.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size of the bottle.
- Availability, it might not be available at every grocery store.
Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce is a great product. It is easy to use and adds a lot of flavor. You can try it in your kitchen today!
Hoisin Sauce: A Savory Guide to the Perfect Bottle
This guide helps you pick the best hoisin sauce. We focus on the America’s Test Kitchen version. You’ll learn what to look for and how to use it.
Key Features to Look For
You need a hoisin sauce with the right stuff. Here’s what matters:
- Flavor Profile: The sauce should taste sweet, salty, and savory. There should be a little bit of umami.
- Consistency: It should be thick, like a paste. It shouldn’t be too runny.
- Ingredients: Check the label. Look for good ingredients.
Ingredients to Consider
- Soybeans: This is a key ingredient. It provides the savory flavor.
- Spices: Garlic, chili, and star anise add flavor.
- Sweeteners: Sugar or other sweeteners are common.
- Fermented Ingredients: Some brands use fermented rice or other ingredients. These add depth of flavor.
Important Materials (and What They Mean)
The ingredients are the “materials” that make this sauce. The quality of these matters.
- Soybeans: High-quality soybeans make better sauce.
- Spices: Fresh spices give the best taste.
- Sweeteners: Look for natural sweeteners.
- Water: Clean water is important for the base.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of hoisin sauce.
- Ingredient Quality: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce.
- Manufacturing Process: How the sauce is made matters.
- Additives: Avoid too many artificial additives.
- Storage: Proper storage helps the sauce stay fresh.
Quality Boosters:
- Authentic Recipes: America’s Test Kitchen uses a well-tested recipe.
- Premium Ingredients: They often use high-quality ingredients.
- Careful Production: They pay attention to details.
Quality Killers:
- Too Much Sugar: This can make the sauce overly sweet.
- Artificial Flavors: These can ruin the taste.
- Thin Consistency: This can mean a lower quality product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Hoisin sauce is versatile. You can use it in many ways.
- Marinades: Use it to marinate meats like chicken, pork, and beef.
- Glazes: Brush it on foods while grilling or baking.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.
- Stir-fries: Add it to stir-fries for flavor.
- Sandwiches: Use it on sandwiches.
How to Make the Most of It
- Start Small: Don’t use too much at first.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Experiment: Try it with different foods.
- Store Properly: Keep it in the refrigerator after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions About America’s Test Kitchen Hoisin Sauce
Q: What makes America’s Test Kitchen hoisin sauce special?
A: It is made with a well-tested recipe. They use good ingredients.
Q: What does hoisin sauce taste like?
A: It tastes sweet, salty, and savory. It often has a little bit of spice.
Q: What ingredients are usually in hoisin sauce?
A: It usually contains soybeans, sugar, spices, and sometimes garlic.
Q: Can I use hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce?
A: Yes, it’s great for dipping spring rolls, dumplings, and other foods.
Q: How do I use hoisin sauce in a marinade?
A: Mix the hoisin sauce with other ingredients, like soy sauce and garlic. Then, you can use it to coat your meat.
Q: Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?
A: Most traditional hoisin sauces are not gluten-free. However, some brands make gluten-free versions.
Q: How long does hoisin sauce last?
A: Once opened, it is best to refrigerate it. It will last for several months.
Q: Can I make my own hoisin sauce?
A: Yes, you can find recipes online.
Q: Where can I buy America’s Test Kitchen hoisin sauce?
A: You can usually buy it at grocery stores or online.
Q: Is hoisin sauce the same as oyster sauce?
A: No, they are different. Hoisin sauce is made from soybeans. Oyster sauce is made from oysters.
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.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.