Homemade Gluten-Free Hoisin Sauce

Prep 5 minutes
Cook 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings (8 tbsp)

Hoisin has always been one of my favorite sauces to get with Chinese takeout, but unfortunately, most versions contain wheat and soy, which makes them off-limits for me. This homemade gluten-free hoisin sauce uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s sweet, salty, and rich—perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and all your dipping needs.

Plate of chicken and broccoli stir-fry served over white rice, garnished with sesame seeds, with a bowl of hoisin sauce, green onions, and garlic cloves on the side.

If you’ve ordered Chinese or Vietnamese takeout before, then you’ve probably had some hoisin sauce. My personal favorite is Peking duck, yum! Unfortunately, I had to stop ordering it once I found out most versions are made with soy sauce that contains gluten. This homemade version has been my go-to ever since. Just like my gluten-free stir fry sauce, I like to make a big batch and keep it in the fridge to add bold, savory flavor to all my Asian-inspired meals.

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Homemade Gluten-Free Hoisin Sauce

Servings: 8 servings (8 tbsp)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Plate of chicken and broccoli stir-fry served over white rice, garnished with sesame seeds, with a bowl of hoisin sauce, green onions, and garlic cloves on the side.
This homemade gluten-free hoisin sauce uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s sweet, salty, and rich—perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and all your dipping needs.
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Ingredients 

  • ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ½ tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
  • Heat sauce on the stove on low heat. Whisk until mixture starts to lightly simmer then let simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Once cool, store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • Always double-check labels for gluten-free certification.
  • Let cool before storing to preserve texture.
  • Stir before each use if it thickens too much.
  • For nut-free, replace peanut butter with creamy Wow butter.
  • Customize the flavor to your liking—add a splash of vinegar for extra tang or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Don’t be afraid to adjust until it’s just right for you.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (1 tbsp)Calories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 432mgPotassium: 57mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: sauces
Cuisine: Asian
Tried this recipe?Mention @mamaknowsglutenfree or tag #mamaknowsglutenfree!

How to Make Homemade Gluten-Free Hoisin Sauce Step by Step

homemade gluten-free hoisin sauce ingredients

Gather all the ingredients together.

Overhead shot of a saucepan with hoisin sauce ingredients, including peanut butter and spices, before being mixed.

Combine the ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce, 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter, 1 ½ tbsp honey, 2 tsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp Chinese five spice powder, and ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes.

Saucepan filled with smooth, thickened hoisin sauce after simmering.

Simmer the sauce: Heat the sauce over low heat, whisking continuously, until it begins to gently simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

Bowl of homemade hoisin sauce on a white platter with sliced green onions, garlic cloves, and sesame seeds.

Remove and cool: Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely. Once cool, transfer to a sealed container. Enjoy!

Overhead view of a bowl of hoisin sauce topped with sesame seeds, surrounded by fresh green onions, garlic cloves, and sesame seeds on a white background.

Gluten-Free Cooking Tips

  • Since the sauce includes sugar and peanut butter, it can easily stick to the bottom of the pan and burn. Keep whisking over low heat to ensure a smooth, even texture and to avoid that bitter, burnt flavor.
  • This sauce naturally thickens as it simmers, and even more as it cools. If it’s too thick for your liking, gently whisk in a bit of water—just a teaspoon at a time—until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

I love using this gluten-free hoisin sauce in all kinds of ways—it’s seriously become a staple in my kitchen. I’ll stir it into beef or tofu stir-fries, mix it into marinades for grilled meats, or drizzle it over my gluten-free fried rice and lettuce wraps for a quick flavor boost. It’s also great as part of a dipping sauce for dumplings or gluten-free egg rolls

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade hoisin sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. If it thickens as it sits, just give it a good stir before using. 

I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change and become grainy once thawed.

More Asian Inspired Recipes

About Cheryl Johnson

My name is Cheryl Johnson and I love food—lots of it! For 10 years, I owned a recipe and party planning blog, where I developed and photographed hundreds of recipes. After selling that blog in 2019, I decided to open up a bakery in my city. My bakery specialized in big over-the-top treats (think two-pound stuffed cookies).

My recipes have been featured on local news stations, Woman's World Magazine, and more. I'm excited to continue sharing my love of food with all of you!

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