Keto Diet And Hoisin Sauce: Is It Compatible?

Hoisin sauce is a staple condiment in Chinese cooking, known for its thick and fragrant blend of salty and sweet flavours. However, it is not typically keto-friendly due to its high sugar and starch content. But fear not, keto dieters! There are several recipes for low-carb hoisin sauce that use alternative sweeteners and thickeners like peanut butter or almond butter. These sauces can be used as a marinade, dip or stir-fry sauce, and taste just as good as the traditional version.

Hoisin sauce ingredients and substitutes

Hoisin sauce is a condiment used in Asian recipes and cooking. It is a dark-coloured sauce with a thick consistency and a sweet, salty, tangy, and umami-rich flavour.

Ingredients

Hoisin sauce is traditionally made from fermented soybean paste and seasoned with other ingredients, including sesame, garlic, and chiles. Other common ingredients include:

• Sugar or a sugar substitute
• Peanut butter
• Rice wine vinegar
• Hot sauce
• Black pepper
• Oyster extract

Substitutes

There are several substitutes for hoisin sauce that can be used in a pinch. Here are some alternatives that you can make at home:

• Soy sauce with honey or sugar: Soy sauce will add depth, saltiness, and umami flavour to your dish. Adding honey or sugar will help replicate the sweetness of hoisin sauce.
• Teriyaki sauce and kidney beans: Hoisin sauce is thicker and saltier than teriyaki sauce, so blending it with kidney beans will help to thicken the sauce and add a salty flavour.
• Barbecue sauce and molasses: Barbecue sauce can be used as a substitute for hoisin sauce in marinades and glazes. Adding molasses will enhance the sweetness and depth of flavour.
• Peanut butter and soy sauce: Peanut butter provides a creamy texture and nutty flavour that complements the saltiness of soy sauce.
• Miso paste: Miso is a fermented soybean paste that can be used as a substitute for hoisin sauce. White miso (shiro miso) is a good option as it has sweeter undertones and a less intense flavour.

How to make keto hoisin sauce

Hoisin sauce is a common ingredient used in Asian food, such as stir-fries, and can be used as a marinade or dipping sauce. Traditional hoisin sauce is usually made with soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and starches, but there are ways to make it keto-friendly. Here is a recipe for keto hoisin sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup of soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons of natural smooth peanut butter (sugar-free)
• 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
• 4 tablespoons of brown sugar substitute (e.g. Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute)
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of rice vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons of water, as needed
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of Chinese five spice, 1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses, or 1/8 teaspoon of xanthan gum

Instructions:

• Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan and stir together with a wooden spoon.
• Simmer over medium heat until the sauce has thickened and combined completely.
• Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool.
• If the sauce is thicker than desired, add a tablespoon of water at a time to adjust the consistency.
• Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Note: If you are allergic to peanut butter, you can substitute it with a different type of nut butter or sunflower seed butter.

Hoisin sauce nutrition information

Hoisin sauce is a classic Chinese sauce with a rich, sweet and salty flavour. It is commonly used as a marinade or dipping sauce for dishes such as Chinese barbecue ribs and mu shu pork.

A typical hoisin sauce recipe includes the following ingredients:

• Water
• Sugar
• Soybeans/soybean paste/soy sauce
• Garlic
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Spices
• Sesame oil
• Caramel colour
• Corn/wheat starch/flour

The nutritional profile of hoisin sauce varies depending on the specific recipe and brand. However, on average, a 1-tablespoon (16g) serving of hoisin sauce contains:

• Calories: 38-41
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1-1.5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 510-568mg
• Potassium: 3-50mg
• Fiber: 0-1g
• Sugar: 0-5g

It is worth noting that hoisin sauce is typically high in added sugars and carbohydrates, which may not align with a keto diet. However, there are keto-friendly alternatives and recipes available that use sugar substitutes and low-carb ingredients to reduce the carbohydrate content.

Hoisin sauce serving suggestions

Hoisin sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meals:

Stir-Fries

Add a tablespoon or two of hoisin sauce to your stir-fries for a flavour boost. It pairs well with chicken, salmon, tofu, and vegetables. You can also toss it with ribs for a sticky, mouthwatering treat.

Marinades

Hoisin sauce makes an excellent base for marinades. Combine it with honey, lemon, salt, and garlic to create a delicious marinade for meat, seafood, or vegetables. You can also use it to glaze carrots or salmon fillets.

Noodles

For a filling and flavourful meal, add a tablespoon or two of hoisin sauce to your noodles. Serve with steamed vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and a savoury broth.

Dipping Sauce

Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for Vietnamese rolls. You can also make a hoisin peanut sauce by combining hoisin sauce with peanut butter and water, perfect for dipping Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

Wraps

Brush vegetables or meat with hoisin sauce and grill them to perfection. Wrap them up in a toasted tortilla for a fresh and tasty sandwich wrap.

Other Suggestions

Hoisin sauce is also commonly used with Peking duck. You can use it as a glaze or as a dipping sauce. It pairs wonderfully with beef, so feel free to add it to any Asian-inspired beef dishes. For a unique twist, use hoisin sauce instead of barbecue sauce in your recipes.

Hoisin sauce storage instructions

Hoisin sauce is a versatile condiment commonly used in Chinese cuisine, adding a sweet and savoury depth to dishes. It is made from a combination of soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and spices, and sometimes contains preservatives that prolong its shelf life.

Storing Hoisin Sauce Before Opening

Manufacturers generally recommend that hoisin sauce, like many condiments, should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight prior to opening. The original packaging is usually sufficient for an unopened hoisin sauce bottle.

Storing Hoisin Sauce After Opening

It is advisable to refrigerate hoisin sauce after opening to maintain its quality and prolong its lifespan. Refrigeration may extend the flavour and prevent spoilage by slowing down the growth of bacteria. It is best to transfer the sauce to a glass jar or plastic container that can be tightly sealed to restrict air exposure.

Hoisin Sauce Shelf Life

An unopened bottle of hoisin sauce can be stored in a cool, dry place and will last until the expiration date. Once opened, it should be consumed within six months if refrigerated or within one to two months if kept at room temperature.

Recognising Spoilage

Recognising the signs of spoilage is crucial to ensure the sauce remains safe to consume. Hoisin sauce may show visual and textural changes as it degrades, such as separation or particles floating in the sauce. The texture may also thicken or become unusually runny. An off-putting odour is another reliable indicator of spoilage.

Enhancing Dishes with Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in marinades, glazes, or as a dip. It pairs well with meats like chicken, pork, and beef, and can be used as a base for marinades or a flavourful BBQ glaze. It can also be mixed with other sauces, such as sriracha or teriyaki sauce, to create different dimensions of taste.

Frequently asked questions