Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe is a sweet, savoury, and umami rich glaze made with hoisin, soy sauce, honey, and spices, commonly used for roasting meats like Char Siu.
The sauce delivers a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes. Making this sauce was inspired by watching traditional Chinese cooking shows that highlighted authentic flavours.
This recipe captures that essence in a homemade version. Now, step by step instructions will guide through creating this tasty sauce from scratch.
Why We Love This Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe?
We love this Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe for its bold, savoury sweet flavor and authentic depth. Hoisin, soy, molasses, and five spice create a rich foundation, while garlic, ginger, and sesame oil bring warmth and aroma.
The addition of Shaoxing wine and fermented bean curd gives it a traditional flair that stands out. It adds a mouthwatering glaze to meats and an umami boost to stir fries or noodles.
Every spoonful delivers a taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
How To Prepare Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Chinese
Yield: Approximately 1 cup of sauce
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for ginger)
- Garlic press or knife for mincing
Ingredients
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- ½ teaspoon chili paste (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fermented bean curd (or red food coloring for traditional color)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Instructions
1. Start by combining the sauces and sweeteners. In a small saucepan, pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, and molasses. Give it a good whisk so everything mixes together well.
2. Next, add the flavor boosters. Stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and either fermented bean curd or red food colouring for that classic touch.
3. Time to season. Sprinkle in the Chinese five spice powder, chili paste if you want some heat, a pinch of salt, and a bit of water. Stir everything until it’s well combined.
4. Heat things up. Put the pan over medium heat and gently bring the sauce to a simmer. Keep stirring often so it doesn’t stick or burn.
5. Let it simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and gets a nice glossy finish. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed add a little more salt or sugar to suit your preference.
6. Finally, take it off the heat and let it cool. Pour the sauce into a clean jar or container, then pop it in the fridge. It should keep well for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts Of Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Protein | 1g |
Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe combines rich, bold flavours that make it unique and authentic. The main speciality lies in its balance of sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy elements, created by ingredients like hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, fermented bean curd, and Chinese five spice powder.
These traditional components give the sauce its deep, complex taste and vibrant color. This sauce enhances grilled meats and dishes by adding a distinctive, mouthwatering glaze that is deeply rooted in Chinese culinary tradition.
Secrets To Perfect Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe
➢ Balance sweet, salty, and tangy elements to create depth without overpowering any one flavor.
➢ Use Shaoxing wine for authentic aroma and complexity that mirrors traditional Chinese barbecue.
➢ Grate fresh ginger and mince garlic finely to release essential oils and build a fragrant base.
➢ Simmer slowly to thicken naturally, allowing sugars and spices to meld into a glossy, rich sauce.
➢ Add fermented bean curd for umami and colour, enhancing both taste and traditional appearance.
Recipe Variations
➣ Swap honey for pineapple juice to add a fruity tang and natural sweetness.
➣ Add a spoon of peanut butter for a creamy texture and nutty undertone.
➣ Use black bean sauce instead of hoisin for a deeper, earthier flavor.
➣ Incorporate orange zest and juice for a citrus-forward twist that brightens the sauce.
➣ Mix in a splash of dark soy sauce and a pinch of white pepper to create a richer, more intense glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe works great on grilled pork, chicken, or beef, giving a rich, savoury coating. It adds bold flavor to stir fried vegetables, noodles, and rice dishes.
Using it as a dip for dumplings or spring rolls brings a tasty contrast. Brushing the sauce on tofu or seafood before cooking enhances the dish.
It also serves as a marinade, infusing meats and vegetables with traditional Chinese flavours that make every bite flavourful and satisfying.
Storage & Make Ahead
Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lasting up to one week.
For longer storage, freezing the sauce in small portions works great and helps maintain its fresh flavor. Preparing the sauce ahead of time allows the flavours to deepen, resulting in an even richer taste when used later.
Before using, gently reheat and stir to restore its smooth consistency. This sauce is convenient and ready whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Give Chinese BBQ Sauce Its Unique Flavour?
The combination of hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, fermented bean curd, five-spice powder, and oyster sauce creates its distinctive sweet, savoury, and aromatic taste.
Can I Make This Sauce Vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit oyster sauce and replace fermented bean curd with a vegetarian alternative to keep it plant based.
Is This Sauce Spicy?
It has a mild heat from chili paste, which can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
Can This Sauce Be Used As A Marinade?
Absolutely. It works well to marinate meats, tofu, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Conclusion
I’m so glad to share this easy and delicious Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe with you! It was a joy to make, and the results were full of bold, authentic flavor.
I hope you feel inspired to try it yourself it’s simple to make and incredibly rewarding. Once you do, let me know how delicious it turned out for you.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite as much as I did. Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade success!
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Chinese BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for ginger)
- Garlic press or knife for mincing
Ingredients
- ½ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- ½ teaspoon chili paste optional, for heat
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fermented bean curd or red food coloring for traditional color
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Instructions
- Start by combining the sauces and sweeteners. In a small saucepan, pour in the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, and molasses. Give it a good whisk so everything mixes together well.
- Next, add the flavor boosters. Stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and either fermented bean curd or red food colouring for that classic touch.
- Time to season. Sprinkle in the Chinese five spice powder, chili paste if you want some heat, a pinch of salt, and a bit of water. Stir everything until it’s well combined.
- Heat things up. Put the pan over medium heat and gently bring the sauce to a simmer. Keep stirring often so it doesn’t stick or burn.
- Let it simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and gets a nice glossy finish. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed add a little more salt or sugar to suit your preference.
- Finally, take it off the heat and let it cool. Pour the sauce into a clean jar or container, then pop it in the fridge. It should keep well for up to two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45 | Carbohydrates: 10g | Sugars: 8g | Sodium: 350mg | Fat: 0.5g | Protein: 1g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”