hoisin sauce

noun

hoi·​sin sauce ˈhȯi-ˌsin- How to pronounce hoisin sauce (audio)
ˌhȯi-ˈsin-
: a thick reddish sauce of soybeans, spices, and garlic used in east Asian cookery

Examples of hoisin sauce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some compared the taste to black sesame cookies; others to hoisin sauce or even duck. — Alex Mayyasi, Saveur, 10 Sep. 2025 Then add in kecap manis, hoisin sauce, stock, sesame oil and white pepper. — Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 8 May 2024 The hoisin sauce adds glossy sweetness and umami depth, while fresh ginger brightens things up. — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025 To prepare sauce, combine fresh chili pepper, balsamic vinegar, dry sherry, hoisin sauce and soy sauce into a bowl. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 Will the duo of hoisin sauce and tomatillo salsa make the condiment combo hall of fame, alongside Buffalo sauce and sriracha mayo? — Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2025 Chef serves with pancakes, hoisin sauce, herbs and duck liver mousse - all adding to the flavors and textures and absolute pleasure in every single bite. — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) hóisīn-jeung, literally, seafood sauce

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hoisin sauce was in 1957

Rhymes for hoisin sauce

See All Rhymes for hoisin sauce

Browse Nearby Words

hoise
hoisin sauce
hoist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hoisin sauce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoisin%20sauce. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hoisin sauce

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hoisin sauce

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