Sauces are an essential part of Chinese cuisine, and two of the most popular ones are hoisin sauce and plum sauce.
While they may seem similar in appearance, taste, and ingredients, they have distinct differences that set them apart.
If you’re a fan of Chinese food, you’ve probably encountered both of these sauces, but do you know what makes them unique?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between hoisin sauce and plum sauce, from their flavor profiles to their nutritional values.
So, let’s dive in and discover what sets these two sauces apart!
What’s The Difference Between Hoisin Sauce And Plum Sauce?
Hoisin sauce and plum sauce are both thick, sweet sauces that are staples in Chinese cuisine. However, they have different flavor profiles and ingredients that make them distinct from each other.
Hoisin sauce is a savory and tangy sauce that is often compared to American barbecue sauce. It is made from sugar, fermented soybeans, vinegar, garlic, salt, wheat or potato starch, chili, and other spices. Hoisin sauce is darker, thicker, and stickier than plum sauce, and it has a strong salty and umami aspect to its flavor that comes from the soybean paste.
On the other hand, plum sauce is sweeter and fruitier than hoisin sauce. It is made from plums, sugar, chili pepper, garlic, and other spices. Plum sauce has a glossy look and syrupy consistency similar to ketchup, and it can have a purplish color if it is made with purple plums from the West.
The inclusion of plums in plum sauce gives it a strong fruity flavor with an assertive acidic kick from the fruit. Hoisin sauce doesn’t contain any fruits, so it won’t have a fruity flavor. Its flavor profile revolves more around sweet spices like star anise and cinnamon.
What Is Hoisin Sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark, and sticky sauce that is commonly used in southern Chinese cuisine. It is made by combining sugar, fermented soybeans, vinegar, garlic, salt, wheat or potato starch, chili, and other spices. The result is a sauce with a savory and tangy taste that is often compared to American barbecue sauce.
The sugar in hoisin sauce gives it a sweet flavor, while the fermented soybeans provide a deep umami taste. The vinegar and chili pepper add some tanginess and spiciness to the mix, making it a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Hoisin sauce is often used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or as a marinade and glaze for meats. It can also be used in stir-fries to add flavor and depth to the dish. Some people even use hoisin sauce as a condiment on sandwiches or burgers.
Compared to plum sauce, hoisin sauce has a stronger salty and umami aspect to its flavor that comes from the soybean paste. It is also less sweet than plum sauce and has a different consistency. Hoisin sauce is thicker and denser than plum sauce, making it ideal for glazing meats or as a dipping sauce.
What Is Plum Sauce?
Plum sauce is a thick, sweet sauce that is made from plums, sugar, chili pepper, garlic, and other spices. It is often described as “jammy” due to its fruitiness and syrupy consistency. Plum sauce can have a purplish color if it is made with purple plums from the West, but the more traditional versions will be somewhere between yellow and orange. The inclusion of plums gives it a strong fruity flavor with an assertive acidic kick from the fruit. This makes it a great accompaniment to meats like pork and chicken, as well as stir-fries and dipping sauces. Plum sauce is also a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia. Overall, plum sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a unique fruity flavor to dishes and can be used in a variety of ways in Chinese cuisine.
Flavor Profiles: How Do They Differ?
The flavor profiles of hoisin sauce and plum sauce are notably different from each other. Hoisin sauce is spicier and has more potent flavors than plum sauce. Its tanginess and umami aspect make it a great marinade and glaze for meats, while its savory sweetness makes it a popular dipping sauce and ingredient in stir-fries.
Plum sauce, on the other hand, is sweeter and fruitier than hoisin sauce. Its fruity flavor comes from the inclusion of plums in its ingredients. Plum sauce has a sharper taste due to its natural tartness, which balances its sweetness. This tartness also gives it a more assertive acidic kick than hoisin sauce.
While both sauces share some common ingredients like chili pepper and garlic, the main difference between their ingredients is the inclusion of plums in plum sauce. This results in a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from hoisin sauce. Hoisin sauce, on the other hand, focuses more on spices and soybean paste to create its unique flavor.
Ingredients: What’s Inside Each Sauce?
As mentioned above, hoisin sauce is made from fermented soybeans, sugar, vinegar, garlic, salt, wheat or potato starch, chili, and other spices. Fermented soybeans are a key ingredient in hoisin sauce, and they give it a unique umami flavor. The sugar in hoisin sauce helps to balance out the salty and tangy flavors, while the vinegar adds a slight sourness to the sauce. Chili and other spices give hoisin sauce a spicy kick.
Plum sauce, on the other hand, is made from plums, sugar, chili pepper, garlic, and other spices. The sweet plums are the star of this sauce, and they give it a fruity flavor with an assertive acidic kick. The sugar in plum sauce helps to balance out the tartness of the plums, while the chili pepper and garlic add some heat and depth of flavor. Other spices like ginger and star anise may also be added to plum sauce for additional flavor.
Nutritional Values: Which Is Healthier?
When it comes to nutritional values, plum sauce and hoisin sauce have some differences. Plum sauce is richer in iron, which is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. On the other hand, hoisin sauce is richer in vitamin B2, fiber, manganese, and copper. Vitamin B2 is important for maintaining healthy skin and eyes, while fiber helps with digestion and can lower cholesterol levels. Manganese is essential for bone health, and copper plays a role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and immune function.
Additionally, plum sauce draws its sweetness from natural sources, namely plums. This makes it a healthier option compared to hoisin sauce, which uses sugars to sweeten its blend. The use of natural sweetness also gives plum sauce a less processed taste, especially if it is made at home or bought from a brand that uses a less processed method.
However, it’s important to note that both sauces should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content. Salad dressings and dipping sauces are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to calorie-filled condiments, and a little drizzle or sprinkle can quickly add up to a bomb of extra salt, fat, and sugar. So while both sauces have their nutritional benefits, it’s best to use them sparingly as a condiment or flavor enhancer rather than as a main ingredient in dishes.
Cooking Uses: When To Use Hoisin Vs Plum Sauce
Both hoisin and plum sauces can be used to cook savory dishes such as ribs or poultry. However, there are some differences in their uses that can affect the overall taste of your dish.
Hoisin sauce is a great marinade for meats, especially when combined with soy sauce and ginger. It is also commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or as a glaze for roasted vegetables. Hoisin sauce’s savory and tangy flavor pairs well with rich, meaty dishes and can add depth to stir-fries.
Plum sauce, on the other hand, is a popular condiment in Chinese restaurants and can be used as a dip for dumplings or spring rolls. Its fruity and tart flavor makes it a great pairing for pork dishes or grilled meats. Plum sauce can also be used as a glaze for roasted chicken or as a topping for stir-fried vegetables.
When deciding between hoisin and plum sauce, consider the overall flavor profile of your dish. If you want a sweeter and fruitier taste, go for plum sauce. If you want a more savory and tangy flavor, hoisin sauce may be the better choice. However, both sauces are versatile and can be used in various ways to enhance the flavors of your dishes.
