This Asian inspired Low Carb Hoisin Sauce is made with a few simple ingredients like natural peanut butter, tamari and sesame oil. Low carb, keto and diabetes friendly with less than 1g of carbs per tablespoon. Perfect sauce for those dishes that call for hoisin sauce.
I've used this sauce for my Keto PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wrap and this Moo Shu Beef recipe. You can use this sauce with a quick stir-fry, on top of some cauliflower rice or baste it on some roasted chicken for a sweet Asian inspired dish.
You might also enjoy this Asian inspired Low Carb Bang Bang Sauce recipe.
Jump To:
- What Is Low Carb Hoisin Sauce?
- Low Carb Hoisin Sauce Ingredients Explained
- How to Make Low Carb Hoisin Sauce in 5 Minutes
- Step by step instructions
- Recipe Tips
- Why This Recipe Is Better Than Store-Bought
- Optional add-ins for low-carb hoisin sauce
- Delicious Ways to Use Low Carb Hoisin Sauce
- 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
- More low carb recipes you may like
- Recipe Card
What Is Low Carb Hoisin Sauce?
Low carb hoisin sauce is a homemade Asian condiment that delivers the sweet, salty, savory umami flavor of traditional hoisin but without the carb load. While store-bought hoisin sauce packs 6-8g carbs per tablespoon, this keto-friendly hoisin recipe contains less than 1g carbs per serving.
Traditional Hoisin vs. Homemade Low Carb Version:
- Store-bought hoisin: 6-8g carbs, 6-8g sugar per tablespoon
- Our low carb hoisin sauce: <1g carbs, <0.5g sugar per tablespoon
- Flavor: same sweet, salty, savory umami profile with hints of sesame nuttiness
Low Carb Hoisin Sauce Ingredients Explained
- Tamari Sauce (Gluten-Free Soy Base): Fermented soy sauce. Gluten-free, deeper umami than regular soy.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Creates authentic hoisin thickness. Choose natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils. Stir before measuring oil separation affects consistency.
- Sesame Oil: Essential for authentic Asian condiment flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for a stronger, warmer taste.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener. Balances salty umami without blood sugar impact.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds brightness, cuts through saltiness. Milder than white vinegar. Add last, taste as you go, easy to over-acidify.
- Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced delivers best flavor for homemade hoisin.
How to Make Low Carb Hoisin Sauce in 5 Minutes
Quick Summary: Mix 5 simple ingredients in a bowl, whisk until combined, and store in the fridge for up to 1 month. That's it! Homemade low carb hoisin sauce is ready to use.
Equipment Needed:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
Time Required:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¼ cup (8 tablespoons / 8 servings)
Step by step instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl
- Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until all ingredients are fully combined, and no peanut butter streaks remain.
- Taste and adjust flavors as needed-add more sweetener for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, or more hot sauce for heat.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or container and refrigerate.
Pro Tip: For restaurant-quality, creamier texture, blend instead of whisking. Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add remaining ingredients, stir for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, then transfer to a blender and blend for 20 seconds. This creates a silky, glossy sauce that's closer to store-bought consistency.
Recipe Tips
Sauce Too Thin: Add 1 teaspoon more peanut butter and whisk. Or let it sit 30 minutes to thicken as it cools. Use creamy peanut butter, not runny brands.
Sauce Too Thick: Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking between additions. Don't over-add water or you'll dilute the flavor.
Tastes Too Sweet: Add more rice wine vinegar in half teaspoon increments or more tamari to balance.
Tastes Too Salty: Add more sweetener and peanut butter to balance. Don't add water; it dilutes flavor.
Why This Recipe Is Better Than Store-Bought
Store-bought hoisin sauce is loaded with sugar and carbs, making it impossible for keto and low-carb diets. Our homemade low carb hoisin sauce gives you authentic Asian flavor without the blood sugar impact and costs 40-60% less.
Why Homemade Wins:
- Zero Carb Impact on Keto Goals: If you use hoisin 3x per week (common for stir-fries and Asian dishes), store-bought adds 18g carbs weekly. Our low carb hoisin sauce recipe? Zero carb impact, perfect for maintaining ketosis and stable blood sugar.
- Clean Ingredients, No Additives: Store-bought contains high-fructose corn syrup, artificial thickeners, and starches for shelf stability. Our version uses real food: peanut butter, sesame oil, tamari, and erythritol. Nothing artificial.
- Fermented Soy for Better Digestion: We use tamari (fermented soy sauce), which is easier to digest than regular soy sauce and gentler on the gut. Fermentation breaks down compounds, making nutrients more bioavailable, a small but important difference for digestive health.
- Blood Sugar Friendly: For diabetics and those managing blood sugar, store-bought hoisin causes blood sugar spikes. Our keto-friendly hoisin sauce has virtually no impact on glucose levels, making it safe for any meal plan.
- Cost Savings Add Up: Homemade costs $0.19 per tablespoon. Store-bought? $0.44 per tablespoon. If you make Asian dishes weekly, you'll save $12 plus per month by making your own.
Optional add-ins for low-carb hoisin sauce
- Chinese Five Spice Powder: Adds authentic depth from star anise, fennel, and cloves to your low carb hoisin sauce, closer to traditional hoisin.
- Miso Paste: Deepens umami and fermented complexity in homemade low carb hoisin sauce.
- Low-Sugar Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth to low carb hoisin sauce for western-hoisin fusion flavor. Use low-sugar brands only.
- Coconut Aminos: Works for those avoiding soy sauce or tamari in their low carb hoisin sauce, though the taste differs from traditional hoisin.
- Ginger Powder: Warm, spicy depth for low carb hoisin sauce Asian-inspired flavor without fresh ginger.
Delicious Ways to Use Low Carb Hoisin Sauce
Stir-Fry Glaze: Add 2-3 tablespoons to cooked protein and vegetables. Best on chicken, beef, or shrimp. Add in last 2 minutes. See our Low Carb Hoisin Beef Bowl.
Meat Glaze or Marinade: Brush on ribs, duck, or chicken thighs. Marinate 30 minutes to overnight for deeper flavor.
Dipping Sauce: Serve room temperature with spring rolls, lettuce wraps, or skewers. See our Keto PF Changs Chicken Lettuce Wrap.
Braising Liquid: Mix low carb hoisin sauce with broth for slow cooker moo shu pork, short ribs, or Peking duck. See our Moo Shu Beef.
💭 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Freeze in ice cube trays for half-tablespoon portions or larger containers for quarter-cup servings. Thaws beautifully with no texture change.
Yes, but taste differs and carbs are slightly higher. Works best for those avoiding soy entirely. You may need extra salt.
Yes. Store-bought hoisin has 6-8g carbs per tablespoon. Our homemade version has less than 1g, making it perfect for keto diets.
Yes, this hoisin sauce recipe would be an excellent substitute for worcestershire sauce in recipes. If you need to think it out a bit you could add some apple cider vinegar.
More low carb recipes you may like
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Recipe Card
Low Carb Hoisin Sauce
Instructional Recipe Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup tamari sauce use soy as an alternative
- 2 tablespoon natural smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoon sweetener alternatively you can use brown erythritol
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk ingredients together until well combined, use with your favourite asian inspired dishes.
- Store in an airtight jar for up to 1 month in the fridge.
- (Refer to the video instructions if further clarification is needed)
Notes
- Store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Flavor improves by day 7 as ingredients meld.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for portion control, keeps up to 6 months.
- Stir well before each use if separated.
- For creamier texture, blend warm instead of whisking cold.
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Rockananda says
I made some and compared to Sun Luck Hoisin. The home made is good but not as concentrated and needed 5-spice. I used Monkfruit and it overall came out well. Thanks!
Oscar Chimenti says
Thank you, I see Sun Luck also has 8g of sugar per tablespoon.
nancy says
you always have the best low carb recipes! thanks
Oscar Chimenti says
Thanks Nancy.
Jean says
Glad to make my own hoisin sauce at home, its super easy and just like store bought
Oscar Chimenti says
Thanks, I think it's even better than store bought but I might be bias. 🙂