RECIPE

Hoisin Barbecue Sauce

• Recipe by Steven Raichlen

Like ketchup in an American barbecue sauce, the Chinese condiment, hoisin, provides a satisfying contrast of sweet, salty and aromatic flavors.

• Fast
• Make-Ahead

Ingredients

1. 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2. 2 garlic cloves, minced
3. 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
4. 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
5. 3 tablespoons sake or dry sherry
6. 1 tablespoon ketchup
7. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
8. 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil 

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan and cook the garlic over moderately low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sake, ketchup and rice vinegar and simmer over moderately low heat, stirring, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Let cool and serve. 

Make Ahead

The hoisin barbecue sauce can be refrigerated for 2 days.