Is Worcestershire Sauce the Same as Hoisin Sauce? Both Delicious Condiments

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated December 28, 2022

As a food lover, I’m always looking for ways to spice up my meals, and Worcestershire sauce is one of my favorites. Then I found out hoisin might be similar.

Although both are condiments, Worcestershire sauce is thin, savory, and umami made with a base of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and tamarind and used to marinate meat. Hoisin sauce is a sweet, thick Chinese sauce made from fermented soybeans, garlic, and chili peppers used in stir-fry, glaze, and dipping sauce.

In this article, I’ll explore the differences between these two sauces to help you understand which one to use in your recipes.

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What are the main differences between Worcestershire sauce and hoisin sauce?

The two sauces are often confused because of their similar colors, but they are very different.

They are both widely used in Asian cooking, but each has its own distinct flavor and should not be used interchangeably.

Hoisin sauce is most often used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for dishes such as Peking Duck.

Worcestershire sauce on the other hand is typically used to add flavor to soups, marinate meats for BBQ and roast dishes, or as a condiment for cheeseburgers.

So while Worcestershire sauce and hoisin sauce may look similar in color, they are very different sauces with unique flavors that cannot be substituted for one another.

Hoisin sauce is more sweet and savory, while Worcestershire sauce is more tangy and salty.

Worcestershire sauce is typically used as a condiment or as a marinade, while Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce.

The main ingredients of Worcestershire sauce are vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, garlic, onion, and spices, while Hoisin sauce is typically made from fermented soybean paste, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.

Hoisin sauce is mainly used in Chinese cuisine, while Worcestershire sauce is used in a variety of dishes all around the world.

Unlike Worcestershire sauce, Hoisin sauce is usually vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Difference in ingredients

Hoisin sauce is a traditional Cantonese seasoning, but there are regional versions. But most bottled Hoisin sauce contains the following base ingredients:

Ingredients in Hoisin sauce

• Soybeans
• Flour
• Sugar
• Water 
• Spices
• Chili pepper
• Garlic

The original Worcestershire recipe by Lea & Perrins contains fermented anchovies, which give the sauce its characteristic umami taste.

Many modern versions of Worcestershire sauce use replacement ingredients instead of anchovies. 

However, the best sauces still have the fish in there, giving them that unique flavor.

Ingredients in Worcestershire sauce

• Anchovies
• Vinegar
• Tamarind
• Molasses
• Onions
• Garlic
• Herbs and spices

Flavor profile

• Hoisin sauce: sweet, salty, mildly spicy
• Worcestershire sauce: savory, umami, salty

Hoisin sauce has a pleasantly salty, sweet, and spicy taste. The level of spiciness is low, so it’s mildly spicy and doesn’t pack the same heat as sriracha sauce. 

The combination of sugar and soybeans makes the sauce quite savory and sweet.

In comparison, Worcestershire sauce tastes savory with a lightly pungent and tart flavor from the fish and vinegar. 

The overall difference in flavor is that Hoisin sauce is salty and slightly sweet. It’s similar to BBQ sauce but is much saltier, richer, and less sweet.

The fermented soybeans give it a mildly pungent aroma and the same umami characteristic as Worcestershire sauce.

Comparatively, Worcestershire sauce is also salty and very mildly sweet, but the savory, tart and tangy notes from tamarind, vinegar, and fermented fish also balance it out. 

Texture and appearance

Hoisin sauce has a dark red or reddish brown color and a thick consistency, much like syrup. It is poured into food or on top of food like a glaze.

Worcestershire sauce has a thin, runny consistency and a brown hue, much like soy sauce.

Uses in cooking

Hoisin sauce is a popular Chinese sauce, so it’s used in many dishes like Peking duck, dim sum, and noodle stir-fries.

It can also be used as a marinade for barbecued meats or added to soups, sauces, and dipping sauces, just like Worcestershire sauce.

In Vietnam, it’s used as a dipping sauce for Vietnamese spring rolls.

Hoisin sauce is added to many Vietnamese dishes like Bún bò Huế and pho to give them a sweeter flavor. It’s also added as a glaze for grilled meat. 

Hoisin sauce also goes well as a glaze for salmon, Chinese-style pork stir-fry, or Char Siu style ribs. 

To compare, Worcestershire sauce is a savory condiment and can be used as an all-purpose seasoning in many dishes.

It is widely used in Western cuisine, particularly in British and American cooking. It’s often used to add savory flavor to beef, pot roast, and meatloaf.

Worcestershire sauce is often used to add umami flavor to soups, stews, marinades, dressings, and dips. It can also be used as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables.

It pairs well with various flavors, including Worcestershire sauce-based sauces like okonomiyaki sauce or Caesar salad. 

It’s also a popular ingredient in hamburger patties, meatloaf, and all types of minced meat dishes. 

But the sauce’s versatility is truly surprising since it’s even used to make the classic Bloody Mary cocktail and Canada’s favorite Caesar cocktail with clamato. 

Both Worcestershire and hoisin sauces add a unique flavor dimension to dishes and can be used in many recipes to create new flavors.

However, it is important to remember that they are two distinct sauces. 

Origins and history

The origin of hoisin sauce is most definitely Cantonese. Hoisin sauce is believed to have originated in China many centuries ago.

However, there is much to be discovered about its history since nobody knows the exact origin or when it was invented. 

It was made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chiles, vinegar, sugar, and spices. The name “hoisin” comes from the Chinese characters for “seafood” and “sauce” and is believed to have been created by a local chef in the Guangdong province of China. 

The word “hoisin” comes from the Chinese word for “seafood,” and the umami flavor may have come from seafood in older recipes for this sauce. Perhaps they used to add some dried shrimp or fish to give the sauce a more umami flavor. 

This manufacturing method was later changed, and now the sauce doesn’t contain seafood, so it’s less like Worcestershire sauce; instead, it’s much sweeter and thicker. 

Nutrition

Worcestershire sauce is healthier than hoisin sauce because the latter contains a high quantity of sugar. The sugar content in hoisin sauce is comparable to that of ketchup and other condiments.

It also contains sodium, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.

Worcestershire sauce contains fewer calories and is low in sugar, making it a better choice for those on a diet. It also has lower sodium content and is not overly salty, like hoisin sauce can be.

In terms of nutritional value, Worcestershire sauce is the healthier choice. Hoisin sauce should be consumed in moderation.

Is Worcestershire sauce vegan?

Most brands of Worcestershire sauce are not vegan because the original recipe requires fermented fish (anchovies). 

However, since consumers are increasingly interested in vegan products, many brands have adapted the recipe, which still tastes great!

MontoFresh Worcestershire sauce is a brand of Worcestershire made without any animal products but still packs that savory umami flavor. 

Are Worcestershire sauce and hoisin sauce similar in flavor?

No, Worcestershire sauce and hoisin sauce are not very similar in flavor. Hoisin sauce is much sweeter and tangier. Worcestershire sauce, on the other hand, is much more savory and umami. 

The only similarity in terms of flavor is the umami which can be tasted in both sauces. However, they’re not similar enough to be used interchangeably in recipes. 

Each sauce has its own unique flavor profile, so it’s important to use the right one for the dish you’re cooking.

What type of dishes is Worcestershire sauce typically used in?

Worcestershire sauce is typically used in beef dishes such as stews, pot roast, and meatloaf. It’s also used to add flavor to sauces, soups, marinades, or dressings. 

BBQ enthusiasts love to use Worcestershire sauce for the meat marinade pre-cooking.

It can be found in many recipes, including Worcestershire burger recipes and Bloody Mary cocktails.

What type of dishes is hoisin sauce typically used in?

Hoisin sauce is typically used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for grilled meats and vegetables. It’s also commonly used in Asian cuisines such as Chinese and Vietnamese. 

It gives dishes a sweet, pungent flavor to Peking duck, steamed pork buns, char siu pork, and many other dishes. It can also be added to stir-fries or sauces for rice dishes. 

Finally, hoisin sauce is used as a dipping sauce or garnish for fried foods and spring rolls.

How long does Worcestershire sauce last once opened?

Once opened, Worcestershire sauce should be kept in the refrigerator and will last up to 2 or even 3 years. It’s best if used within one year of opening the bottle.

Store it in an air-tight container to prevent spoilage and contamination.

How long does hoisin sauce last once opened?

Once opened, hoisin sauce should be refrigerated and will last up to 18 months. It’s best if used between 6-8 months after opening the bottle. 

For optimal flavor, both Worcestershire and hoisin sauces should be stored in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight. Keeping them in a refrigerator will prolong their shelf life. 

It’s important to read the label on any product before using it in order to check for ingredients or expiration dates.

Can you substitute hoisin sauce for Worcestershire sauce?

These two sauces’ flavor profiles are quite different, so they are not the best substitutes. 

However, if you’re cooking and you run out of Worcestershire sauce, you can use some Hoisin sauce instead and combine it with soy sauce. 

Adding equal parts hoisin and soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce gives a dish a similar salty and umami taste, although the hoisin sauce might make it sweeter.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, Worcestershire sauce and hoisin sauce are two distinct sauces with different flavor profiles.

They can both be used to add an umami flavor to dishes. However, Worcestershire is usually associated with beef dishes, and hoisin sauce is used in Asian cuisine.

Worcestershire sauce is saltier and more savory, whereas hoisin sauce is sweeter and tangier.

So, the next time you’re cooking with either of these sauces, make sure to use the right one for the best outcome.

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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.