Hoisin sauce

Recipe from Taras Kirienko, chef of the wine bar Touche.

Recipe by Chef Glen Ballis for Avocado Queen.

Another purely vegan dish, which in the presence of Chinese hoisin sauce begins to sound unexpected and funny. Translated from Chinese, "hoisin" means "gift of the sea", while the sauce does not contain a single seafood , and no fish or shellfish suffers. Meanwhile, hoisin is often called "Chinese barbecue": due to the noticeable smoky flavor, it creates the feeling that in dishes without meat there is still meat, and with an element of smoked meat. This is only to the advantage of vegetarians : you can eat a salad with a meaty flavor and remain true to your philosophy.

Smoked chicken sausages are a refined dish of Russian cuisine that captivates with its rich aroma and tender texture. Historically, smoking was used for preserving meat, but over time this method became an art that reveals new flavor dimensions. Sausages made from chicken thighs gain spiciness from the combination of smoked paprika, mustard, and hoisin sauce, while added Gouda cheese gives them tenderness and a light creaminess. After marinating, the filling is stuffed into pork casings to form appetizing sausages that are then smoked to absorb a smoky aroma. They can be served hot or cold, complemented by fresh vegetables, grain bread or spicy sauces. This is an ideal option for a festive table or a cozy family dinner that leaves a vivid gastronomic impression.

Buckwheat noodles in a wok are a true embodiment of Chinese cuisine, combining traditional cooking techniques and rich aromas of Eastern spices. Buckwheat noodles have a delicate texture and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetables and the spicy heat of ginger. Hoisin sauce adds a rich, sweet-salty taste with hints of caramel and spices, while toasted sesame provides a pleasant crunch and nutty aftertaste. This dish is perfect for a light dinner or aromatic lunch, and its simplicity makes it accessible even for beginner cooks. Buckwheat noodles in a wok are not only delicious but also a healthy choice due to their high protein and fiber content, making them an excellent option for balanced nutrition.

Smoked beet salad is a harmony of flavors and textures, skillfully combining the earthy notes of beets with a smoky touch and crunchy eggplants. The dish embodies an authorial approach to modern gastronomy, where classic ingredients gain a new sound. Smoked beets give the salad a unique depth of flavor, while arugula adds freshness and a hint of spiciness. The sauce made from ketchup, hoisin, and sriracha provides a pleasant sweet-spicy note, while reduced balsamic vinegar adds a subtle acidity. Cherry tomatoes and pine nuts complete the composition, creating a balance between juiciness and nutty undertones. This salad is an excellent choice for a light dinner or an unusual side dish that enhances the flavor of the main course.

This salad is the embodiment of flavor harmony. Chinese cuisine is renowned for its ability to combine sweet and salty, and this dish is no exception. Smoked chicken adds a rich aroma to the salad, while pineapple contributes juiciness and a slight tanginess. The hoisin sauce, with its thick, slightly sweet texture, deepens and enhances the flavor. Crispy croutons soaked in sesame oil add a textural play, while golden sesame seeds finish the composition with a light nutty note. Young spinach adds freshness and balances the richness of flavors. This salad is an ideal choice for those who appreciate brightness, contrast, and sophistication in food.

Risotto with beef cheeks and roasted pumpkin is a true embodiment of Italian culinary elegance, where tender meat infused with the aromas of slow cooking meets the velvety texture of creamy risotto. The pumpkin, roasted with honey and soy sauce, adds sweet caramel notes that harmonize beautifully with the rich meat flavor. This recipe serves as a bridge between the autumn warmth of home comfort and the sophistication of traditional Italian cuisine. The dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions when you want to impress guests with an exquisite combination of flavors. The harmony of aromas, tenderness of ingredients, and interplay of textures make risotto with beef cheeks and roasted pumpkin a true gastronomic masterpiece to enjoy among loved ones.

Grilled squid with inoke mushrooms is an exquisite dish of Chinese cuisine that impresses with its balance of flavors and textures. Tender mini-squids caramelized in oil with sugar acquire a light crispness and richness. The spiciness of chili pepper, freshness of celery and green onions, and the pungency of garlic and ginger create a complex aromatic ensemble finished with piquant hoisin sauce and crunchy white sesame seeds. Served on a banana leaf with a garnish of crispy fried inoke mushrooms, this recipe is not only a gastronomic delight but also a true culinary masterpiece perfect for festive tables or dinners with an Eastern touch.

Chicken dim sum buns are a traditional Chinese dish that beautifully combines the tenderness of airy dough with the spiciness of aromatic filling. Inspired by Cantonese cuisine, they embody the philosophy of 'dim sum' – light snacks perfect for tea time or friendly gatherings. The flavor of the buns is rich: juicy chicken infused with lime juice and aromas of ginger, cilantro, and barbecue sauce unfolds in soft dough with coconut notes. The heat from chili pepper adds zest, while toasted sesame provides a pleasant texture. These buns are served hot, garnished with herbs and crispy sesame seeds, complemented by hoisin sauce for depth of flavor. Steaming makes them especially tender and airy while preserving the juiciness of the filling. They are an ideal choice for those who appreciate a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in one dish.

The Lucky Ducky burger is a refined combination of tender duck meat infused with the aromas of honey, thyme, and red wine, complemented by juicy apple notes. European cuisine rarely uses duck in burger traditions, but this recipe brings the sophistication of haute cuisine into a familiar format. Velvety caramelized duck soaked in hoisin sauce and raspberry jam contrasts with crispy pickles and the freshness of iceberg lettuce. A cream made from cream cheese and cream envelops the ingredients, creating a soft balance of flavors. The burger delights with the contrast of sweet and salty, tender and crunchy while offering a new perspective on duck meat. Served with fries or fresh vegetables, it makes for a versatile choice for gourmets seeking unconventional flavor solutions.

Grilled tofu with hoisin sauce and fried brown rice is a modern European dish with Eastern notes. The hoisin sauce gives the tofu a rich, sweet-spicy flavor, while the grill adds a crispy crust. Fried brown rice with ginger, garlic, and sesame oil complements the dish's depth of flavor, while fresh broccoli and edamame beans add lightness and balance. This dish pairs perfectly with vegetable sides and is suitable for both everyday dinners and special occasions. The lightness of tofu and richness of spices make it versatile, while its exquisite taste is memorable.

Barbecue pork ribs in five spices are a true embodiment of Chinese culinary traditions. Their rich flavor is shaped by the famous 'Five Spices' blend that gives the meat depth and a spicy character. The marinade, including hoisin, soy sauce, and sherry, fills the ribs with sweet, salty, and slightly tangy notes. Slow roasting in the oven makes the ribs incredibly juicy and infused with aromas. This dish is often served in Chinese restaurants and at family celebrations where it consistently delights. It pairs perfectly with spicy sauce, Chinese mustard or fresh vegetables. Each piece is a harmony of flavors, balancing sweet, salty and spicy worthy of China's most exquisite gastronomic traditions.

Quick grilled chicken is a vibrant embodiment of Chinese cuisine, combining depth of flavor with simplicity of preparation. The dish's origins stem from traditional Asian recipes that use rich marinades to impart a unique aroma to the meat. Hoisin and soy sauce combined with peanut butter and garlic create a harmony of sweetness, umami, and a light nutty note. The chicken breast, tenderized before cooking, becomes juicy and infused with marinade, while grilling gives it an appetizing golden crust. Serving on a crispy iceberg lettuce leaf adds freshness, and a side of noodles or stewed peas completes the picture. It's the perfect dish for a quick dinner that captivates with its richness and exquisite balance of flavors.

Chinese grilled chicken is a fragrant and juicy dish infused with the richness of Eastern flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken breast marinated in a harmonious mix of lemon juice, honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and spices. Ginger and garlic add zest to the meat, while olive oil enhances its tenderness. The origins of this cooking method trace back to traditional Chinese cuisine where marinades and slow marination make the meat especially tasty. After several hours in the marinade, the chicken is grilled to achieve an appetizing caramelized crust and depth of flavor. The dish pairs perfectly with vegetables or rice, offering a sense of warm Eastern hospitality.