Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Hoisin Sauce
A thick, sweet-savory Chinese sauce made from soybeans, garlic, and spices.
Pro Tip: Mix with a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil for a quick, tasty marinade.
How to Use It:
- Stir into stir-fries or noodles
- Glaze meats or tofu
- Use as a dip for spring rolls or duck
1. Sticky Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Vibe: Fresh, juicy, sweet-savory with a little crunch. Easy to build, fun to eat, and great for weeknights or a cute date night.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1 tbsp neutral oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
Butter lettuce leaves (or romaine)
Optional toppings: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, sriracha
👩🍳 Instructions:
In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
Add ground chicken and cook through.
Stir in hoisin, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it simmer until glossy and sticky.
Spoon into lettuce leaves, top with your choice of crunchy/fresh toppings, and devour.
✨ Why it works: That hoisin gives instant depth and richness without needing a million ingredients. The balance of saucy + crisp lettuce is unbeatable.
2. Hoisin Stir-Fry Noodles with Veggies
Vibe: Saucy, fast, customizable, and slurpy as hell. Perfect clean-out-the-fridge type of meal that never feels like a compromise.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 pack noodles (udon, ramen, rice noodles—whatever you have)
1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil
2 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, etc.)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp chili oil or sriracha (optional)
Optional: protein (shrimp, tofu, chicken), sesame seeds, lime wedge
👩🍳 Instructions:
Cook noodles according to package, then drain and set aside.
Stir-fry your veggies in oil over medium-high heat until crisp-tender.
Add garlic, toss quickly, then add noodles.
Pour in hoisin, soy sauce, and chili oil (if using). Toss until everything’s coated and glossy.
Serve hot, with optional sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime.
💥 Why it slaps: It’s got that sweet, smoky, tangy flavor that instantly turns simple noodles into a restaurant-level dish.