Chinese ingredient substitutions

Chu hou paste substitute

Use: Hoisin sauce + black bean paste (1:1) + pinch of five-spice (1:1)

Chu hou is a braising base — sweet-savory and bean-forward. Hoisin gives the sweet body, black bean paste adds the fermented depth, five-spice closes the gap.

Zha cai substitute

Use: Rinsed sauerkraut or mild kimchi + pinch of salt (1:1 (rinse to taste))

Zha cai is salty, crunchy, faintly sour. Rinsed sauerkraut mimics the crunch and tang; add a pinch of salt to match the saltiness. Great in noodles, fried rice, stir-fries.

Doubanjiang replacement

Use: Gochujang + 1/2 tsp chili flakes + pinch of salt (1 tbsp doubanjiang ≈ 2 tsp gochujang + chili flakes)

Sweeter and less fermented; add a little salt and vinegar to balance.

Dou gan recipe

Use: Fresh firm tofu, or slice dou gan directly into stir-fry (1:1 by weight)

Dou gan recipe: slice thin into strips and stir-fry with pork or beef, or blanch and toss in a cold sesame-soy salad. Holds shape far better than soft tofu.

Xia chaobing (shrimp stir-fried flatbread)

Use: Day-old flatbread cut into strips, or leftover rice / noodles (1:1 by volume)

Xia chaobing (shrimp stir-fried flatbread): pan-fry julienned flatbread with shrimp, egg and cabbage. A great way to use leftover bing.

Use: Dry sherry (fino/amontillado) (1:1)

Closest match for flavor depth. Alcohol cooks off; a splash of water + rice vinegar also works.

Use: Light soy + pinch of sugar + few drops molasses (1 tbsp dark ≈ 1 tbsp light soy + 1/4 tsp sugar)

Adds color and slight sweetness without buying a new bottle.

Use: Mushroom stir-fry sauce (vegetarian 'oyster' sauce) (1:1)

Most supermarket 'mushroom oyster sauce' is nearly identical in use; also GF-friendly.

Use: Gochujang + 1/2 tsp chili flakes + pinch of salt (1 tbsp doubanjiang ≈ 2 tsp gochujang + chili flakes)

Sweeter and less fermented; add a little salt and vinegar to balance.

Use: Balsamic vinegar + splash of water (1:1 (thinned balsamic))

Malty sweetness is close; thin balsamic slightly so it isn't too syrupy.

Use: BBQ sauce + 1 tsp soy sauce + pinch five-spice (1:1)

BBQ base gives the sweet-savory body; five-spice brings it closer.

Use: Neutral oil + few drops of toasted sesame seeds (pounded) (finishing only)

Aroma is irreplaceable — this only adds a hint. Best to buy sesame oil; it lasts.

Use: Warm neutral oil poured over chili flakes + 5-spice (DIY 5 min)

Easy homemade version; store in fridge.

Use: Hoisin sauce + black bean paste (1:1) + pinch of five-spice (1:1)

Chu hou is a braising base — sweet-savory and bean-forward. Hoisin gives the sweet body, black bean paste adds the fermented depth, five-spice closes the gap.

Use: Rinsed sauerkraut or mild kimchi + pinch of salt (1:1 (rinse to taste))

Zha cai is salty, crunchy, faintly sour. Rinsed sauerkraut mimics the crunch and tang; add a pinch of salt to match the saltiness. Great in noodles, fried rice, stir-fries.

Use: Black pepper + citrus zest (lemon/orange) (1 tsp Sichuan ≈ 1/2 tsp black pepper + zest)

Gives warmth and a hint of citrus but no numbing (má). Order online if you want the real effect.

Use: Pinch of five-spice powder (1 star ≈ 1/4 tsp five-spice)

Five-spice is star-anise forward; close enough for braises.

Use: Black pepper (use slightly less) (3/4 tsp black ≈ 1 tsp white)

Slightly more floral; fine for most dishes.

Use: Dry white wine + 1/4 tsp sugar (1:1)

White wine brings acidity; sugar rounds it into the rice-wine direction.

Use: Medium-firm tofu, gently simmered (1:1 (handle gently))

Less delicate texture but holds sauce well and is easier to find.

Use: Swiss chard / spinach / broccoli florets (1:1)

Any quick-cooking green works; adjust cooking time for thickness.

Use: Savoy cabbage (1:1)

Closest texture and sweetness in Western supermarkets.

Use: Broccolini (1:1)

Broccolini is the hybrid closest to gai lan's tender stems and mild bitterness.

Use: Fresh shiitake (more water, less umami) (1 dried ≈ 2 fresh)

Fresh lacks the intense umami; add a splash of soy or mushroom stock to compensate.

Use: DIY: cinnamon + cloves + star anise + fennel + Sichuan pepper (equal parts, ground)

All components are easy to find; grind or crush fine.

Use: Chorizo (cooked) or smoked sausage + 1/4 tsp five-spice (1:1)

Chorizo mimics the sweet-savory, slightly fatty bite.

Use: Pork shoulder / collar, fattier cuts (1:1 (braise 15-20 min longer))

Shoulder braises beautifully; just a touch less rich.

Use: Dry sherry + Worcestershire sauce (half amount) (1 tbsp sherry + 1/2 tsp Worcestershire)

Worcestershire adds the fermented umami depth oyster sauce normally provides.

Use: Ketchup + rice vinegar + sugar (2:1:1) (2 tbsp ketchup + 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 tbsp sugar)

Classic home hack; ketchup gives color and body.

Use: Fresh firm tofu, or slice dou gan directly into stir-fry (1:1 by weight)

Dou gan recipe: slice thin into strips and stir-fry with pork or beef, or blanch and toss in a cold sesame-soy salad. Holds shape far better than soft tofu.

Use: Day-old flatbread cut into strips, or leftover rice / noodles (1:1 by volume)

Xia chaobing (shrimp stir-fried flatbread): pan-fry julienned flatbread with shrimp, egg and cabbage. A great way to use leftover bing.