15 Best Substitutes for XO Sauce with Ratios and How to Use the Alternatives

XO sauce is a Chinese condiment that is widely used in various dishes and is known for its rich and umami flavor. It is a combination of dried seafood, garlic, chili peppers, and other spices.

However, only some have access to or can afford this sauce.

Luckily, there are some easy-to-find ingredients that can be used as a substitute for XO sauce, and in this blog post, I’ll share the top 15 best substitutes and how to use them.

In short, " What can I use instead of xo sauce?"

Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Mushroom Umami Powder, Fish Sauce, Miso Paste, Worcestershire Sauce, Douchi, Thai Chili Paste, Anchovy Paste, Mushroom Sauce, Sesame Oil, Gochujang, Black Bean Sauce, Sambal Oelek.

What is xo sauce, and what does xo sauce taste like?

XO Sauce is a popular seafood-based condiment originating from Hong Kong. It is made of dried scallops, dried shrimp, garlic, chili pepper and oil.

The result is a very rich and flavorful sauce that has an intense umami taste with hints of sweetness.

XO Sauce pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, noodles and other dishes to add a unique depth of flavor.

Uses of xo sauce

XO is commonly used as an accompaniment to various dishes such as dim sum, noodles, fried rice, and steamed vegetables.

It also makes a great addition to marinades or sauces for meats like beef or pork. Some people even use it as an ingredient in their stir-fry dishes.

Additionally, XO sauce can be used to add depth of flavor to soups and stews. 

The versatility of this condiment makes it an ideal choice for home cooks who want to add some extra zest to their meals without having to buy multiple bottles of specialty sauces.

Its pungent aroma adds complexity to noodle dishes, while its spicy kick gives barbeque recipes a new dimension of flavor.

If you’re looking for something special that will make your meals stand out from the rest, then XO sauce is definitely worth considering!

Where to buy xo sauce?

If you are looking for where to buy xo sauce, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores. 

You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of xo sauce.

Best substitutes for xo sauce

1. Hoisin Sauce – a good substitute for xo sauce

This is the most popular substitute for XO sauce. It has a sweet and savory flavor that is similar to XO sauce.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

2. Oyster Sauce  

This sauce has a salty and savory flavor that is similar to XO sauce.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

3. Try Soy Sauce in place of xo sauce

Soy sauce is another popular substitute for XO sauce. It has a salty and umami savor that is similar to XO sauce.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

4. Mushroom Umami Powder 

This is a Japanese seasoning that has a rich and savory flavor. It is made from dried shiitake mushrooms and has the umami taste that is found in XO sauce.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 teaspoon of mushroom umami powder in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

5. Fish Sauce – a great alternative to xo sauce

Fish sauce has a salty and savory flavor that is similar to XO sauce. It is made from fermented fish and has a rich, complex flavor.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of fish sauce in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

6. Miso Paste 

Miso is a Japanese seasoning that has a rich and salty flavor. It is made from fermented soybeans and has the umami taste that is found in XO sauce.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of miso paste in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

7. You can use Worcestershire Sauce instead of Xo sauce

Worcestershire Sauce has a complex and tangy flavor that is similar to XO sauce. It is made from vinegar, molasses, and various spices.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

8. Douchi  

Douchi is a fermented Chinese black bean that has a salty and savory flavor. It is often used to add flavor to stir fry dishes.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of douchi in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

9. Thai Chili Paste – a tasty substitute for xo sauce

This paste has a spicy and savory flavor that is similar to XO sauce. It is made from chili peppers, garlic, and various spices.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of Thai chili paste in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

10. Anchovy Paste  

This paste has a salty and umami flavor that is similar to XO sauce. It is made from ground anchovies and is often used to flavor pasta dishes.

Ratio and measurement: To make the substitution, use 1 tablespoon of anchovy paste in place of 1 tablespoon of XO sauce.

11. Mushroom Sauce – similar to xo sauce

The mushroom sauce provides a similar umami flavor to XO sauce and is made from mushrooms, soy sauce, and other ingredients.

Ratio and measurement: To use as a substitute, mix together 1 tablespoon of mushroom sauce and 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce.

12. Sesame Oil 

Sesame oil adds a nutty and savory flavor to dishes. It doesn’t have the sweet or spicy flavors of XO sauce, but it can be a good option if you are looking for a simple substitute.

Ratio and measurement: To use, mix together 2 tbs of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce.

13. Gochujang – similar to xo sauce

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that provides a sweet and spicy flavor. It doesn’t have the seafood flavor of XO sauce, but it can be a good option for adding heat to dishes.

Ratio and measurement: To use, mix together 1 tablespoon of gochujang and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce.

14. Black Bean Sauce  

Black bean sauce is a savory and slightly sweet sauce made from fermented black beans. It doesn’t have the heat of chili in XO sauce, but it has a similar depth of flavor.

Ratio and measurement: To use as a substitute, mix together 1 tablespoon of black bean sauce and 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce.

15. Sambal Oelek – an ideal substitute for xo sauce

Sambal Oelek is an Indonesian chili paste made from red chili peppers and vinegar. It provides a spicy flavor and can be a good option for adding heat to dishes.

Ratio and measurement: To use as a substitute for XO sauce, mix together 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce.

Tips on How to Choose the Most Suitable Substitution Option for xo Sauce

When choosing a substitution for XO sauce, consider the following tips:

1. Flavor profile: XO sauce is known for its rich umami flavor with hints of seafood and spices. Look for a substitution that can provide a similar depth of flavor.

2. Ingredient compatibility: XO sauce typically contains dried seafood, such as dried shrimp or scallops, as well as garlic, chili peppers, and other seasonings. Choose a substitution that incorporates similar ingredients or flavors.

3. Texture: XO sauce has a chunky and slightly oily texture. Consider a substitution that can replicate this texture or provide a similar mouthfeel in your dish.

4. Spiciness level: XO sauce can vary in spiciness, depending on the brand or recipe. Adjust the substitution’s spiciness level based on your preference or the desired heat in your dish.

5. Culinary purpose: Determine how you plan to use XO sauce in your recipe. Whether it’s as a condiment, stir-fry sauce, or flavor enhancer, ensure that the substitution can fulfill the same role effectively.

6. Experiment and taste: Try different alternatives and taste test them to find the best substitution option for your specific dish. Don’t be afraid to combine ingredients and flavors to achieve a similar result.

Remember that while substitution can provide a similar taste, it may not exactly replicate the unique characteristics of XO sauce.

Adapt and adjust your recipe as needed to achieve the desired flavor profile in your dishes.

Homemade XO sauce substitute

Making homemade XO sauce requires a variety of ingredients and a bit of time and effort. Here’s a basic recipe to create your own version:

Ingredients:

– 50g dried shrimp

– 50g dried scallops

– 50g cured ham or Chinese sausage, finely diced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 shallots, minced

– 3-4 dried chili peppers, soaked and minced

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

– 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

1. In separate bowls, soak the dried shrimp and dried scallops in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat the veg oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, shallots, and chili peppers, and sauté until fragrant.

3. Add the diced cured ham or Chinese sausage to the pan and cook till lightly browned.

4. Finely chop the softened dried shrimp and dried scallops, and add them to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is well combined.

5. Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, and sugar. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld together.

6. Extract from the heat and let the mixture cool down.

7. Once cooled, transfer the blender to a food processor or blender and pulse many times till you achieve a chunky sauce consistency.

You can adjust the texture by pulsing more or less, according to your preference.

8. Transfer the homemade XO sauce to a clean jar or container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for several weeks.

Keep in mind that this is a basic recipe, and you can modify it by adding or adjusting the ingredients according to your taste.

Enjoy your homemade XO sauce as a condiment, stir-fry sauce, or flavor enhancer in various dishes.

lee kum kee xo sauce recipe

Here’s a recipe for Lee Kum Kee-style XO sauce:

Ingredients:

– 20 dried chili peppers, soaked and minced

– 50g dried shrimp, soaked and minced

– 50g dried scallops, soaked and minced

– 100g Chinese cured ham or Chinese sausage, finely diced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 shallots, minced

– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

– 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

1. Heat the veg oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots, and sauté until fragrant.

2. Add the diced cured ham or Chinese sausage to the pan and cook till lightly browned.

3. Add the minced dried shrimp, dried scallops, and soaked minced chili peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is well combined.

4. Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, and sugar. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld together.

5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool down.

6. Once cooled, transfer the blender to a food processor or blender and pulse many times till you achieve a chunky sauce consistency. You can adjust the texture by pulsing more or less, according to your preference.

7. Transfer the XO sauce to a clean jar or container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for several weeks.

This recipe is a simplified version of Lee Kum Kee’s XO sauce. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste.

Enjoy the rich and savory flavor of homemade XO sauce in your dishes!

Conclusion on substitute for xo sauce

XO sauce can be a hard-to-find ingredient, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy its rich umami flavor. Use this list of 15 substitutes to add depth of flavor to your dishes.

When using these substitutes, remember to adjust the amounts based on your own taste preferences.

With these alternatives, you can create dishes that taste just as delicious as they would with XO sauce.

FAQs on substitute for xo sauce