Peking sauce is a sauce used in Chinese cooking, most notably cooking from the region of Beijing. Beijing was once written as “Peking” in English and the usage of “Peking” can still be seen in the names of some notable dishes like Peking duck, a food traditionally prepared with Peking sauce. This sauce is sweet and a little bit spicy and is often compared to barbecue sauce, since it is used with barbecued and roasted foods.

Both hoisin sauce and tian mian jiang are referred to as Peking sauce in English, causing some confusion. These two sauces are closely related. They both include chilies, garlic, and soybean paste seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and various spices. The precise flavor can vary, depending on the tastes of the cook, as the spices used are variable and some cooks add additional ingredients. This sauce is naturally slightly salty and it also has some characteristics of umami, the so-called “fifth taste,” noted for having a savory flavor.

Peking sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for a variety of foods, and in addition to being used with Peking duck, it can be added to stir fries and other dishes. One popular use of the sauce is as a seasoning for Chinese scallion pancakes, a popular dish served alongside a variety of Chinese meat and vegetable dishes. In barbecuing, it can be applied as a glaze or marinade or used as a side sauce for dipping barbecued meats and vegetables.

Many groceries stores stock Peking sauce. While tian mian jiang is technically the real deal, cooks can use hoisin sauce if tian mian jiang is not available. Cooks who have access to fermented soybean paste can also mix up their own fresh sauce to taste to season dishes. Freshly made sauces can usually be refrigerated for several days and can also be frozen for future use.

One thing to be cautious of when buying Peking sauce in packaged format is that it often includes wheat and is not safe for people with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Wheat is often used as a filler in the preparation of fermented soybean foods, including soy sauce. In addition to cutting costs, it also adds a distinctive flavor. People with gluten concerns should check labels carefully and may want to seek out products specifically labeled as gluten free. Peking sauce is usually safe for vegetarians, as it does not traditionally contain animal products.