Savory and versatile, oyster sauce is an Asian kitchen staple. Learn how to choose and use the the sauce to add flavors to your cooking.
Many of you have asked me about the oyster sauce in my previous recipes. It has been one of my favorite Asian condiments for its flavors and textures. But because there are various types and different ways of using it, it can be difficult to find the one that works for you.
So in this post, let’s explore the magic of the sauce on its ingredients, the making process, how to choose the best oyster sauce, its alternatives, and how you can use it to add umami flavors to your cooking.
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Table of content
- What is oyster sauce
- Why Asians love using it in cooking
- Types and how to use accordingly
- How to choose the best oyster sauce
- How to properly store the sauce
- Oyster sauce substitutes
- Related recipes
What is oyster sauce and how is it made
Oyster sauce (蚝油) means the oil of oysters in Chinese. It is a dark, thick sauce commonly used in Asian cuisine. It’s primarily savory with unique umami flavors. Depending on the extra ingredients, it can also be slightly sweet.
First of all, let’s talk about the production. Contrary to common beliefs, most oyster sauce doesn’t contain oysters. Instead, the main ingredient is oyster extracts.
Traditionally, the sauce is made by soaking oysters in water and simmering them until they release their juices. The juice is then combined with soy sauce, sugar, and other flavorings and simmered until it thickens to a syrup-like texture.
Because the traditional process could take days, brands have now revolutionized the production process. Today, the main ingredients include condensed oyster extract, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Some brands may also add additional flavorings like garlic or onion.
Why Asians love using it in cooking
Oyster sauce has been, and still is, one of my favorite condiments. I use it in vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, steamed fish, and even as a dipping sauce.
And I am not alone. Many Asian home cooks and chefs share my love for the sauce. In fact, the condiment has been in must-have in Asian kitchens for a long time. And its popularity is only growing for proper reasons.
- Umami flavor
People love the sauce for its rich, savory, umami flavor, which comes from the oyster extract.
Umami is often described as a savory or meaty taste that enhances the flavors of other ingredients and the entire dish. Thus, it is able to add depth and complexity to the overall flavor, taking it to the next level.
- Versatility
As mentioned above, the sauce is more than a condiment. It can also be used in various ways, from stir-fries and marinades to soups and dipping sauces. And it works well with meat, seafood, vegetables, and carbs like noodles.
- Accessible and easy to use
Though not as popular as soy sauce, you can still find it in most grocery stores, supermarkets, and Asian markets.
And to accommodate different demographics, nowadays, it also comes with gluten-free, keto, and vegetarian options.
Because the sauce is mostly stored in bottles or jars, you can use a small amount each time. Then, all you need to do is seal it upon opening and properly store it. And a bottle can go a long way.
Types of oyster sauce and how to use accordingly
If you have browsed the aisles of an Asian supermarket, you may have found various types of oyster sauce. So how do you choose the one that caters to your need? Here are some common catagories and the dishes they are best suited for:
- The regular ones
This is the most common and versatile type of oyster sauce, made from oyster extracts, sugar, salt, and soy sauce. It is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for most stir-fried, steamed dishes and as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls.
To add flavors, you can add the sauce to boiled eggs, noodles, or ramen. If you don’t currently have one at home, this is the one to go for. Trust me. It makes all the difference.
- Premium version
This is a high-quality sauce made with larger, higher-grade oysters.
It often has fewer additional flavorings and ingredients. Instead, the percentage of oyster extract is usually above 40%.
For this reason, these premium ones often have a stronger umami flavor and is often more savory. Thus, the are a perfect condiment for seafood and meat as a marinade and flavoring. Or it can be added to the filling of dumplings or meatballs.
This is a plant-based version of oyster sauce made from mushrooms or other vegetables. It has a similar flavor to the regular oyster sauce and works perfectly for vegetarian dishes.
- Gluten-free version
The gluten-free oyster sauce replaces the wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free substitutes such as cornstarch or tapioca starch. This makes it safe for people with gluten intolerance or those who follow a gluten-free diet.
The taste of gluten-free oyster sauce differs slightly from the regular ones. However, because of the additional flavorings, the difference is often unnoticeable.
How to choose the best oyster sauce
Whether online or in your local store, you will find many kinds from different brands. And finding what works for you can be challenging.
So if you don’t have a particular type in mind, here are some basic rules to help you narrow your search for the best one.
- Oyster extract
The umami flavor of the Asian condiment comes from the oyster extract. So to determine whether the sauce is flavorful, make sure oyster extract is listed first on the ingredient list. It will account for over 40% of some premium brands like this one from Lee Kum Kee.
- Look for reputable brands
Choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality products.
The most popular brands include Lee Kum Kee from China, Kikkoman from Japan, and Maekrua from Thailand.
You can check reviews online or ask for recommendations from friends and family. If you are unsure about the flavor, go for a smaller size before buying in bulk.
- Check the packaging
This is particularly important if you are buying online. Because most of the sauce is stored in glass bottles, it can be damaged in transportation.
Make sure you check the reviews to see if there’s damage being reported. Or look for another packaging option like this one.
How to properly store oyster sauce
As tasty as it is, oyster sauce can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Here is how to properly do it to maintain its quality and flavor.
- Before opening, store it somewhere cool and dry. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
- Seal each time after using: Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent air from entering the bottle.
- Keep it refrigerated upon opening. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.
- If it is stored in a jar and requires you to spoon it out, make sure the spoon is clean to avoid contamination.
- Check the expiration date: Once opened, it can last up to six months if stored properly. So the expiration date should be no shorter than six months from the day you open it.
Oyster sauce substitutes
If you can’t find the sauce in your local store, there are several substitutes that you can use to replace its umami-rich flavor in your recipe.
- Soy sauce
Soy sauce is also savory like the oyster sauce are both savory, which makes it a common substitute for it. However, most soy sauce can taste a bit saltier. So consider adding a pinch of sugar if you love sweet and savory dishes or to balance the flavor.
- Hoisin sauce
Hoisin sauce, meaning seafood sauce in Chinese, has a sweet and savory flavor similar to oyster sauce. However, it’s often thicker and gives richness and depth.
- Mushroom sauce
Mushroom sauce is considered to be a vegetarian version of oyster sauce. It is made from mushrooms, which contribute to its umami flavor.
- Teriyaki sauce
Teriyaki is a Japanese sauce that is also savory and often a bit sweeter. It is commonly used as a marinade or glaze for meats, fish, and vegetables.
These substitutes all have their own unique flavors. So your dish may taste slightly different with these oyster sauce alternatives. Experiment with these options to see which one works for you the best.
Recipes using oyster sauce
If you have just bought your first oyster sauce and are ready to test it out, here are some recipes on this blog that use it as a marinade or flavoring:
- Baby Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushroom
- Baked Chicken Breast Meatballs In Sweet And Sour Tomato Sauce
- Pan-Seared Steak With Mushroom And Garlic
- Chinese Shredded Chicken In Scallion Sauce
- Yoshinoya Japanese Beef Bowl (Gyudon)
- Chinese Stir-Fry King Oyster Mushroom With Beef And Bell Peppers
What’s your favorite oyster sauce?
Do you have a favorite brand or type of oyster sauce? Share in the comment below!