What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?

We understand how thrilling it may be to try new Asian dishes. And in such cases, we wish to provide the finest outcomes possible. So we try to stick as close to the original components as possible. The oyster sauce is one of these unusual foods that appears on many lists.

Oyster sauce is a tasty, flexible, and popular addition to Asian meals. It has a unique taste profile that shines through in every dish. However, we may not always have it on hand or use it in our cooking. In such cases, finding a suitable alternative for this outstanding element becomes critical.

Here you’ll learn about oyster sauce and why it’s so popular. You’ll also discover useful substitutions for both standard and vegetarian requirements. You’ll also notice that some of the alternatives, such as Worcestershire sauce and teriyaki sauce, aren’t as difficult to get as the original.

Oyster SauceNutrition Facts

What Is Oyster Sauce?

Oyster sauce is so prevalent in Asian cuisine that its origin is shrouded in folklore. In 1888 China, a food stall operator called Lee KumSheung is said to have kept the oyster soup on the heat for too long. The end product was a semi-thick, rich sauce full of flavor and taste. This, it is thought, is what gave rise to what is now known as oyster sauce.

Oyster sauce is made from oyster broth, which is made by cooking oysters in water. Condensation reduces the broth to generate a brown liquid with the viscosity of ketchup. This kind of oyster sauce was historically created because it was devoid of additives. However, today’s oyster sauces may include caramel coloring, oyster extracts, flour, sugar, citric acid, yeast extracts, taste enhancers, and preservatives.

Uses of Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is widely used in Chinese cuisine, but it is also popular in Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese meals. It’s a condiment that’s high in umami and packs a punch of salty flavor. Its taste profile is similar to that of soy sauce, but sweeter. However, you will detect a tinge of seafood or fishy flavor that will remind you of its parent element.

Oyster sauce goes well with other meals and complements meat dishes. It’s also a great method to add flavor to vegetables and pasta, as well as to create a dramatic environment in soups and sauces. The taste is deep and powerful, and it shines out in a variety of dishes. And it’s just one of the numerous ways you can add an Asian flair to your food.

It’s also fantastic in dips and may be mixed with other ingredients to produce baked goods side meals. Oyster sauce may also be found in a variety of grilled dishes, including fish, pork, seafood, and vegetables. Here are some delectable dishes that use oyster sauce.

• Beef stir-frys
• Pancit Canton
• Sauces
• Chili beef
• Bok choi with garlic and oyster sauce
• Pineapple pork adobo
• Veggie stir-frys
• Curries
• Soups
• Caramelized pork
• PhatSiiKrongNeua
• Bo Zai Fan
• Grilled brisket
• Stews
• Spicy pork
• Chicken Lo Mein
• Grilled chicken wings
• Glazed mushrooms
• Tri-Tip Steak
• Glazed asparagus
• Grilled pork shoulder
• Blistered green beans
• Hot pepper noodles
• Asparagus and shiitake saut
• Grilled beef
• Glazed aubergines
• Dips
• Marinades

Oyster Sauce Substitutes

As unusual as oyster sauce is, it is not one of those items you will have in your cabinet. And for those who do, it was probably for one of those fancy Asian recipes we tried and never used again. So if you have a bottle in excellent condition in your fridge, consider yourself fortunate. But chances are you’re out of stock, your supply has gone rancid, or you won’t be able to consume it since you’re vegan. The good news is that oyster sauce can be substituted in any dish, and there are many of options nearby.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is one of the closest ingredients to soy sauce on this list. It is a classic Chinese condiment that, like oyster sauce, is high in umami, tang, and has a sweet taste. Hoisin sauce has a taste profile that is comparable to barbecue sauce, which is not unexpected given that it includes components like as chili paste, vinegar, and garlic.

It has a similar consistency to oyster sauce but a stronger taste. Even so, you may use hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce in stir-fries, sauces, soups, marinades, and vegan recipes.

Soy Sauce

This is a quick and simple alternative for oyster sauce, especially if you’re looking for additional umami. Soy sauce, like oyster sauce, is vegan-friendly and has a similar brown color. However, soy sauce contains more salt and has a thinner consistency than oyster sauce. If you must use it, use less of it, and then add a touch of sugar to approximate the sweetness. Gluten-free alternatives include Indonesian kecapmanis, a sweet kind of soy sauce, and tamari.

Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is a good substitute that retains the fishy flavor. This choice is made from fermented fish and has a stronger seafood taste than oyster sauce. It is also saltier and has less sweetness than the original. You may, however, add fish sauce to stir-fries and seafood-based dishes since they are designed to accommodate such a taste. You may also use it in situations where oyster sauce is requested in tiny quantities.

Teriyaki Sauce

If you have teriyaki sauce on hand, use it for oyster sauce in stir-fry and noodle dishes. Teriyaki sauce works well in these cases since the amount of oyster sauce asked for is modest. However, you may use it in different circumstances if you lessen the amount.

Teriyaki sauce is sweeter than oyster sauce because it is created with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin or sake. They do, however, have a comparable thickness, so you won’t have to make too many compromises in that regard.

Mushroom Sauce

This is yet another useful vegan substitute for oyster sauce. It’s umami-rich and easy to make at home using dried mushrooms, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar. Some homemade mushroom sauce recipes call for mushroom broth cubes instead of mushrooms.

However, you may also buy prepared mushroom sauces at the market or make your own. The taste is quite similar to the genuine thing, and it can be used in any dish that calls for oyster sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does oyster sauce go bad?

Yes, but only if it is not kept correctly. This condiment can be kept refrigerated for two years, so the odds of it going bad before you finish it are small. Still, you should double-check it before adding it to your food. So, if the oyster sauce has an unpleasant odor, flavor, or appearance, or if mold is found in it, throw it out right away.

Does oyster sauce have to be cooked?

Oyster sauce is mostly used in the cooking or braising process. The reason for this is because the condiment is prone to overcooking, which results in flavor loss and a harsh taste.

How much oyster sauce is too much?

To keep your salt and sugar consumption in check, it is suggested that you should not exceed two tablespoons of oyster sauce every meal. The reason for this is that medical authorities recommend that individuals consume no more than 10 teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of salt every day.

Conclusion

Oyster sauce is one of the few unique items that you would never consider replacing. Surprisingly, the condiment has a plethora of replacements all around you. When you require oyster sauce, choose one of these alternatives. You’ll also notice that some of the substitutes make your life easier by catering to your specific dietary requirements.