Oyster Sauce – What is It, How is It Made, and Where to Find It

What is oyster sauce?

Oyster sauce is a dark brown sauce with a texture similar to paste. It is made from oyster extract and has a sweet, salty, and umami flavor. Oyster sauce is commonly used in Asian cuisine to add a rich depth of flavor.

Where did oyster sauce originate from?

It is believed that the creation of oyster sauce was a happy accident. In 1888, Lee Kum Sheung was busy operating his food stall in China. As his normal routine, Sheung had a large pot of oyster soup cooking away on the stove. However, on this particular day, Sheung lost track of time and his pot of oyster soup remained on the stove simmering for hours. When he finally remembered his soup, he went to check on it, and instead of his clear soup broth, he found that his oysters and other ingredients had caramelized into a thick brown paste. Agitated at his waste of food, Sheung decided to give the paste a quick taste and was surprised to find the paste full of rich, salty, and sweet flavor. As a trial, Sheung served the paste as rice seasoning to his customers, and to his delight, the new sauce was a raging hit. Sheung bottled the oyster sauce under his company—Lee Kum Kee—and now is notorious for selling all kinds of rich, flavorful Asian sauces. Shop premium oyster sauce.

How is oyster sauce created?

The biggest question when it comes to oyster sauce is usually: are there oysters in oyster sauce? The answer is yes. However, it is typically made with oyster extractives (oyster, water, salt), sugar, and a thickening agent such as corn starch and/or wheat flour.

Because oyster sauce uses real seafood ingredients, it is not vegetarian-friendly. However, there are vegetarian oyster sauce options that utilize mushrooms and/or soybeans as their star ingredient. Shop soybeans.

What does oyster sauce taste like?

Oyster sauce is unique in its flavor. It is sweet, salty, and a bit briny from the oysters. Oyster sauce is regularly referred to as having an “umami” or deeply savory flavor.

There are different types and variations of oyster sauces. Some oyster sauces will have additional ingredients like dried scallops that give them a strong seafood flavor. To appeal to consumer preferences, there are also healthier oyster sauce options that are gluten-free or have lower sodium levels. Based on its brand, oyster sauces may vary slightly in taste depending on the country of origin. Chinese oyster sauces may have a different taste when compared to Japanese or Thai oyster sauces. To get a better feel for what the flavor profile may taste like, look at the list of ingredients.  

How to store oyster sauce

When unopened, a bottle of oyster sauce can be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry. It is best to keep the oyster sauce away from heated appliances like the stove or dishwasher to prevent any changes to the product. Once opened, you should store the oyster sauce in the refrigerator. Ensure that the lid is on tightly to prevent extra air from getting into the bottle. Once opened, oyster sauce can typically last for up to six months when stored correctly. However, it is always suggested to review the expiration date on the product packaging.

How to tell if oyster sauce is bad

Due to the oxidation process, oyster sauce may change in color and taste. You may notice that the color gets darker and the flavor tastes more pungent as oyster sauce starts to age. One of the biggest indications that your oyster sauce has started to go bad is seeing a separation of liquid from the other ingredients in the sauce. Old oyster sauce that has started to change in color or taste may not be harmful; however, if you notice any mold or foul odors, discard your oyster sauce immediately.

What to substitute for oyster sauce

Since oyster sauce has a truly unique flavor, it is best to use true oyster sauce in your recipes. However, if substitutes for your oyster sauce are needed, these are some of the best options.

General substitute for oyster sauce

A great substitute for oyster sauce is hoisin sauce. Hoisin sauce has a similar consistency as it is also a thick, paste-like sauce. Hoisin sauce is often made from fermented soybeans. It can pack more of a pungent and saltier punch than oyster sauce, so research the best replacement measurement ratio before adding hoisin to your recipe. Shop hoisin sauce.

Vegetarian substitute for oyster sauce

Because oyster sauce uses real oysters or oyster extractives, it is not vegetarian-friendly. However, there are vegetarian substitutes for oyster sauce. The umami, savory flavor you get from oysters can be similarly recreated using another umami ingredient: mushrooms. Vegetarian mushroom “oyster” sauce is a great alternative that uses mushrooms (often shiitake mushrooms), soybeans, and brown sugar. Shop vegetarian mushroom sauce.

How to use oyster sauce

Oyster sauce can liven up any dish it’s added to. From meats to vegetables, oyster sauce adds a rich depth of flavor. Use oyster sauce in marinades and stir-fry dishes or use it as a sauce base, a side dipping sauce, or drizzled on steamy vegetables like bok choy. Shop bok choy.

Shop for oyster sauce

Oyster sauce can be found at specialty Asian grocery stores or international or Asian sections of local grocery markets. To save time, you can also buy oyster sauce via Instacart. Through Instacart, you can easily shop for oyster sauce and add it to your cart. Once you’ve digitally checked out, you can pick up your grocery items curbside, or you can have them conveniently delivered right to your doorstep.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Lee Kum Kee Oyster Flavored Sauce, Premium (18 oz)

Blue Point Oysters (each)

Organic Soybeans (1 each)

Lee Kum Kee Hoisin Sauce (20 oz)

Wan Ja Shan Vegetarian Mushroom Oyster Sauce (33.8 fl oz)

Bok Choy (per pound)

Instacart

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