Condiment | None

Oysters Sauce

N/A Allergens: Shellfish, Soy, Gluten
Oysters Sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Cantonese, Southeast Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Oyster extract, Soybeans, Wheat

What Is Oysters Sauce?

A thick, dark, savory-sweet condiment made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, and seasonings, essential for enhancing umami in Asian cuisine.

"The secret weapon of Asian cuisine, adding profound depth and umami without a strong "fishy" taste."

What Does Oysters Sauce Taste Like?

Savory, umami, slightly sweet, salty, earthy, rich

Taste
Umami, Savory, Sweet, Slightly Salty, Briny
Texture
Thick, Viscous, Smooth
Aroma
Briny, Savory, Slightly Sweet, Soy
Acidity
Low

Technical Metrics

Global Usage

A cornerstone ingredient in Cantonese cooking and many East Asian stir-fries.

Origin Story

Accidentally created in the late 19th century when a chef overcooked oysters, concentrating their flavor.

Shelf Life (Opened)

Refrigerate after opening and use within 3-6 months for best quality.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (15g)
Calories130 kcal
Total Fat0g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein4g
Total Carbohydrate28g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars24g
Calcium10mg
Iron0.3mg
Potassium50mg

Chef’s Secret

Add a dash to any savory dish, even non-Asian ones, for a subtle boost of umami depth.

Oysters Sauce Substitutes & Ratios

The best substitute for Oysters Sauce is Mushroom Stir-Fry Sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce), used at a 1:1 ratio. Best vegetarian/vegan alternative, closely mimics umami and texture.

Substitutes for Oysters Sauce with ratios
Substitute Ratio Best for
Mushroom Stir-Fry Sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce) Best 1:1 Best vegetarian/vegan alternative, closely mimics umami and texture.
Hoisin Sauce 1:1 Sweet, tangy, and savory, but lacks the subtle brininess of oyster sauce.
Soy Sauce + Sugar + Cornstarch Varies (to taste and thickness) DIY option for umami, sweetness, and thickness, but misses complexity.
Fish Sauce (diluted and sweetened) 1:2 (fish sauce to water, plus sugar) Provides a strong umami and briny note, but much thinner and needs sweetening.

How to Choose & Store Oysters Sauce

Choose brands with "oyster extract" as a primary ingredient for authentic flavor.

What Pairs Well With Oysters Sauce?

  • Stir-fries
  • marinades
  • braised meats
  • noodle dishes
  • vegetable sautés
  • dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Oysters Sauce taste like?

Savory, umami, slightly sweet, salty, earthy, rich Briny, Savory, Slightly Sweet, Soy

What is a good substitute for Oysters Sauce?

The best substitute is Mushroom Stir-Fry Sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce) (1:1). Best vegetarian/vegan alternative, closely mimics umami and texture.

How do you choose and store Oysters Sauce?

Choose brands with "oyster extract" as a primary ingredient for authentic flavor.

Recipes Using Oysters Sauce

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Asian Garlic Butter Noodles

Experience a flavor explosion with this incredibly easy 15-minute Asian Garlic Butter Noodles recipe, inspired by Jaden Hair's "Steamy Kitchen Cookbook." This recipe delivers rich, savory, and slightly sweet noodles coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend treat!

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Vegetables Chicken Breasts Vegetables Pasta

Asian Noodles With Chicken And Scallions

A quick and easy 30-minute one-dish meal! This recipe features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory oyster and hoisin sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, it's a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired dinner that's perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Pork Time To Make Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less

Asian Apricot Glazed Pork Loin Chops

A family heirloom recipe gets a delicious Asian twist! These tender pork loin chops are bathed in a sweet and savory apricot glaze, bursting with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Inspired by a cherished handwritten recipe, this upgraded version is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Easy Pork Preparation Meat

Asian Style Lettuce Wraps

Craving a light yet flavorful dinner? These Asian Style Lettuce Wraps are a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe the whole family will devour! This recipe features juicy ground pork and beef, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce that's perfectly balanced – but feel free to add a kick with extra chili paste! Ready in under 30 minutes, these satisfying wraps are perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Vegetables Poultry Asian Vegetables

Asparagus Chicken With Black Bean Sauce

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Presentation Preparation Oven 4 Hours Or Less

Bangkok Meatballs On Skewers

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Course Time To Make Steaks Stove Top

Beef Garlic Scapes Stir Fry

Experience the vibrant taste of authentic Chinese cuisine with this Beef Garlic Scapes Stir-Fry! Garlic scapes, also known as garlic greens, add a unique garlicky and slightly sweet flavor. If you can't find garlic scapes, easily substitute with green onions or green beans for a delicious twist. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds!

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Asian 30 Minutes Or Less Course Stir Fry

Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Craving authentic Chinese takeout? This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe delivers the same incredible flavors you love, right in your own kitchen! Inspired by a restaurant favorite, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with savory goodness. Tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a mouthwatering sauce come together in a symphony of textures and tastes. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes!

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Time To Make Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Beef And Garlic

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Beef And Veggies Stir Fry

A sizzling stir-fry bursting with flavor! Tender beef strips are marinated then stir-fried with vibrant broccoli, earthy mushrooms, sweet pea pods, and crisp celery. Generous amounts of garlic and ginger add a powerful aromatic punch. Served over a fluffy bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Ready in just 30 minutes!

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For 1 Or 2 Easy Course From Scratch

Beef Lok Lak Cambodian Recipe

Experience the explosive flavors of authentic Cambodian Beef Lok Lak! This sizzling stir-fry, similar to Vietnamese shaking beef (but with a uniquely Cambodian twist!), features tender beef slices marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fragrant spices. Enjoy it the traditional way – wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion, and dipped in the irresistible, homemade dipping sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with fluffy rice or crispy fries, and don't forget the fried egg for an extra touch of decadence! Learn the secret to perfectly cooked, flavorful Beef Lok Lak and impress your family and friends with this unforgettable Cambodian dish.

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Chinese Low Carb Cuisine Low In Something

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Stove Top Asian Beef Time To Make

Beef With Oyster Sauce

This incredibly flavorful Beef with Oyster Sauce recipe is ready in just 30 minutes! Par-freezing the beef (a pro tip!) ensures perfectly thin slices for maximum surface area and delicious browning. The rich oyster sauce, combined with aromatic garlic, ginger, and chili, coats tender beef, creating a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Toddler Friendly Fall Preparation Seasonal

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Preparation Time To Make Course Meat

Beef Vegetables And Rice Noodles With Oyster Sauce

A quick and easy one-pot Asian-inspired stir-fry! This vibrant dish combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice noodles in a rich and savory oyster sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love. Inspired by a recipe from 'A-Z of Asian Ingredients'.

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Related Condiment Ingredients

Need a substitute for Oysters Sauce right now, or a recipe that uses it? Ask Sous, your AI sous-chef.