Oyster sauce

Oyster sauce is a thick, sweet-and-salty Asian sauce full of deep umami, made from oyster extract. It is a cornerstone of Chinese and Thai cooking. At FUDI you'll find oyster sauce from renowned brands like Lee Kum Kee, Maekrua and Healthy Boy – including vegetarian and gluten-free varieties.

How to use oyster sauce

Oyster sauce adds a rich flavour to stir-fries, noodles and vegetables. Use it in stir-fries, as a glaze for meat, or mix it into marinades and dipping sauces. A small dash lifts broccoli, beef and chicken alike.

Frequently asked questions about oyster sauce

What is oyster sauce made of? Oyster extract reduced with sugar, salt and a thickener. How much oyster extract is in the bottle varies a great deal between brands, and that is where the difference between the expensive and the cheap ones lies.

What do you use oyster sauce for? Stir-fries above all. A spoonful in the pan towards the end gives gloss and depth to vegetables, beef and chicken. It also works as a glaze on grilled meat and as a base for dips.

Are oyster sauce and soy sauce the same? No. Soy sauce is thin and salty, made from soybeans. Oyster sauce is thick, darker and sweeter, made from oysters. They are often used together in the same dish.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce is closest in consistency but sweeter. A mix of soy sauce and a little sugar gives the saltiness without the thickness. If it is the oysters you want to avoid, mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce is the best swap.

Is there a vegetarian oyster sauce? Yes – vegetarian oyster sauce is made from mushrooms, among others from Koon Chun, Mama Sita's and Lee Kum Kee, and gives the same sweet-salty umami without oysters.

Is oyster sauce gluten-free? Some varieties are – Healthy Boy, Lin Lin and Lee Kum Kee Panda all have a labelled version. Check the labelling on the individual product.

What is the difference between oyster sauce and fish sauce? Oyster sauce is thick, sweet and dark, while fish sauce is thin, salty and light. They are often used together in Asian cooking.