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Oyster Sauce – Sauce Seasoning of the Week


I am always looking for sauces to add to my pantry since they add that extra flavour to my dishes. I have fish sauce and worcestshire sauce so adding Oyster sauce to my collection seemed like the natural thing to do. Oyster sauce is made from boiled oysters and seasoning. Despite the name, the savoury taste does not have a fishy taste to it. This is because the sauce undergoes a boiling process that retains all the flavour and removes most of the fishy taste that you might think it has.


Here are 20 recipe ideas using oyster sauce, a rich, savory condiment often used in Asian cooking to add umami and depth to dishes:

1. Classic Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

  • Sauté beef strips and broccoli in oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of sugar.

2. Chicken Chow Mein

  • Toss noodles with stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and oyster sauce for a flavorful noodle dish.

3. Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce

  • Quickly stir-fry bok choy and garlic, then drizzle with oyster sauce and a touch of sesame oil.

4. Fried Rice

  • Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce to fried rice along with soy sauce for depth and sweetness.

5. Oyster Sauce Glazed Steak

  • Brush grilled or pan-seared steak with a glaze of oyster sauce, honey, and black pepper.

6. Baked Chicken Drumsticks

  • Marinate drumsticks in oyster sauce, garlic, and five-spice powder, then bake until golden.

7. Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry

  • Toss shrimp with oyster sauce, ginger, bell peppers, and snap peas for a quick dinner.

8. Mushroom Stir-Fry

  • Use oyster sauce as the main seasoning for stir-fried mushrooms, onions, and carrots.

9. Oyster Sauce Udon

  • Stir-fry thick udon noodles with vegetables and protein, then coat in oyster sauce.

10. Garlic Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)

  • Steam or blanch Chinese broccoli and top with a sauce of oyster sauce and fried garlic.

11. Eggplant in Oyster Sauce

  • Sauté or bake eggplant and finish with a rich oyster sauce and soy glaze.

12. Pork Belly Stir-Fry

  • Slice pork belly thin and cook with oyster sauce, onions, and green beans.

13. Savory Oyster Sauce Pasta

  • Use oyster sauce in a fusion pasta dish with mushrooms, green onions, and a touch of chili oil.

14. Cantonese-Style Noodles

  • Thin egg noodles tossed with oyster sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and a dash of sugar.

15. Teriyaki Tofu

  • Replace or combine with teriyaki sauce for a deeper umami flavor in tofu stir-fries.

16. Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables

  • A medley of carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions tossed in oyster sauce.

17. Oyster Sauce Scrambled Eggs

  • Stir a bit into scrambled eggs for an umami boost—especially good with green onions.

18. Sticky Oyster Sauce Wings

  • Bake or air-fry wings, then toss in a glaze of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and honey.

19. Oyster Sauce Dumpling Dipping Sauce

  • Mix oyster sauce with vinegar, garlic, and chili oil for a bold dipping sauce.

20. Cold Cucumber Salad with Oyster Sauce

  • Slice cucumbers and toss with oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of vinegar for a refreshing side dish.




Oyster sauce is especially popular or mostly used in Thai cuisine, Vietnamese cuisine, Cantonese cuisine among other Asian countries. This is because most of these Asian countries make stir fry meals that require sauces for extra flavour and depth.  


Oyster sauce add Ummami flavour to any dish that is added to. Ummami flavour is that earthy taste that has great depth like that flavour you get from mushrooms. There are even vegan Oyster sauce flavours that you can find in the market. So far this is my favourite sauce that I have been using for my stir fries dishes!

Oyster Sauce

A thick, dark, savory sauce made from oyster extracts, sugar, salt, and often cornstarch, used to enhance flavor in Asian cuisine—especially Chinese, Thai, and Filipino dishes.

FAQs 

What is oyster sauce made from?
Traditional oyster sauce is made by simmering oysters in water until the juices caramelize into a thick, flavorful reduction. Commercial versions often contain oyster extract, sugar, salt, and cornstarch for consistency.

Does oyster sauce taste fishy?
Not really. While made from oysters, it has a deep umami flavor with mild sweetness and saltiness rather than a pronounced seafood taste. It’s more savory than fishy.

Is oyster sauce vegetarian or vegan?
No, it is not vegetarian or vegan as it contains oyster extract. However, vegetarian oyster sauces (made from mushrooms like shiitake) are available and taste quite similar.

Can oyster sauce be substituted?
Yes. A mix of soy sauce and hoisin sauce can mimic the depth and sweetness. For vegan options, use mushroom-based oyster sauce or a blend of soy sauce, mushroom broth, and a bit of sugar.

Is oyster sauce gluten-free?
Not always. Many brands use wheat-based soy sauce. Look for certified gluten-free versions if needed.

How should I store it?
Store unopened bottles in a cool, dry place. After opening, refrigerate to maintain freshness and shelf life—usually up to 6 months.

What dishes can I use it in?
Perfect for stir-fries, marinades, noodle dishes, fried rice, and glazing vegetables or meat. A little goes a long way due to its intense flavor.

Printable Nutrition Card (per 1 tbsp ~18g)

Nutrient Amount Notes
Calories ~9–20 kcal Varies by brand; mostly from sugar
Carbohydrates ~2–4 g Includes sugars
Sugars ~1–3 g Adds mild sweetness to the sauce
Sodium ~500–900 mg High salt content—use in moderation
Fat ~0 g Virtually fat-free
Protein ~0.5 g Minimal, unless concentrated
Iron ~1–2% DV Trace minerals from oyster extract
Cholesterol 0 mg Despite being from shellfish, it's very low in cholesterol

📝 Notes:

• Use sparingly due to sodium content
• Always check labels for allergens (some may contain MSG or wheat)
• Pairs well with garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce
• Great for elevating the umami in veggie-based stir-fries

Dietary Information Table

Diet Type Status Notes
Gluten-Free ⚠️ Depends Look for certified GF versions; many use wheat-based soy
Dairy-Free ✅ Yes Naturally dairy-free
Nut-Free ✅ Yes Safe for nut allergies unless cross-contaminated
Egg-Free ✅ Yes No eggs included
Vegetarian ❌ No Contains oyster extract
Vegan ❌ No Derived from shellfish
Low-Carb/Keto ⚠️ With caution Small amounts may fit macros; watch sugar content
Paleo ❌ No Contains processed ingredients and often sugar
Diabetic-Friendly ⚠️ Small amounts Use limited quantities; choose low-sugar versions if possible

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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